Traffic Fines and CJIB Penalties in the Netherlands
Dutch traffic fines are issued by CJIB (Central Judicial Collection Agency) on behalf of police and municipalities. You have 6 weeks to pay or contest (verweer) via cjib.nl. Successful appeals require proving procedural error, wrong driver identification, or mitigating circumstances — court appeal (beroep) follows if verweer is rejected.
Expats often receive CJIB letters months after an alleged offence, sometimes after leaving the Netherlands. This pillar explains the fine system, payment consequences, and contest procedures.
01Guidance
Legal basis for traffic fines
Traffic penalties fall under the Administrative Enforcement of Traffic Regulations Act (Wet administratiefrechtelijke handhaving verkeersvoorschriften, Wahv). CJIB processes fines (muldermatters) up to certain amounts without court involvement unless contested. Serious offences go through criminal procedure. Parking fines are municipal (handhaving) but collection often routes through CJIB. The Wet justitiële gegevens governs registration of unpaid fines.
02Traffic fine key figures
Traffic fine key figures
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Verweer (contest) deadline | 6 weeks from fine date on letter |
| Payment discount (if applicable) | Often within 6 weeks — check letter |
| Court appeal (beroep) deadline | 6 weeks after verweer rejection |
| Speeding (built-up area, example) | €100–€400+ depending on excess |
| Parking fine (municipal) | €70–€110 typical |
| Collection surcharge if unpaid | Increases over time — pay or contest promptly |
03Guidance
Why expats receive unexpected CJIB letters
Company lease cars register fines to the lessee. Foreign plates are traced via RDW and EU cross-border agreements. Letters may arrive at old addresses if you moved without updating BRP. Always update your address — fines remain valid even if you never received the letter.
04Procedure
General fine response procedure
- Step 1: Verify the fine detailsCheck date, location, vehicle, and offence code on cjib.nl using the process number (zaaknummer).
- Step 2: Decide pay or contest within 6 weeksMissing the deadline removes discount and adds collection costs.
- Step 3: Submit verweer onlineState grounds clearly with evidence (photos, GPS, lease driver declaration).
- Step 4: Appeal to court if rejectedBeroep at kantonrechter — fine must be high enough to qualify for court route.
05Escalation
When traffic fine disputes need a lawyer
Driving ban risks (rijontzegging), criminal-level speeding, or fines exceeding €500 with licence points warrant legal help. Lawyers identify procedural defects in camera calibration certificates that self-represented drivers miss.
06Guidance
Understanding the Dutch fine ecosystem
CJIB collects on behalf of issuing authority — fine type on letter header. Payment plans available after reminder stage. WSNP ( debt restructuring ) affects collection but not contest rights. Points ( strafpunten ) on licence for serious offences — expats with foreign licence must exchange timely. Company car fines go to lessee — nominate driver promptly. ANPR camera fines arrive weeks later — memory evidence helps contest. Foreign plate enforcement via Cross-Border Enforcement Directive — ignoring fines follows you across EU. Military and diplomatic plates exempt — irrelevant for most expats.
07Cluster guides
In-depth guides
08Frequently asked questions