Anyone who runs a red light in the Netherlands or fails to wear a seatbelt whilst driving will face higher fines from 1 January 2027. Despite criticism from the House of Representatives, the government is pressing ahead with the annual inflation adjustment, which means traffic fines in the Netherlands will rise next year.

On average, traffic fines in the Netherlands are set to rise by around 2,7%. At the national level, the increase is estimated to generate nearly 31 million euros in additional revenue for the state coffers, on top of the approximately 923 million euros in traffic fines generated in 2025.

Driving without insurance is rising 4 times as fast

Although traffic fines in the Netherlands are rising by an average of 2,7%, one stands out: the fine for driving without insurance is rising from €500 to €550, a 10% increase.

Fines rising even more than the average include failing to produce a driving license (from €110 to €120, +9,1%), driving unnecessarily in the left-hand lane on the motorway (+7,1%, to €300), and stopping unnecessarily on the hard shoulder (+6,5%, to €330).

€450 for holding a mobile phone whilst driving

The fine for holding a mobile phone whilst driving rises from €440 to €450, an increase of 2,3%. Fines for running a red light, overtaking on the right, blocking a junction, and causing unnecessary noise rise from €320 to €330.

The fine for driving without a seatbelt rises from €190 to €200, as do the fines for driving on a footpath or cycle path, driving against the flow of traffic and failing to proceed when the traffic lights are green.

Speed fines are also set to rise. Exceeding the speed limit by 10 km/h in built-up areas will increase from €95 to €98, outside built-up areas from €89 to €92, and on the motorway from €84 to €86. For exceeding the speed limit by 30 km/h, the fines increase further: within built-up areas from €446 to €458, outside built-up areas from €424 to €436, and on the motorway from €389 to €400.

Fines are higher near roadworks and in specific 30 km/h zones. If you exceed the speed limit by 30 km/h or more in these zones, the Public Prosecution Service may handle the case itself.

Some fares will not increase

But not everything is becoming more expensive. Driving with an expired MOT certificate remains at €190. Parking where it is not permitted, parking without a permit, driving into a no-entry zone, stopping on a footpath or cycle path, and failing to indicate all remain at €130.

Two fines for parking in a disabled parking space without authorization – €500 and 410 – will also remain unchanged. And on top of any amount, there is still a €9 administration fee.

Speed cameras are doing their job

By far most fines in the Netherlands are for speeding. Nationwide, this accounts for more than 70% of all traffic fines. As these are often for minor speeding offenses, the average fine is relatively low: around €83,40 per case.

These are followed by police stops, parking offenses, using a mobile phone whilst driving (including on a bicycle), running red lights, environmental zones/restricted access areas, cycling without lights and not wearing a seatbelt.

One more thing: insurance experts also point out that you are personally liable for all damage caused to the other party if you are involved in an accident whilst driving without insurance. And those costs can mount up significantly. Consider, for example, personal injury sustained by another person, resulting in them being declared unfit for work. In serious cases, this can run into hundreds of thousands, even millions, of euros.

Furthermore, insurers also consider a driving ban resulting from extreme speeding offenses or drink-driving when issuing a policy.