Driving a vehicle without a valid driving license is punishable in Leiden, just like in the rest of the Netherlands. The penalty depends on the specific situation: have you never had a driving license, is it expired, or has it been declared invalid? The consequences vary per case.
Different situations
No driving license ever obtained
If you drive without ever having obtained a driving license, you commit an offense. For the first offense, you usually receive a fine of approximately €400. If this behavior is repeated, the fines become higher.
Expired driving license
You may not drive with an expired driving license, as it is considered invalid. This is punished less severely than driving without ever having had a driving license, but a fine is still possible.
Driving license confiscated or suspended
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 leads to stricter penalties.
Driving license declared invalid
If your driving license has been declared invalid by the CBR or the court and you drive anyway, you risk:
- A fine that can amount to €9,000
- A prison sentence of up to 3 months
- An extension of the invalidation
Possible penalties
- First offense without driving license: approximately €400 fine
- In case of repetition: higher fines and possibly a community service order
- Driving during driving disqualification: up to 3 months imprisonment
Insurance issues
Important to know: if you drive without a valid driving license and cause an accident, your insurer can recover the costs from you. Although the liability insurance covers the damage to the other party, the insurer can reclaim these costs from you.
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 readily assume that you are responsible for the accident.
Frequently asked questions about driving without a driving license in Leiden
What happens in the case of a first offense without a driving license?
For the first time driving without ever having had a driving license, you usually receive a fine of approximately €400. The police can require you to stop driving and your vehicle can be towed away if no other driver with a valid driving license is present.
Will I get a fine if my driving license has just expired?
Yes, driving with an expired driving license is punishable because it is considered invalid. The fine is often lower, between €100 and €200, but it remains an offense. Renew your driving license in time at the municipality of Leiden.
What are the consequences of driving with a confiscated or suspended driving license?
This is regarded as a criminal offense. You risk a fine of up to €9,000, a prison sentence of up to 3 months, and an extension of the driving disqualification. In addition, the insurance can recover costs from you in the event of an accident.
Does my insurance cover damage if I drive without a driving license?
The liability insurance compensates damage to the other party, but the insurer can recover these costs from you. This means that you are personally responsible for all costs, including personal injury and material damage.
Is driving without a driving license punished more severely in the event of an accident?
Yes, in the event of an accident, driving without a driving license is considered an aggravating factor. This can lead to higher fines or even imprisonment. Moreover, the Public Prosecutor's Office may more quickly rule that you are guilty.
For legal assistance in Leiden, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Leiden at Stationsweg 46. In addition, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location, handles cases involving traffic offenses and criminal offenses.