The model
Before setting off you clear windows, lights, mirrors, roof AND number plates of snow or ice (Book p.192) — you are already liable to a fine for insufficient sight through the windscreen or the front side windows. If the road surface is slippery, you reduce speed, keep more distance, brake earlier and more gently, and steer more carefully and smoothly (Book p.192).
Read this section on its own page: The model: Snow, black ice and winter tyres: clearing, driving style and the chain rule
Core
Before you set off, you clear windows, lights, mirrors, roof and number plates of snow or ice; you are already liable to a fine if you have insufficient sight through the windscreen and the front side windows (Book p.192). If the road surface is slippery, you take four measures to avoid a skid: reduce your speed, keep more distance, brake earlier and more gently, steer more carefully and smoothly (Book p.192). The advised speed on a sign applies under favourable weather conditions; in snow, black ice and slippery conditions your speed must be considerably lower than that sign indicates (Book p.193). In snowfall, just as in fog, you may use your rear fog light when visibility is under 50 metres, and your front fog light when visibility is severely limited (under about 200 metres). Do not use full beam during snowfall: you get blinded by the reflection of the light on the snowflakes, and full beam is already banned during the day anyway (Book p.194). Winter tyres are not mandatory in the Netherlands, but below 7 degrees and on a snow-covered road surface they give more grip than ordinary tyres; you recognise them by a snowflake symbol and an M+S logo. A minimum tread depth of 4 mm is advised for winter tyres (Book p.195). In the Netherlands the use of metal snow chains is banned; plastic snow chains are allowed (Book p.196).
Read this section on its own page: Core: Snow, black ice and winter tyres: clearing, driving style and the chain rule
Source: RVV 1990 art. 5 · RVV 1990 art. 19 · checked 2026-10-22
Test yourself
Early in the morning, somewhere in Odoorn, there is a thick layer of snow on your car. You quickly wipe the windscreen clear and want to drive off. Is that enough, or does more need to be cleared of snow?
Show the answer
Before setting off you clear windows, lights, mirrors, roof AND number plates of snow or ice (Book p.192) — you are already liable to a fine for insufficient sight through the windscreen or the front side windows. If the road surface is slippery, you reduce speed, keep more distance, brake earlier and more gently, and steer more carefully and smoothly (Book p.192).
Frequently asked questions
‘It is enough to clear only the windscreen of snow before setting off’ – is that true?
No. You clear windows, lights, mirrors, roof AND number plates; you are already liable to a fine for insufficient sight through the windscreen OR the front side windows
‘Winter tyres are mandatory in the Netherlands as soon as it snows or freezes’ – is that true?
No. Winter tyres are not mandatory in the Netherlands; they do give more grip below 7 degrees and on a snow-covered road surface
‘During snowfall you may simply use full beam at night for better sight’ – is that true?
No. Do not use full beam during snowfall, you get blinded by the reflection of the light on the snowflakes; full beam is already banned during the day anyway
‘Metal snow chains are allowed in the Netherlands, just as in mountainous neighbouring countries’ – is that true?
No. In the Netherlands the use of metal snow chains is banned; plastic snow chains ARE allowed
‘During snowfall full beam is only a problem when oncoming traffic approaches; without oncoming traffic it is simply allowed’ – is that true?
No. During snowfall you do not use full beam, even without oncoming traffic: the light reflects off the snowflakes and blinds you yourself