Differences in Procedure and Impact in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, where traffic is intensive with busy cycle paths and A10 highway checks, a judicial driving ban – imposed via the criminal court at the Amsterdam District Court (article 164 SW) – fundamentally differs from a CBR suspension. The driving ban often follows violations such as reckless driving on the A10 Ring or alcohol in traffic during a nighttime ride through the city centre, with durations ranging from 3 months to lifetime. The physical driving licence is confiscated by the Amsterdam police and you receive a proces-verbaal on the spot.
Key Comparisons for Amsterdam Drivers
- Duration: Driving ban: fixed and strictly enforced; CBR: temporary until restoration via CBR course in the North Holland region.
- Confiscation: Yes for driving ban, immediately by officers in Amsterdam; no for CBR.
- Appeal: Directly at the Amsterdam Court of Appeal for driving ban, with hearings at the Johan de Wittlaan.
In Amsterdam, combinations frequently occur: a CBR suspension after a breath test in the Jordaan can transition into a criminal driving ban at the police court. Against a driving ban, you can lodge an appeal within 14 days at the court. Violations in the city lead to heavier sanctions, including imprisonment and fines up to €10,000. Insurance damage is high due to local rates. Local law firms such as those in the Ferdinand Bolstraat specialise in these cases. Laws such as the WVW 1994 and SW regulate this; recent Supreme Court rulings emphasise strict enforcement in urban areas. Understand the Amsterdam nuances – such as faster procedures at the police court – to optimally utilise your driving rights and get back on the canals quickly.