Traffic rules in the Netherlands are bikes-friendly!. In case of an accident between a car and bike, without questioning the car is deemed liable!. The car’s insurance company is liable to pay at least 50% of the loss to the bike or to bike rider, even if the car driver proves that the accident was the biker’s fault! 

However, this doesn’t give you the freedom to fly with your bike😄. There are also some hard rules for the bike riders; and when you don’t comply, heavy fines are imposed!.

Especially, from 1 July 2019 you may not hold any electronic devices (such as mobile phones, navigation systems, tablets or music players) while biking. The fine for using a smartphone while cycling is 95 euros!!!.But can you use hands-free? Or allowed to listen to music with headphone?.  What are the other faults that can get a huge fine? This post may guide you to understand the basic biking rules in the Netherlands. 

You can listen to music, make phone calls and use your phone or other electronic device hands-free while cycling. For example, through headphones where you use the buttons on the cord to answer a phone call. You must ensure that you still hear the ambient noise. You can do this by using just one earplug or turning down the volume. You may also use voice control. 

You may use your phone or other mobile electronic device while cycling if it is in a holder. For example if your navigation system asks you to accept an alternative route or for any reasons if you have to touch the screen., then you must stop your bike!. 

Of course, smart phones is not the only cause of growing accidents. There are so many other common violations, here is an overview of all the violations and the amount of fines, related to bikes.

Overview of all the bike violations and fines