Traffic fine or driving licence issue in the Netherlands
What would you like help with?
Do not drive if you are not authorised to drive. If your driving licence has been confiscated or there is a short response deadline, seek appropriate help immediately.
Not every traffic-related letter follows the same procedure. A traffic fine with the letter M, a penal order and a decision by the CBR may have different consequences. Therefore, use the sender and the type of document as your starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I start with a traffic fine?
Check the letter on the notice, the conduct and the stated date. In the case of a Mulder decision, a challenge starts with the public prosecutor. Read the instructions that apply to your own letter.
Challenging a traffic fineWhat if the CBR has made a decision?
Read the CBR decision separately from any fine or criminal case. Note which decision you wish to challenge and which deadline is stated. Do not assume that a response to one letter also applies to the other.
Assessing a CBR decisionMy driving licence has been confiscated. What should I collect?
Keep the proof of confiscation and all notices received. Note when the driving licence was taken and what information was provided. Seek advice quickly about your specific situation and do not assume it will be returned automatically.
Driving licence confiscatedWhat can you do now?
- Determine whether your document concerns a fine, criminal case or fitness to drive.
- Collect the document, the stated facts and any available evidence.
- Check with the competent authority how and when you must respond.
Have this information ready
- The complete letter, including explanation and date.
- Photos or other documents relevant to the challenge.
- Previous responses and acknowledgements of receipt.
When should you seek help quickly?
Do not drive if you are not authorised to drive. If your driving licence has been confiscated or there is a short response deadline, seek appropriate help immediately.
Official sources and further information
Judiciary — traffic fine procedures ↗General information about Dutch law. The source pages may be in Dutch. This explanation is not an individual legal assessment.
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