Traffic enforcement mainly focuses on lorry and car drivers. Other road users, however, also have to comply with traffic rules. In general, enforcement for these groups is far less common and less structural. There are no precise data about how and when the rules are enforced.
Pedestrians
Police may fine pedestrians for offences, such as red light running, ignoring red (flashing) lights at level crossings and bridge crossings, ignoring no-entry signs (sign C16), or ignoring a stop sign used by police/crossing guard (red light, flag etc.). Police may also fine pedestrians for public drunkenness. Research data about the practice of traffic enforcement for pedestrians are not available.
Cyclists
Police may fine cyclists for cycling without lights, ignoring a red light, driving against travel direction or not giving way to other traffic. Bicycle defects are also subject to fines, e.g. faulty lighting, no reflectors on pedals or wheels, no/a broken bell or faulty brakes. An overview of cyclist fines is presented at: www.fietsersbond.nl/ons-werk/wetten-en-regels/boetes-voor-fietsers/.
In 2019, texting while cycling was added to the cyclist fine list. Since 1 July 2019, traffic participation while using handheld electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptops and music players has also been forbidden for cyclists. There are no data available about the extent to which this ban is enforced.
In the Netherlands, police check bicycle lights every year, particularly in support of information and education campaigns about bicycle lighting. In recent years, police have imposed about 25,000 fines for faulty bicycle (and light moped) lighting. When the police receive a large number of complaints about cyclists on the pavement or in a shopping zone, they will also (occasionally) enforce this rule.
Light mopeds
Police can fine light moped riders for violations, such as vehicle-related offences (including hardly legible licence plates, faulty lighting, horn or brakes), road user-related offences (including alcohol offences, failure to wear a helmet, not being able to show a driving licence, insurance or registration certificate) and speeding. An overview of light moped fines is presented at: www.scooternews.nl/scooter-boetes/.
Concerning speed, tuning up light mopeds deserves special attention (exceeding the maximum 25 km/hour construction speed). Both tuning up itself and speeding are vigorously dealt with [66]. A light moped rider exceeding the 25 km/hour limit receives a fine that is equal to the fine for speeding car drivers. In addition, police can suspend the AM licence if a speed of 30km/hour or higher is maintained. If the speed violation reveals that the vehicle has been tuned up, police may not only impose a fine, but also require the vehicle to be tested by RDW once more [66]. There are no data about enforcement efforts, the number of fines, or other penalties for speeding light moped riders. In 2019, the Amsterdam city council introduced new traffic rules for light mopeds. Since 8 April 2019, light moped riders have been legally obliged to ride on the roadway at designated areas within the A10 ring road, and to wear a helmet. Since 3 June 2019, offenders have been fined 95€. As yet there are no data about enforcement and behavioural effects.
Moped riders
Police can fine light moped riders for violations, such as vehicle-related offences (including hardly legible licence plates, faulty lighting, horn or brakes), road user-related offences (including alcohol offences, failure to wear a helmet, not being able to show a driving licence, insurance or registration certificate) and speeding.
Similar to light moped checks, police checks speeding mopeds for tuning up the maximum construction speed of 45 km/hours [67]. Both tuning up itself and speeding are vigorously dealt with [66].Not much is known about the safety effects of special enforcement projects concerning moped riders, partly because the projects are often small-scale and short-term [67].
