1970

Introduction of emergency telephones alongside motorways.

1971

Mandatory presence of seat belts on front seats in newly sold cars.

Head rests on front seats of cars.

1972

Mandatory helmet for driver and passenger of motorcycles.

1974

Speed limit on motorways for cars and motorcycles of 100 km/h.

Speed limit on other rural roads for cars and motorcycles of 80 km/h.

Speed limit on all rural roads for lorries and cars with trailers of 80 km/h.

Training demands for driving instructors.

Introducion of alcohol legal limit (Blood Alcohol Content) of 0,05 %.

1975

Mandatory helmet for mopedists and passengers.

Mandatory seat belt use (if present) on front seats.

1976

Cars; children on laps in front forbidden.

Cars; children younger than 12 years old have to sit on rear seats.

Cars; children 6-12 years old on front seats with lap belt.

Introduction of light-moped ('snorfiets'). No requirement for helmet wearing and a speed limit on urban and rural roads of 25 km/h.

“Woonerf” (home-zones) is legally introduced

1977

Cars; children of 0-3 years old in approved child seat in front.

For children from 12 years all seat belts are allowed.

Only low beam headlights are allowed on urban roads.

Low beam headlights are allowed during daytime in bad weather conditions.

Lorries (rear end); trailers and semi-trailers must have reflective markings.

Lorries; long loads that stick out must have red/white striped board instead of flag.

1978

Bicycles; approved red/yellow rear reflector

For lorry drivers a tachograph is introduced.

For long motor vehicles, trailers & semi-trailers approved orange side reflectors are required.

Cars; yellow licence plates

1979

Fog lamps (one or two) are permitted when visibility is less than 50 metres.

Mopeds; reflectors on pedals

Mopeds; red reflectors

Bicycles; orange or yellow reflectors on pedals

1983

30 km/h-zones are legally introduced

1985

For cars older than 10 years a periodic vehicle inspection test is required.

1986

Theory examination for motorcars made possible from the age 17 years.

Driving licence for motorcars valid till holder is 70 years old.

1987

For cars older than 3 years a periodic vehicle inspection test is required.

Mopeds, light-mopeds and bicycles; side reflection/reflecting circles on wheels.

Introduction of Evidential Breath Testing.

1988

Differentiated speed limits on motorways for cars and motorcycles of 100/120 km/h.

1990

Cars; seat belts on rear seats of new cars.

1991

Review of Highway Code and Administrative Requirements for road authorities concerning road traffic.

1992

Mandatory use of seat belts (if present) in lorries and vans.

Cars; seat belt use on rear seats (if present)

1993

Adapted training demands for driving instructors

1995

Speed limiters for lorries (new) > 12 ton and buses >10 ton (not for those before 1988).

Motor vehicles; changes and extensions of driving instructions

Lorries, trailers & semi-trailers (new); open side protection

1996

Speed limiters for lorries > 12 ton and buses > 10 ton for all vehicles registered after 1.1.1988.

Mandatory theory exam for mopedists and light-mopedists (theory certificate).

Introduction of administrative sanctions for alcohol above the legal limit in addition to, and independent of court sanctions.

1997

Brommobiel= (4-wheeled moped) that can drive at 45 km/h; allowed to drive 50 km/h (was 40 km/h) on trunk roads. Therefore not allowed on motorways and roads closed for slow traffic.

Lorries; time-determined overtaking prohibition on parts of motorway network

2000/01

Mopeds are no longer obliged to use a cycle paths in built-up areas, but have to use the carriageway (exceptions are allowed).

Mopeds, light-mopeds, and cyclists have right-of-way coming from the right.

2002

Prohibition of holding handheld mobile phones while driving a motorvehicle or moped.

2002

Penalty points system introduced for novice drivers driving licences

2003

50% increase in random road side alcohol breath testing

Blind spot detection facility (mirror/camera) mandatory for lorries > 3500 kg

Start of recurrent promotion campaign for distance keeping, bicycle lighting, seat belts (focus on the back seat), alcohol, during a 5 year period.

2004

Modification of the motorcycle exam: protective clothing mandatory, split of the practical test into a part dedicated to traffic participation and manoeuvring skills