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Netherlands grants transport enforcement officers access to driver's license register
Starting October 1, public transport enforcement officers (BOAs) in the Netherlands will be granted access to the national driver's license register. This measure allows officers to use official photos to verify the identities of individuals who do not have identification on them, a capability previously reserved for the police.
State Secretary Annet Bertram stated that the move aims to improve social safety and reduce the burden on police resources. Currently, approximately 42 percent of enforcement officers encounter situations daily where they cannot independently verify an identity, often leading to delays that can escalate into aggression or forcing officers to issue only warnings instead of fines.
Public transport employers can apply for access through the RDW, the agency managing the register, which contains data for over 12 million citizens. The government is also investigating the possibility of granting access to the Criminal Record Database and the Basic Provision for Foreigners by 2028.
However, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) has raised objections. The privacy watchdog argues that the effectiveness of the measure is unproven, noting that many individuals detained in public transport settings do not hold driver's licenses. The AP has called for strict legal limits on how this sensitive personal data is accessed and used.
Entities
Annet Bertram · Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens · Netherlands · RDW
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The measure aims to reduce dependence on police assistance and improve social safety in public transport. beveiligingnieuws.nl · www.gemeente.nu · www.security.nl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) objects to the measure, arguing its effectiveness is unproven. www.security.nl
- [● 3 SOURCES] Public transport enforcement officers (BOAs) will gain access to the driver's license register on October 1. beveiligingnieuws.nl · www.gemeente.nu · www.security.nl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 42 percent of enforcement officers face daily situations where they cannot independently verify an identity. beveiligingnieuws.nl · www.gemeente.nu
- [● 2 SOURCES] The government is exploring access to other databases, such as the Criminal Chain Database, with a target date of 2028. beveiligingnieuws.nl · www.gemeente.nu
- [● 3 SOURCES] The driver's license register, managed by the RDW, contains data on over 12 million Dutch citizens. beveiligingnieuws.nl · www.gemeente.nu · www.security.nl
- [● 2 SOURCES] The AP notes that many individuals detained in public transport do not hold a driver's license. beveiligingnieuws.nl · www.security.nl
- [● 3 SOURCES] State Secretary Annet Bertram stated that access to the register is a significant step forward for enforcement officers. beveiligingnieuws.nl · www.gemeente.nu · www.security.nl
- [● 3 SOURCES] The measure aims to reduce reliance on police assistance and decrease the risk of aggression and escalation during identity checks. beveiligingnieuws.nl · www.gemeente.nu · www.security.nl
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) opposes the measure, arguing that the effectiveness is unproven as many people detained in public transport do not hold driver's licenses. beveiligingnieuws.nl · www.security.nl
- [● 3 SOURCES] Public transport employers can apply for access to the register through the RDW starting October 1. beveiligingnieuws.nl · www.gemeente.nu · www.security.nl
- [● 3 SOURCES] The driver's license register, managed by the RDW, contains data for over 12 million Dutch citizens. beveiligingnieuws.nl · www.gemeente.nu · www.security.nl