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Netherlands Sees Decade-Long Surge in DUI Fines, Hitting 48,000 in 2025

Police cite broader substance testing and more mandatory checks as key drivers of rising detections even as unsafe behavior persists.

Overview

  • An Independer analysis of police data shows DUI fines rose about 80% nationwide from roughly 27,000 in 2015 to 48,000 in 2025.
  • Noord-Brabant recorded 7,293 fines last year, averaging 131 per day, with Eindhoven leading the province at 1,045 fines and the highest rate per road kilometer.
  • In Drenthe, fines climbed about 70% over a decade to 851 in 2025, with Emmen logging the most cases, followed by Hoogeveen and Assen.
  • The increase reflects expanded testing beyond alcohol and more checks, including mandatory breath tests for all drivers involved in crashes, according to a police spokesperson.
  • Police warn that many drivers still underestimate the risks, urge greater social control, and note insurance may not cover damage caused while driving under the influence.