The Council of State (CoS) is currently opposing the announced increase in traffic fines. That’s what the council writes in an advisory report on Monday. The cabinet previously determined in the annual spring memorandum that traffic fines will be increased by ten percent from 2024.
The advisory body questions the proportionality of the penalties. “The fines are intended to increase road safety,” the advice states. “The amount of the fine must therefore also be proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the traffic violation.” Moreover, the council does not believe that closing budget deficits is a valid reason for increasing traffic fines. In a letter to Parliament earlier this year, outgoing Minister Dilan Yesilgöz (Justice and Security, VVD) defended the “policy increase” by stating that it is “necessary to get the National Budget and the tasks of my ministry in order”.
With this advice, the Council of State agrees with previously expressed concerns from the Public Prosecution Service, which believed that the fines for traffic violations had become too high. In some cases, these violations — such as speeding or talking on the phone while driving — would be higher than criminal fines, although they are more serious violations. Because of this contrast, the Council of State fears for social support and expects that Dutch people will more often take legal action against issued traffic fines. The council urges the cabinet to first investigate the impact of increasing the fines. If this increase proves not to be “necessary and proportionate”, the Council of State recommends abandoning the proposed increase.