Penalties & Offences (fines, alcohol, phones, points)

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This guide summarises the most important Dutch theory rules for penalties & offences (fines, alcohol, drugs, phones, points) and highlights the situations the exam tests most often.

Key rules in 60 seconds

Alcohol limits (new vs experienced)

  • New driver: max 0.2‰ (or 88 µg/l breath).
  • Experienced driver: max 0.5‰ (or 220 µg/l breath).
  • The limit applies to all road users who participate in traffic (including cyclists and moped riders).
  • Driving under the influence is treated as a criminal offence (more severe than minor violations).

Drugs & medicines

  • Driving under the influence of drugs is prohibited; legal limits exist.
  • Combining drugs with other drugs or alcohol is treated very strictly (zero-tolerance approach).
  • Many medicines also reduce alertness—if it can impair your driving, don’t drive.

Phone / device while driving

  • You must not hold a phone or other mobile electronic device while driving.
  • Handsfree calling/music/navigation is allowed if you stay focused.
  • If your vehicle is fully stationary, holding/using can be allowed—but the moment you roll, it’s an offence.

Admin fines: insurance & APK

  • WA insurance is mandatory as long as the vehicle has an active plate.
  • A vehicle must have a valid APK. Overdue APK can lead to a fine even without being stopped.
  • If you don’t use the vehicle, you can avoid obligations by suspending it (schorsen) under conditions.

Detailed guide

Alcohol: what the exam wants you to recognise

  • One drink can already exceed the limit for a new driver (0.2‰ is very low).
  • Alcohol slows reactions and decision-making. A classic tested effect is tunnel vision (reduced peripheral vision).
  • Penalties can include fines, driving bans, and CBR measures (courses / assessment), depending on severity.

Penalty points (alcohol)

Dutch theory often tests the penalty points driving licence: it is aimed at repeat drink-driving within a 5-year period. A second conviction within 5 years can lead to losing your licence (especially at high alcohol levels).

Drugs: why “I feel fine” doesn’t matter

  • Limits exist, and many users are quickly above them.
  • How long substances remain above the limit varies by drug, dose, and person.
  • Combining substances is treated as extremely risky.

Holding a phone (MONO rule)

  • Holding a phone/device while driving is prohibited (phone, tablet, media player, etc.).
  • Set navigation/music before you move off; use voice control if available.
  • If you must use the device, stop safely and make sure you are fully stationary.

Signals to avert immediate danger (horn / flashing lights)

  • You may use the horn or flash headlights only to warn of immediate danger.
  • Not allowed for greeting, impatience, or “asking for priority”.
  • Signals must last no longer than necessary.

Insurance & APK: common “register fines”

  • Insurance: WA insurance is compulsory even if you don’t drive—register checks can result in fines.
  • APK: if the APK is overdue, you may not use public roads with that vehicle.
  • If the vehicle is not used, the APK can be overdue for a limited period; after that, a fine can follow.
  • To stop obligations legally, you can suspend (schorsen) the vehicle—but then it may not be on public roads.

After an accident: offences people forget

  • Do not drive on and “disappear” after a crash. Leaving the scene is a serious offence.
  • Everyone involved must reveal their identity and you must help injured persons where possible.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Thinking “I’m only slightly over” — the novice limit is extremely low.
  • Holding your phone while slowly rolling in traffic.
  • Driving uninsured “because I don’t use the car much”.
  • Driving with an overdue APK or leaving the vehicle on public roads while obligations are not met.
  • Using the horn/flashing as a greeting or to demand priority.

FAQ

What is the alcohol limit for new drivers?
New drivers have a lower limit: commonly stated as 0.2‰ (or 88 µg/l breath).
Is it illegal to hold a phone while driving?
Yes. Holding a mobile electronic device while driving is prohibited (handsfree is allowed).
Are drugs in traffic treated seriously?
Yes. Driving under the influence is prohibited and legal limits apply; combining substances is treated very strictly.
What happens if you drive uninsured?
You can be fined; WA insurance is compulsory as long as the vehicle has an active licence plate.
Can you use the horn to greet someone?
No. Horn and flashing lights are only for warning of immediate danger.

Relevant Dutch law (high-level references)

  • RVV 1990: holding a mobile electronic device while driving (Art. 61a).
  • WVW 1994: driving under the influence (Art. 8) and general duty to avoid danger/hindrance (Art. 5).
  • WVW 1994: duties after a traffic accident (Art. 7).
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