Dutch Traffic Fines Shift to Distracted Driving
Traffic enforcement priorities in the Netherlands have shifted, with a notable increase in fines for mobile phone use while driving. In contrast, the number of speeding tickets issued has decreased. The data suggests a strategic decision by law enforcement to focus more on the dangers of distracted driving.
- Fines for holding a mobile electronic device while driving or cycling surged from 165,408 in 2024 to 248,020 in 2025. Conversely, the number of speeding fines fell by nearly 500,000 in the same year. - The enforcement shift is heavily technology-driven; over 73,000 of the 2025 mobile phone violations were detected by new specialized cameras called “focus flitsers," with plans to operate 50 such units by the end of 2026. - The corresponding drop in speeding tickets was partly attributed to the temporary deactivation of fixed speed cameras and route control systems that were being replaced or upgraded. - The financial penalty for using a handheld phone while driving has also seen steep increases, rising from €380 in 2023 to €430 in 2025. - This policy is implemented as a joint effort by the Ministry of Justice and Security, the Public Prosecution Service (Openbaar Ministerie), the police, and the Central Judicial Collection Agency (CJIB). - The focus on distraction is a national enforcement priority, alongside speeding, red-light violations, and driving under the influence, as part of the Netherlands' long-term "Sustainable Safety" road safety vision. - This crackdown occurs amid a challenging road safety outlook; the Institute for Road Safety Research (SWOV) projects that under current policy, traffic fatalities in the Netherlands could increase by 10% by 2040. - While the government defends high fines as a deterrent, the head of the Central Judicial Collection Agency (CJIB) has publicly stated that the penalties have become "disproportionately high," particularly the surcharge system for late payments.
