Committing a traffic offence abroad? Then there's a very high chance of being fined directly by the police if you're stopped. Sometimes you'll have to pay immediately. If you're caught by a speed camera, you'll receive the fine by post. But even then, you won't escape paying.
Arrested
If you are stopped and pay your fine in cash immediately, you should be aware that paying your fine amounts to an admission of guilt. You will then no longer be able to lodge an objection. You may also be required to pay a deposit, usually equal to the amount of the fine. Ask for proof of payment if you wish to appeal. It is possible that you do not have to pay the fine immediately. You will then still have the option to appeal. Note that often the quicker you pay, the lower the fine amount will be.
Caught
If you have been caught by a speed camera and are not stopped, the fine will be sent to your home address. According to European legislation, foreign authorities can trace your name and address using your licence plate.
Haven't received a fine after some time? Don't count your blessings yet, as this can sometimes take months. The speeding ticket you receive at home will state the deadline for paying the fine. Here too, paying quickly is often cheaper. Of course, you can also appeal the speeding ticket.
Did you not drive yourself?
If you receive a fine from abroad and you weren't the one driving, for example because you lent your car to someone, you can often get out of the fine if you can prove that someone else was driving. This is because in many countries, the driver, not the registered keeper, is held responsible, just as is the case in the Netherlands. Germany, for instance, fines the driver instead of the owner. Read more here. Traffic fines in Germany.
Don't think you can ignore a fine from abroad that gets sent to your home address. The fine can be ‘simply’ collected in the Netherlands by the CJIB. Furthermore, if you don't pay, you'll end up in the foreign wanted persons register and could be stopped at the border or during a traffic stop. You'll have to pay immediately.
Driving ban or disqualification
For certain offences, you risk being given a driving ban in addition to a fine. This only applies in the country where the ban was imposed.
A driving ban is different from a disqualification from driving, or a driving suspension. The latter is imposed for more serious offences. With a driving suspension, you must surrender your driving licence. Your licence will then – immediately or when the suspension is lifted – be sent to the RDW, which will forward it to your municipality. Note that as long as you are not in possession of a valid driving licence, you are not allowed to drive in the Netherlands either!
To object
Do you believe your fine is unjustified? Then you can lodge an appeal. In your appeal letter, you must argue why you believe the fine is unjustified. For example, because the registration number is incorrect or that you were not at the location. You must, of course, be able to substantiate this with evidence. If your appeal is successful, the fine will be revoked. If your appeal is rejected, you can still lodge an appeal (or further appeal).
Have you ever received a fine in or from abroad? Were you stopped at the time, or did you receive the fine at home? Did you pay it straight away, or did you appeal?
