Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Amsterdam: Criminal Liability
In Amsterdam, with its bustling traffic full of cyclists and trams, leaving the scene of an accident – commonly known as 'hit-and-run' – is a serious criminal offense. Drivers who flee after a collision without identifying themselves or providing assistance face prosecution by the Public Prosecution Service, substantial fines, and even imprisonment. This article outlines the legal rules specifically for Amsterdam residents, including local enforcement by the Amsterdam District Court and tips from the Amsterdam Legal Aid Office.
What Does Leaving the Scene of an Accident Mean in Amsterdam?
Leaving the scene of an accident involves fleeing the site of a collision without alerting the police or helping victims. In Amsterdam's vibrant streets, where bike accidents are commonplace, this not only frustrates emergency services but also worsens injuries. Even minor damage along a canal embankment triggers the duty to stop, with criminal consequences.
The degree of criminal liability considers factors such as the severity of the accident, fault, and damage. This article focuses on the criminal law perspective for Amsterdam residents, as a follow-up to our overview on leaving the scene of an accident.
Legal Basis
The foundation is the Road Traffic Act 1994 (WVW), particularly Article 7 WVW: a culpable driver who flees after an accident causing danger or damage to others is liable to punishment. Article 10 WVW requires stopping and exchanging details. In cases of injury, provisions of the Criminal Code apply, such as Article 121 Sr (failure to provide assistance) or Article 450 Sr (culpable traffic assault).
The Supreme Court ruled in judgments such as that of 15 December 2015 (ECLI:NL:HR:2015:2991) that negligence is also punishable. Since the Administrative Fine for Traffic Rules Act (2020), fines in Amsterdam have been more strictly enforced, often via the Municipality of Amsterdam and CJIB.
Conditions for Prosecution in Amsterdam
Criminal liability requires:
- Involvement: You caused or were involved in the incident, e.g., a collision with a scooter.
- Fault: Carelessness as per Article 5 WVW.
- Fleeing: No stop, no assistance, no exchange of details.
- Damage or Danger: Injury, breakdown, or material harm, typical in Amsterdam traffic jams.
The Amsterdam Public Prosecutor's Office then initiates proceedings; minor cases result in a fine. Serious cases go to trial at the Amsterdam District Court.
Practical Examples from Amsterdam
Example: A car grazes a cyclist on Ceintuurbaan; the cyclist falls but is unharmed. Fleeing? Punishable under Article 7 WVW: fine €400-€900, driving ban. Victim claims via liability insurance.
More serious: A truck collides on the A10 near Amsterdam, injuries worsen due to lack of help. Up to 3 years' imprisonment, plus injury claim. Footage from ANWB or city traffic cameras is often decisive.
Parking damage on an Amsterdam square? Still punishable, usually with a CJIB settlement fine.
Duties and Rights in Amsterdam
Duties of the driver:
- Stop and park safely.
- Provide assistance: call 112 for an ambulance.
- Exchange details: name, license plate, insurance.
- Alert police in case of injury or dispute.
- Do not move anything, except for safety reasons.
Victim rights: Compensation via perpetrator's liability insurance. Report to Victim Support Bureau or the Amsterdam Legal Aid Office for free advice. Access to police investigation files and complaints to the Public Prosecution Service are possible. Drivers: right to remain silent (Article 29 CCP), but cooperation helps.
Overview of Sanctions
| Severity of Accident | Possible Penalty | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Minor damage, no injury | Fine €400-€900 | Art. 7 WVW |
| Injury without aggravation | Fine + driving disqualification | Art. 7/10 WVW |
| Serious injury due to fleeing | Imprisonment up to 3 years | Art. 121/450 Sr |
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.