Netherlands Vehicle Classification

This classification follows CROW guidelines and aligns with European Union standards for traffic data collection, road usage analysis, and urban planning.

1. Pedestrians

• Description: Individuals walking, jogging, or pushing items (e.g., strollers, carts).

• Use in Traffic Studies: Pedestrian counts are crucial in urban, school, and commercial zones for planning crossings, signals, and footpaths.

2. Bicycles & Mopeds

2.1 Bicycles

• Includes traditional bicycles, e-bikes, and cargo bikes.

• Significant in Dutch cities due to high modal share.

2.2 Mopeds/Scooters

• Speed limited to 45 km/h (according to EU category L1e).

• Often use bicycle lanes (depending on local regulations).

• Use: For bike lane capacity planning, mixed traffic risk assessment, and sustainable mobility insights.

3. Motorcycles

• Includes all motorbikes over 50cc engine displacement.

• EU Category: L3e, L4e

• Use: Separate lane behavior, speed studies, and safety analysis in mixed traffic.

4. Passenger Cars

• Standard private cars, sedans, hatchbacks, coupes.

• Includes:

  • Electric Vehicles (EVs)

  • Hybrid Cars

  • Taxis

  • Shared Mobility Vehicles (Car-sharing platforms)

• Use: Core category in all traffic volume, congestion, and signal optimization studies.

5. Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)

• Vans, pickups, and delivery vehicles ≤3.5 tonnes

• Includes small tradesman vehicles, postal vans, courier services

• Use: Last-mile delivery analysis, curbside loading zones, freight planning in urban areas.

6. Buses

• Includes:

  • Public transit buses

  • Intercity/tourist coaches

  • School buses

• Use: For public transport lane compliance, bus priority systems, and capacity studies.

7. Trucks / Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs)

7.1 Light Trucks

• 2-axle rigid trucks (small dump trucks, local delivery)

7.2 Medium Trucks

• 3-axle rigid trucks (construction vehicles, medium freight)

7.3 Heavy Trucks

• Articulated trucks (semi-trailers), tankers, and container trucks

• Typically over 7.5 tonnes

• Use: Logistics corridors, bridge stress analysis, emission impact zones

8. Agricultural Vehicles

• Tractors, hay wagons, harvesters

• Often seasonal

• Operate mainly in rural roads, but must be counted for rural planning and road damage studies

9. Special Transport / Others

• Emergency vehicles: Fire trucks, ambulances, police vans

• Construction machinery: Excavators, loaders

• Horse-drawn vehicles: Rare but still visible in some traditional/rural Dutch regions

• Military vehicles (on convoys or during exercises)

• Use: Special planning for road closures, escorted transport, or emergency vehicle response optimization