Forbidden to drive

If you are stopped by a police officer while driving a vehicle, while you have more than the permitted amount of alcohol in your body, or have taken too many medicines or drugs, a driving ban will be imposed.

The Dutch word for driving ban is ‘rijverbod’. The CBR uses the term ‘forbidden to drive’ for this.

A driving ban (forbidden to drive) can be imposed for a maximum of 24 hours.

A driving ban (forbidden to drive) can be imposed for new drivers from 88 µg/l and for experienced drivers from 220 µg/l. In other words, from a blood alcohol level of 0.2 or 0.5 per mille. The more prohibited substances in the blood, the longer the driving ban (forbidden to drive).

A driving ban (forbidden to drive) can also be imposed if you are driving a bicycle.

A driving ban (forbidden to drive) can also be imposed before you start driving a bicycle or a motor vehicle. For example, if you get into a car or on a motorcycle, you can already be given a driving ban.

During the duration of the driving ban (forbidden to drive), you are not allowed to drive any vehicle. You are only allowed to walk. If you can no longer walk because you have taken too many prohibited substances, you can take a taxi or crawl home.

If you are stopped again during a driving ban (forbidden to drive) while driving a vehicle, the penalties will be considerably higher and you also risk a prison sentence.