Netherlands debates stricter penalties for drunk driving

The Dutch House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) is debating amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. A primary focus is the introduction of the alcoholmeter as a tool to monitor compliance with alcohol bans.

Representative Diederik van Dijk of the SGP party is advocating for stricter measures against driving under the influence. The proposed ‘Wet verbetering aanpak rijden onder invloed’ (Law for Improving the Approach to Drunk Driving) aims to replace current recidivism regulations with more decisive actions. These include immediately enforceable driving bans, substitute detention for those driving while banned, and granting judges the authority to invalidate driver's licenses.

The SGP is pushing for the rapid implementation of these proposals and has submitted an amendment to ensure the effectiveness of the law is evaluated within five years.