Sky-high Dutch traffic fines to rise even higher next year
The Netherlands’ already high fines for traffic violations will rise again next year. The cabinet plans to increase the fines by about 2.7 percent, in line with inflation, insiders told NOS and the Telegraaf.
That means that the fine for running a red light, for example, will be €8 higher next year, rising from €320 to €328.
The height of traffic fines in the Netherlands has been under criticism for years, including from the Public Prosecution Service (OM) and the Council for the Judiciary.
The OM has repeatedly pointed out that some fines for minor traffic violations are equal to or more than fines for serious criminal offenses, such as assault or theft. The fine for parking in a spot reserved for people with disabilities is already €500. Illegal parking and driving into an environmental zone easily costs €130.
The Council for the Judiciary warned that citizens could come into serious financial problems because fines increase massively if they are not paid on time. After two reminders, the fine amount doubles.
The Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch parliament, has also raised concerns that the disproportionate amounts may impact people’s willingness to pay their fines. But the Cabinet has always maintained that the revenue from those fines cannot be spared. If you don’t want a high fine, follow the traffic rules, has been the attitude.
The Ministry of Justice and Security uses the revenue from traffic fines, about €1 billion last year, to fill holes in its budget.
