Traffic rule enforcement
Why is enforcement important?
Traffic rules are meant to encourage a traffic flow which is as safe and smooth as possible. Breaking these rules results in an increased risk of crashes, or a more serious outcome. Enforcement of these rules is a police task. Since 1999 police enforcement in Dutch traffic has been further intensified. Since then, police forces have drawn up regional traffic enforcement plans with five spearheads: speeding, alcohol offences, seatbelt use, helmet use, and red light running. Since 2003 all police forces have a regional traffic enforcement plan. For these special traffic projects, the Public Prosecution Service's Bureau of Traffic Enforcement supplies them with extra manpower and means.
Traffic offences are usually punished with a fine. They are often recorded by camera and the fine is dealt with by administrative law. Very serious offences are followed by a summons or the driving licence is suspended. Besides the regular punishments, an offender can also be given penalty points if a demerit points system is in operation. When a certain number of demerit points has been exceeded, the offender's licence can be suspended or permanently withdrawn. In 19 of the 25 EU countries a demerit points system has already been introduced, but in the
For more details, see the fact sheets:
Police surveillance and driving speed (pdf)
Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs (pdf)
Effects of police enforcement of protection devices and moped helmet use and red light running (pdf)