Do I have to pay a traffic fine from abroad?

The short answer

Traffic fines from EU member states have now become enforceable in the Netherlands. This means that you have to take a speeding fine from, for example, Germany, Belgium or France just as seriously as a Dutch fine. The fine is often first sent to the address of the vehicle owner. If you don't pay, the foreign authorities can have the fine collected through Dutch authorities. This applies to fines above €70, including all costs.

What does the law say?

The EU Cross Border Enforcement Directive (2015/413/EU) enables cross-border enforcement of traffic fines. The Netherlands has implemented this directive in the Act on Administrative Enforcement of Traffic Rules (WAHV). This allows foreign authorities to request Dutch assistance in collecting traffic fines. The cooperation is handled through the Central Judicial Collection Agency (CJIB).

What should you look out for?

Pay close attention to the authenticity of the fine, as there are also many fake fines in circulation. Check that the fine comes from an official agency and that the details are correct. You usually have the right to object, even with foreign fines. It is important to respond within the set deadline, otherwise objecting often becomes impossible.

Example from practice

Jan receives a speeding fine of €150 three months after his vacation in Germany. He thinks he can ignore the fine because it comes from abroad. After half a year, he receives a demand from the CJIB with additional costs. The original fine of €150 has now increased to €280. Jan now has to pay after all, as the German authorities have asked the Netherlands for help with collection. He would have been better off paying immediately or filing a timely objection.

What can you do?

Start by checking whether the fine is real and the details are correct. If you disagree with the fine, file an objection in a timely manner according to the procedure of the country concerned.