Eindhoven man caught driving without license for sixth time after 20 failed theory tests
A man in Eindhoven was taken into custody Tuesday night for driving without a license, and authorities say this is the sixth time he has been caught. Police report that he has taken the driving theory test over 20 times but has yet to obtain a license.
The traffic stop occurred at around 8:30 p.m. on John F. Kennedylaan. The suspect, a 23-year-old man from Yemen residing in Geldrop-Mierlo, was found by officers to be allegedly under the influence of amphetamines, commonly known as speed.
The authorities had previously cautioned him multiple times that repeated violations would result in his car being impounded, and they enforced that warning this time.“He was aware he was banned from driving, yet he continued to get behind the wheel," the police said on Instagram. He was previously pulled over on Jan. 21, September 7, June 21, May 30, and May 1 during the last year.
Friends of the man were also in the car. Following his arrest, they removed the contents of the vehicle before police took it into custody. Legally, the police only seize the vehicle itself. Personal items, including high-value electronics, shopping, or gym bags, must be returned to the owner or their representatives on the spot, as they are not part of the "instrument of the crime."
Unlike a standard impound where you pay a fee to get the car back, a sixth-time offense usually leads to permanent forfeiture. The state can decide to sell the car or scrap it, and the owner receives none of the proceeds.
Driving without a license typically carries a fine of around 370 to 450 euros for a first offense. For a sixth-time offender, a judge can impose a fine of up to 8,200 euros. Repeatedly ignoring driving bans can lead to an unconditional prison sentence. For a "recidivist" (repeat offender) of this level, the Public Prosecution Service could recommend two to four weeks in jail.
