SWOV Fact sheet

Traffic offenders are penalized in various ways: fines, (temporary) driving licence suspensions, confiscation of their vehicles, penalty points, mandatory participation in rehabilitation programmes, prison sentences or community service. The aim of penalties is to punish offenders, to protect society and to influence the behaviour of offenders and all citizens (prevention). Many studies have found that the combination of enforcement and penalties prevent the violation of traffic regulations and increase road safety. However, the most common type of penalty at the present time, a fine, has been found to have limited effect.