More than 31,000 people sent to the CBR
A much larger number of people who were caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are being sent to the Central Office for Driving Licences (CBR) for a mandatory course or an assessment. According to new figures reported by NOS, over 31,000 road users were referred to the CBR this year, a 26% increase compared with 2024.
These CBR measures are separate from criminal penalties. A driver can still receive a fine, driving ban, or court sentence through the police, public prosecutor, or a judge, on top of the CBR process.
Drug-driving courses rise by 68%
The steepest increase is linked to drug driving. NOS reports that the number of people who had to take a course after driving under the influence of drugs rose by 68%, reaching 6,070 people.
CBR and police procedures changed on 1 April, when notifications involving drugs in traffic began being forwarded automatically from the police to the CBR. That procedural change helps explain why the number of cases rose so sharply.
What happens after a referral
In many cases, people must follow an educational measure, a compulsory course intended to reduce repeat offences and make drivers aware of risks. The Dutch government and the Public Prosecution Service explain that these measures are meant to address unsafe behaviour and are often imposed after serious offences such as driving under the influence, extreme speeding, or dangerous driving.
If there are signs a driver may be dependent on alcohol or drugs, the CBR can also require a medical assessment. NOS reports that this year, almost 7,000 people had to undergo an examination by a psychiatrist, up from 4,932 in 2024.
The courses, and what they cost
The government describes these mandatory courses as “educative measures,” and lists several types, including measures for alcohol, drugs, and dangerous behaviour.
Costs are generally paid by the offender. Rijksoverheid notes the price range is roughly €700 to €1,300, depending on the course. CBR’s own information on the alcohol course (EMA) says the goal is to prevent repeat offences and increase awareness of alcohol risks in traffic.
If someone refuses to cooperate or does not complete the course properly, their driving licence can be declared invalid, meaning they may have to take additional steps to get it back.
Why the trend matters
The rising number of referrals suggests enforcement is catching more cases and that drug-driving is becoming a larger part of the problem. It also adds pressure to the CBR system, which must organise courses, assessments, and follow-up decisions while ensuring road safety.
The overall message from the authorities is that a DUI case is no longer only a criminal matter, it can also trigger a separate administrative process that affects whether someone can keep their licence and what steps they must take before returning to the road.
