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Seizure of Driving License by Police and Public Prosecutor's Office in Amsterdam

What to do if your driving license is seized by the police in Amsterdam? Procedure, temporary proof, and differences with CBR suspension specifically explained for Amsterdammers.

2 min leestijd

When and how does seizure occur in Amsterdam?

In Amsterdam, where traffic congestion and nightlife are high, the police and Public Prosecutor's Office (article 130 WVW 1994) act quickly in cases of suspected unfitness, such as alcohol or drug use after a ride through the city center or along the canals. The physical driving license is taken on the spot by officers from the Amsterdam police and forwarded to the CBR for medical examination. This often occurs during checks on the Amstel, at events like King's Day, or in the Red Light District area.

Procedure and options for Amsterdammers

  • Amsterdam police decide immediately on the spot; you receive a letter for a CBR examination, often at the nearest police station such as on the Lijnbaansgracht.
  • Within 14 days, you can apply for a temporary driving license from the Public Prosecutor's Office in Amsterdam, via the district public prosecutor's office on Piet de Wittstraat.
  • If not returned, suspension or revocation follows, which makes rush-hour driving on the A10 Ring extra problematic.

Duration of the investigation: maximum 6 months, with costs entirely at your expense. If you refuse to cooperate, immediate suspension follows. Difference with CBR procedures: police in Amsterdam act acutely on the street, CBR is administrative and slower. Criminal prosecution via the Amsterdam District Court is common. Insurers in the North Holland region report incidents, leading to higher premiums for city dwellers. File an objection with the Public Prosecutor's Office within one week with medical evidence from your GP or the GGD Amsterdam. This way you prevent long-term mobility problems in this bike- and car-intensive city.