Traffic fines will increase next year, despite parliamentary motion to freeze them
Traffic fines in the Netherlands will increase by between 3 and 4 percent in 2026. With the government rounding fines to the nearest ten, many fines will increase by 10 euros. This is despite parliament passing a motion for the government to de-link traffic fines from inflation and not increase them in the coming years, TopGear reports.
The government calculated the fine increases based on inflation back in June, SP parliamentarian Michiel van Nispen explained to TopGear. “I don’t expect it to be retroactive, meaning that the last indexation will remain in place. Unfortunately, we haven’t reversed that,” Van Nispen said.
Most fines will be about 10 euros higher next year, excluding the 9 euros admin fee that comes on top of every fine. Getting caught skipping a red light will cost you €320 next year, compared to €310 this year, for example. The fines for standing still on a bike path, illegal parking, not wearing a helmet on a scooter, and failing to use an indicator are all increasing from €120 to €130. The highest fines are €500 for parking in a disabled parking spot and for driving without insurance.
The height of Dutch traffic fines has been under fire in recent years. The Ministry of Justice and Security often hikes traffic fines to fill gaps in the budget. As a result, the fines for some minor traffic violations are now higher than for some serious crimes. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) warned that this undermines trust in the legal system. People will stop paying fines if they don’t make sense.
