Received a traffic fine from the Netherlands?
A letter from the CJIB or from a car rental company has arrived at an address abroad. DutchLetter explains in plain English whether the letter is genuine and what it means. It also states the amount due and the deadline. The first check is free.
Three questions everyone asks
Short answers below. The full report covers the specific letter.
Is this letter genuine?
Genuine Dutch fines are issued by the CJIB in Leeuwarden and carry a 16-digit number. The number can be checked and paid on cjib.nl. Payment should never be made to a private bank account.
Is payment required from abroad?
Yes. EU countries exchange vehicle owner data. An unpaid fine increases by 50% and later by 100%. The home country can collect it on behalf of the Netherlands. Rental companies add a fee of their own.
Is an appeal possible?
Yes. The appeal period is 6 weeks from the date on the letter and the appeal must be written in Dutch. DutchLetter prepares the letter. The driver signs and sends it.
How it works
Three steps. The first two are free.
One fine. One price.
No subscription. Payment is only required for the full report.
- Sender and type of fine
- Amount and the deadline to pay or appeal
- Whether the letter looks genuine
- A short summary in plain English
- Why the fine was issued, explained in plain English
- Whether the fine is correct and what to check
- Pay or pay in parts or appeal: a comparison
- Appeal letter in Dutch with an English translation
- How to pay or send the appeal from abroad
Questions from drivers abroad
Can the fine be ignored from abroad?
No. The fine remains and increases after each missed deadline. Many countries collect Dutch fines. During a next visit to the Netherlands the police may require payment on the spot.
Why does the rental company send the letter?
The CJIB sends the fine to the registered owner of the car. That is the rental company. It pays the fine and charges the driver and usually adds an administration fee. The rental contract sets out the conditions.
What does "beschikking" mean?
It is the official decision that imposes the fine. The date on it starts the 6-week period for payment or appeal.
Is payment in parts possible?
Usually yes. The CJIB allows payment in parts for fines from € 75. The request must be made before the deadline. The report explains how.