Could a progressive penalty system be introduced in the Netherlands?

Answer

Yes, a progressive penalty system  could be introduced in the Netherlands for all traffic violations that are not dealt with under the Wahv. For these offences there already are recidivism schemes that penalize repeat offenders with a higher fine or other sanctions. An example is the Recidivism Scheme for Multiple Traffic Offenders that was introduced in the Netherlands on 1 January 2015.

For road traffic offences that are dealt with under the Wahv, and that are fined on license plate, it is not possible to take into account the fine history of individual drivers. On June 20, 2017, the Minister of Security and Justice in the Netherlands announced to examine the possibility of introducing a progressive penalty system on licence registration [15]. The progressive fines are imposed on the owner of the car and not necessarily on the driver. This is already the case for the non-progressive fines within the Wahv. The Minister has asked the organisations in the chain – the public prosecution service (OM), the Central Fine Collection Agency (CJIB), the police and the courts – to assess the practicality, feasibility and enforceability of a progressive administrative fine system within the Law enforcement traffic regulations (Wahv).

Part of fact sheet

Progressive penalty systems in traffic

A progressive penalty system encompasses heavier or more far-reaching sanctions being imposed as one commits more offences.

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