As of March 1, 2022, new rules for driving regulations and traffic fines have been in effect in the Netherlands. The Dutch government hopes the new system will ensure the punishment fits the severity of the driving offence. 

Fines and penalties for driving offences in the Netherlands

These new rules and rates came into effect on March 1: 

Higher fines for using a mobile phone whilst driving

Motorists who are found holding and / or using their mobile phones when behind the wheel now face harsher penalties, as the fine has been increased from 250 to 350 euros.

Higher fines for failing to give way to emergency vehicles

Failing to give way to the emergency services (i.e. the police, fire services, or an ambulance) is now considered a criminal offence, with drivers facing a fine of 350 euros instead of 250 euros. 

Higher fines for failing to wear a seatbelt

Anyone behind the wheel of a vehicle in which children are found not to be wearing a seatbelt risks a fine of 220 euros (increased from 150 euros).

Higher fines for driving in the left lane without reason

Drivers who don’t drive in the right lane as much as possible (i.e. drive in the left lane unnecessarily) now face fines of 220 euros instead 150 euros.

Lower speeding fines

Vehicles driving less than 10 kilometres an hour over the speed limit on Dutch highways face slightly lighter penalties, with fines for drivers being cut by 15 percent. Similarly, a fine-free rate now applies to the first 3 kilometres on roads with a speed limit of 130 kilometres an hour.

Lower fines for unnecessary and excessive noise

Drivers causing unnecessary and / or excessive noise with their vehicles are now fined 250 euros, compared to the previous 400-euro fine.

Lower fines for parking in disabled spots

Cars illegally parked in a disabled parking spot now face a fine of 310 euros instead of 400 euros.

Dutch government wants to ensure the punishment fits the crime

The Dutch government has made a number of adjustments to penalties for both minor and more severe driving offences, in the hopes that the new fines will “punish serious and dangerous traffic violations more severely and relatively minor traffic violations less harshly."