Cyclists to face higher fines for traffic violations next year

Cyclists in the Netherlands will face higher fines for a range of common traffic violations beginning January 1, 2027, according to an analysis by comparison website Overstappen.nl. The site found that penalties for nine of 16 frequently issued bicycle offenses are set to increase by an average of about 4.3 percent.

Under the changes, the fine for holding a phone or texting while cycling will rise from 170 euros to 180 euros. Running a red light will increase from 120 euros to 130 euros. Improper overtaking, blocking an intersection, and obstructing public-transport passengers will also rise by 10 euros, bringing those penalties to 130 euros.

Fine for bicycle equipment will increase as well. Riding without lights, with defective or wrong-color lighting, or with a light that is poorly attached will cost 80 euros in 2027, up from 75 euros. The same increase applies to riding with broken brakes.

An additional 9-euro administrative fee will be added to each fine. Penalties for riders under age 16 are generally halved.

Last month it was revealed that from May to August 2025, more traffic violations were reported compared to the year prior. Violations related to phone use, ban on bicycles, and while driving a car, for example, rose from 79,329 to 123,930, marking a 56.2 percent rise.

License plates recorded running red lights a total of 81,277 times. Cases of running red lights and entering zero-emission zones also rose sharply.