Dutch authorities warn of unsafe party buses on highways
The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) and Royal Dutch Transport (KNV) issued a stark warning to anyone planning to celebrate on a party bus. Riding down a highway while smoking, dancing, and drinking may seem fun—but it can quickly lead to serious injuries.
Hundreds of young people, some of them minors, told NOS Stories that they had ridden on party buses on highways where drivers encouraged them to stand or dance. Some buses did not even have seats but still drove at high speeds.
“When the driver has to brake hard, this can lead to injuries,” said a spokesperson for the ILT, which oversees the sector. “Passengers are standing in the bus, and their reaction times may be reduced. A party bus can also bother or endanger other road users with disco lights and very loud music.”
The inspectorate says enforcing safety rules on these buses is difficult. Police can only check whether standing places are listed on the vehicle registration, and in practice, such checks reportedly rarely occur.
The ILT wants stricter requirements for party buses, while KNV, a business organization representing bus operators, says the rules need to be enforced more rigorously.
Currently, there are no separate regulations for party buses; they must follow the same rules as regular buses. This means the bus owner and driver are responsible for passenger safety.
For example, in party buses capable of 100 kilometers per hour—often coaches—passengers must remain seated and wear seatbelts while the bus is moving. In buses limited to 80 kilometers per hour, passengers may only stand if standing places are listed on the registration.
“But standing to dance and drink while driving is never allowed, even if standing places are designated,” said KNV chairman Fred Teeven.
Despite warnings from ILT and KNV, most young passengers told NOS Stories that they felt safe during the rides. Some said they had not thought about safety because they were drinking and partying. Most described the trips as fun and enjoyable.
However, dozens of passengers who did not feel safe reported that drivers were speeding or braking hard, causing people to be thrown around, fall, and get injured.
NOS contacted several party bus companies. Owners of buses capable of 100 kilometers per hour said regulations are posted inside the buses, instructing passengers to remain seated and wear seatbelts. Some companies allegedly declined to allow NOS reporters on board, citing ongoing violations of the rules.
“There are vehicles where seats have been removed, people are standing or dancing, and alcohol is sometimes sold,” said Teeven. “Measures must be taken against these mobile ‘party venues,’ because they are simply incompatible with safe passenger transport.” He added that he would like standing places on party buses to be eliminated entirely.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management said it is reviewing whether adjustments to the rules for party buses are needed—and if so, what those changes should be.
