Unusual Dutch Laws You Might Unknowingly Be Breaking
Unusual Dutch Laws You Might Unknowingly Be Breaking
That acorn you took from your forest hike as a souvenir? Illegal. Check this list for some of the most interesting laws this country has established.
Netherlands might seem like a chill country, but they are actually very particular, much like their neighbour Germany. With certain drugs and prostitution being legal in this country, these next laws will definitely seem laughable in comparison. Nevertheless, these laws are just too good not to share them with your friends.
Public Performances
In Groningen, street buskers are required to pack up and relocate every thirty minutes to address complaints from residents about repetitive music. However, when a well-known street artist was cited, the regional court clarified that only monotonous music would be penalized.
In fact, no matter if you are a street performer, magician or just wish to paint on the street, you need a permit or exemption from the municipality.
Bike Laws
This wouldn’t be an article on Dutch culture without bikes.
Wearing a helmet while cycling is recommended, but not mandatory. What is mandatory, is having lights and reflectors on your bike. You can be fined 55 euros for each missing light and 35 euros for not having reflectors.
In the Netherlands, traffic laws prioritize cyclists, placing responsibility on car drivers in accidents involving cyclists. However, if a cyclist collides with a pedestrian, the cyclist typically retains the right of way. Similarly, on bike paths, cyclists generally have the right of way, making them not automatically liable if they collide with pedestrians. Cycling is THE way of life, so make sure to stay vigilant and alert on the roads, respecting the cyclists’ right of way.
Nature Laws
Taking anything from forests, including moss, branches, and acorns, is illegal in most regions of the Netherlands. If caught, offenders can face fines of up to €4,500. Don’t get caught.
In addition, visiting nature preserves between sundown and sun-up is considered trespassing, with restrictions in place to protect the environment.
Metal detectors are also prohibited in many regions to prevent unauthorized treasure hunting and the removal of archaeological artifacts. These laws aim to preserve natural resources and cultural heritage, discouraging activities that could harm the environment or disrupt ecosystems.
Or just don’t even go into nature. Sitting or walking on grass in certain cities is prohibited and punishable with a fine. Luckily, Groningen is safe. For now.
House Sharing
In the Netherlands, a law prohibits three or more young singles from living together without the required permit. This regulation aims to control house shares but is luckily rarely enforced. In fact, with the state of the Netherland’s housing situation, they should be introducing MORE house sharing.
Liberty Rights
If you have a burglar breaking into your home, it is illegal to lock them inside while you wait for the police. Why? Burglars have liberty rights too, in case you didn’t know. To escape punishment for having your privacy breached, you must warn the burglar you are locking the door before you do so.
What’s more, using excessive force, such as attacking the burglar with a baseball bat, can result in charges of premeditated assault. Dutch law only permits using proportional force in self-defense, meaning if the burglar poses a threat with a weapon, you can respond accordingly.
In case you forgot to shout a warning before depriving a poor criminal of their freedom, do not fret — escaping prison is not illegal. The judiciary system cannot give the escapee extra time as long as no crimes are committed during the escape. Take that as you will.
Tipping Tax
Tipping isn’t very common in Dutch culture. However, when wait staff do receive tips, it's regarded as part of their taxable income.
Honourable Mentions
In the Netherlands, it's not possible to legally marry unless at least one partner has residency.
In Rotterdam, you can be fined €130 for your dog barking, and up to €2,250 for repeat offenders. It is only breaking the law if a dog barks incessantly, so a dog trainer sounds like a good investment.
Mocking the Swiss flag in the Netherlands can lead to serious consequences, including imprisonment. If someone uses the flag in a manner that offends Swiss national pride, they could face up to a month in jail or a fine of €4,350.
What do you think of these laws?