This guide explains the most important Dutch theory points about penalties and offences: alcohol, drugs, medicines, mobile devices, insurance, APK, and the situations that can lead to fines, measures, or licence consequences in the Netherlands.
Why this topic matters
Penalties and offences questions are often easy to underestimate. They test whether you understand not only the road rule itself, but also the legal consequences of unsafe behaviour, such as driving under the influence, holding a phone while driving, or using a vehicle without meeting administrative obligations.
Key rules in 60 seconds
Alcohol limits
- Beginner driver: maximum 0.2‰.
- Experienced driver: maximum 0.5‰.
- Alcohol reduces reaction speed, judgment, and observation.
- Driving under the influence can lead to fines, measures, and loss of licence.
Drugs and medicines
- Driving under the influence of drugs is prohibited.
- There are legal limits for several drugs in traffic.
- Some medicines also affect alertness and driving ability.
- Combining medicines with alcohol or drugs can be treated very strictly.
Phone or device while driving
- You must not hold a mobile electronic device while driving.
- Set navigation or music before moving off where possible.
- If you need to use the device, stop safely first.
Insurance and APK
- WA insurance is required while the vehicle has an active registration.
- A vehicle that is APK-obliged must have a valid APK.
- If you do not use the vehicle for a longer time, you can suspend it under the legal conditions.
What the exam asks most often
- What is the alcohol limit for a beginner driver?
- Is driving under the influence of drugs allowed if you “feel fine”?
- May you hold a phone while slowly moving in traffic?
- Does a car still need insurance if it is not being used?
- What happens if a vehicle is not insured, not APK-approved, or not suspended correctly?
Detailed guide
Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most tested offence topics in Dutch theory. Even a small amount can affect reaction time, judgment, and awareness. For beginner drivers, the legal limit is very low, which is why many exam questions expect the safest answer: do not drink before driving.
- Experienced driver: maximum 0.5‰.
- Beginner driver: maximum 0.2‰.
- Alcohol can narrow attention and reduce your ability to judge distance and speed.
Points system and licence consequences
Dutch theory may also test the puntenrijbewijs and the beginnersrijbewijs. All drivers can face licence consequences for repeated drink-driving convictions, and beginner drivers have an additional points system for serious traffic offences.
- Repeated drink-driving within a set period can lead to losing your licence.
- Beginner drivers can lose their licence after 2 serious traffic offences that count for the beginnersrijbewijs system.
Drugs and medicines
Driving under the influence of drugs is prohibited. Legal limits exist for several substances, and the police can report the driver to the CBR. Some medicines can also reduce concentration, reaction speed, or alertness.
- Do not rely on “I still feel okay”.
- Substances can remain in the body longer than people expect.
- Combinations of drugs, or drugs with alcohol, create extra risk and can lead to stricter consequences.
Holding a phone or device
In Dutch traffic law, the important exam rule is simple: while driving, you may not hold a mobile electronic device in your hand.
- This includes devices such as a phone or similar mobile electronics used for communication or information processing.
- Hands-free use is not the same as safe use: you must still keep full attention on the road.
- Set navigation, music, or messages before driving off whenever possible.
Horn and flashing lights
The horn and flashing headlights are only for warning about immediate danger. They are not meant for greeting someone, showing impatience, or demanding priority.
Insurance and APK
Administrative offences are also common in theory questions. A vehicle with an active registration normally needs valid WA insurance. If the vehicle is APK-obliged, it must also have a valid APK when required.
- An unused vehicle can still create legal obligations if it is not officially suspended.
- During a valid suspension, WA insurance, APK, and road tax are not required.
- A suspended vehicle may not stand on or drive on a public road.
After an accident
Leaving the scene of an accident is treated seriously. Theory questions may test whether you know that people involved must identify themselves and that injured persons must not be left without necessary help.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Thinking one drink is always safe for a beginner driver.
- Holding your phone while the vehicle is still moving.
- Assuming an unused car automatically no longer needs insurance or APK.
- Thinking medicines are always safe just because they were prescribed.
- Using the horn or flashing headlights to demand space or priority.
Quick FAQ
The beginner-driver limit is 0.2‰.
No. While driving, you may not hold a mobile electronic device.
Yes. Driving under the influence of drugs is prohibited and legal limits apply.
Usually yes, unless the vehicle is officially suspended.
No. The horn is for warning about immediate danger.
Relevant Dutch law and rules
- RVV 1990: prohibition on holding a mobile electronic device while driving.
- WVW 1994: driving under the influence and duties after an accident.
- RDW / Rijksoverheid rules: insurance, APK, and vehicle suspension.
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