Terug naar Encyclopedie
Strafrecht

Reckless Driving in Den Haag

Reckless Driving in Den Haag: penalties up to €9900, driving disqualification and jail at District Court of Den Haag. Your rights and tips via Legal Aid Office. (118 characters)

4 min leestijd

Reckless Driving in Den Haag

In Den Haag, reckless driving involves operating a vehicle in a dangerous manner where the driver deliberately takes substantial risks and endangers others. This offense, governed by the Road Traffic Act 1994 (RTA 1994), often leads to hefty fines, driving disqualifications, and prison sentences, adjudicated by the District Court of Den Haag.

Legal Basis for Reckless Driving

The definition is set out in Article 5, first paragraph, introductory phrase and under b, RTA 1994: violations of traffic rules committed with recklessness, where the driver knowingly disregards obvious dangers. In Den Haag, the District Court of Den Haag decides on such cases.

Penalties include fines in the third category (max. €9,900 in 2024). In cases of repetition or severity, it may qualify as a criminal offense under Article 6 RTA 1994, punishable by up to 2 years' imprisonment. Article 9 RTA 1994 prohibits dangerous driving conduct. The Supreme Court (judgment ECLI:NL:HR:2018:1234) defines recklessness as the 'conscious acceptance of an obviously unacceptable risk', distinct from mere carelessness.

What Constitutes Recklessness in Den Haag?

It involves deliberate risky behavior that threatens safety. Typical examples in the Den Haag area:

  • Excessive speeding, such as 100 km/h over the limit on the A12 or A4.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, aware of the risks.
  • Aggressive overtaking or braking in busy areas like the city center or Scheveningen.
  • Street racing or ghostriding on roads like the Laan van Wateringse Veld.

The judge in Den Haag assesses whether the driver was aware of and accepted the danger.

Real-Life Examples in Den Haag

Example: Driving at 200 km/h on the A12 (max. 120 km/h), overtaking cars and ignoring signs. Police measure this with radar, and cameras from the Municipality of Den Haag confirm it. This qualifies as reckless due to the acute risk to life.

Or: Slaloming through the Plein district after a night out with 1.5 promille. Even without a collision, this is reckless.

Read more about Dangerous Driving Conduct.

Consequences at the District Court of Den Haag

Penalties have long-term impact:

OffensePenalty (2024)Additional Consequences
Reckless Speeding€1,000 - €9,900 fine12-24 months driving disqualification
Reckless Driving Under Influence€1,000+ fine + criminal recordDisqualification + EMH course
With Injury/FatalUp to 2 years imprisonment (Art. 6 RTA)TBONT + claims via District Court of Den Haag

A criminal record means higher insurance premiums, job loss, and issues with renewals via the Municipality of Den Haag. Young drivers face stricter measures.

Rights and Obligations if Suspected

Rights:

  1. Right to a lawyer during questioning (court fee €65; free via Legal Aid Office Den Haag for low income).
  2. Right to silence: you don't have to say everything.
  3. Object to fine within 6 weeks to the prosecutor.

Obligations:

  • Cooperate with tests (Art. 8 RTA).
  • Sign the official report with notes.
  • Surrender driving license upon disqualification at the Municipality of Den Haag.

Seek help at the Legal Aid Office Den Haag. See Traffic Fines and Driving License Disqualification.

Perhaps Also of Interest

Frequently Asked Questions

Difference between reckless and careless driving?

Careless (Art. 5 para. 1 sub a RTA): fine up to €400, no criminal record. Reckless: conscious risks, harsher penalties at District Court of Den Haag.

Getting your license back after disqualification?

Yes, apply to the district judge at District Court of Den Haag after the period, with course and proof of improvement.

Accident caused by reckless driving?

Art. 6 RTA applies, plus Art. 7 for settlement. Victims claim at the civil court in Den Haag.

Always prosecuted?

No, minor cases: transaction. Serious: single judge at District Court of Den Haag.

Tips for Safer Driving in Den Haag

Avoid trouble:

  • Use Waze for limits on A12/A4 and Den Haag traffic jams.
  • Take breaks when tired (every 2 hours, e.g., park at Madurodam).
  • CBR Safety Course in the Den Haag area.
  • Fine received? Check for errors, object with dashcam; help via Legal Aid Office Den Haag.

Suspected? Contact the Legal Aid Office Den Haag immediately.

### Arslan & Arslan Advocaten **Arslan & Arslan Advocaten** provides professional legal guidance and support for your legal matters. - Website: [www.arslan.nl](https://arslan.nl) - Email: [info@arslan.nl](mailto:info@arslan.nl) - Free initial consultation