24,000 traffic offenders ordered to CBR for mandatory courses

Around 24,000 traffic offenders were sent to the Dutch Central Bureau for Driving Skills (CBR) this year for mandatory courses, roughly the same number as in 2023. While cases of dangerous driving rose, there was a slight decrease in the number of offenders required to attend courses for driving under the influence.

The number of offenders ordered to take the "Driving Behavior" course increased from 5,550 in 2023 to 7,000 in 2024, according to the CBR. This rise is attributed to the introduction of a shorter course in April 2023 targeting first-time offenders who drive 50 to 60 kilometers per hour over the speed limit.

CBR Director Alexander Pechtold expressed concern over the figures. “It is difficult to draw definitive conclusions, but these numbers are not good,” Pechtold said. “The number of people sent to the CBR for driving under the influence or dangerous driving remains far too high.”

Cases involving drug use dropped slightly, with around 5,000 offenders required to attend a course this year, down from over 5,350 in 2023. The drug-related course, which has also been in place since April 2023, focuses on educating drivers about the risks and consequences of drug use behind the wheel.

The number of offenders required to take the course for driving under the influence of alcohol decreased slightly as well, with nearly 10,000 participants this year.