What does a CBR driving licence suspension in The Hague entail?
A CBR driving licence suspension in The Hague involves a temporary suspension of your driving entitlement by the Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen, CBR). You may not drive a motor vehicle for a certain period, even though your driving licence physically still appears valid. This follows upon suspicion of insufficient fitness to drive for safe participation in traffic.
Differs from a judicial driving ban or police seizure. With a CBR suspension, you retain the driving licence document, but legally you may not drive. Violation qualifies as driving without a valid driving licence (art. 9 WVW 1994), with criminal sanctions.
Reasons for CBR suspension in the The Hague region
The CBR suspends based on traffic safety and driver fitness. Common causes:
Medical grounds
In case of doubt about medical fitness to drive, suspension follows, inter alia due to:
- Physical limitations affecting steering
- Mental health complaints
- Medication with drowsy side effects
- Alcohol or drug addiction
- Conditions such as epilepsy or dementia
EMA: Educational Measure Alcohol and Traffic
After serious alcohol driving offence, CBR mandates a course. Non-completion results in suspension until completion and success.
EMG: Educational Measure Behaviour and Traffic
In case of recidivist speeding or behavioural offences, CBR requires behavioural training. Non-performance leads to driving licence suspension.
Alcohol interlock programme non-compliance
Breach of alcohol interlock rules triggers suspension for offenders in the programme.
Legal basis: WVW 1994 & The Hague procedures
CBR suspension authority enshrined in Road Traffic Act 1994:
- Art. 130 WVW 1994: CBR power to suspend/seize upon doubt as to fitness
- Art. 131 WVW 1994: Investigation procedure fitness to drive
- Art. 134 WVW 1994: Invalidity of driving licence conditions
- Art. 9 WVW 1994: Penalty for driving without entitlement (including suspension)
Driving Licences Regulations specify health standards. In The Hague, appeals are handled by The Hague District Court, Prins Clauslaan 60.
CBR suspension procedure: Step-by-step plan The Hague
Preliminary notification
CBR sends warning letter with:
- Reasoning for intended suspension
- Instruction to provide medical information
- Response period
- Objection and appeal information
Assessment and decision
CBR analyses and may require:
- Examination by doctor/psychologist
- Driving test
- Immediate suspension
- No action
Decision by post: start date and duration of suspension.
Objection & appeal in The Hague
Objection to CBR within 6 weeks (no suspensive effect). Rejection? Appeal to The Hague District Court, Prins Clauslaan 60. Apply for interim relief for provisional suspension. Free advice via Juridisch Loket The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10.
Duration CBR suspension & lifting
Duration varies per case:
| Suspension ground | Typical duration | Restoration after |
|---|---|---|
| Medical investigation | 3-6 months | Positive examination |
| EMA not completed | Until course success | Certificate + payment |
| EMG violation | 1-12 months | Course completion |
| Alcohol interlock failure | 6-24 months | Programme compliance |
Tips for CBR suspension The Hague
- Respond immediately to CBR letters
- Gather medical evidence
- Seek legal advice at Juridisch Loket The Hague
- Consider pro bono lawyer for appeal
- Avoid driving: fines up to €9,000 + imprisonment