Driving a vehicle without a valid driving license is punishable in Utrecht and throughout the Netherlands. The severity of the offense and the penalty depend on the situation: have you never had a driving license, is it expired, or has it been declared invalid? Below you can read more about the rules and consequences.
Different situations
No driving license obtained
If you drive without ever having obtained a driving license, you commit an offense. For the first time, you often receive a fine of approximately €400. If you repeat this offense, the fines can increase.
Expired driving license
A driving license that has expired is considered invalid. Driving with it is punishable, but the sanction is generally milder than in the case of a complete absence of a driving license.
Seized or suspended driving license
If your driving license has been confiscated (for example, after driving under the influence) or suspended by the CBR, and you drive anyway, you commit a criminal offense. This can lead to stricter penalties.
Driving license declared invalid
If your driving license has been declared invalid by the CBR or the court, you risk upon driving:
- A fine up to €9,000
- Maximum 3 months imprisonment
- Extension of the invalidity period
Possible penalties
- First offense without driving license: approximately €400
- Repetition: higher fines and possibly a community service order
- During driving disqualification: up to 3 months imprisonment
Insurance risks
Important to know: if you cause an accident without a valid driving license, your insurer may recover the costs from you. Although the liability insurance covers damage to the other party, you must bear the costs yourself.
Consequences in case of an accident
If you are involved in an accident without a driving license, this is punished more severely. Moreover, the court may more quickly rule that you are liable for the incident.
Frequently asked questions about driving without a license in Utrecht
What happens in the case of a first offense without a driving license?
For the first time driving without ever having obtained a driving license, you often receive a fine of approximately €400. The police can require you to stop, and your vehicle may be towed away if no other driver is present.
What if my driving license has just expired?
Yes, driving with an expired driving license is punishable. The fine is often between €100 and €200. Make sure to renew your driving license in time at the municipality of Utrecht.
What are the risks of driving with a suspended driving license?
This is regarded as a criminal offense. You risk a fine up to €9,000, imprisonment up to 3 months, and extension of the suspension. Moreover, the insurance may recover costs from you in the event of an accident.
Does my insurance cover damage without a driving license?
The liability insurance covers damage to the other party, but the costs may be recovered from you. This can lead to high personal expenses.
What if I cause an accident without a driving license?
This is regarded as an aggravating circumstance. You may receive a higher fine or imprisonment, and liability is more quickly attributed to you.
Legal assistance in Utrecht
For legal advice, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Utrecht at Catharijnesingel 55. In addition, the Rechtbank Midden-Nederland (Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1) handles cases regarding driving without a driving license.