What does a CBR driving licence suspension entail for residents of Westland?
A CBR driving licence suspension involves a temporary cessation of your driving entitlement by the Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen (CBR). Residents of Westland may not drive during this period, despite possessing a valid driving licence. This occurs in case of doubt regarding safe participation in traffic in areas such as 's-Gravenzande, Naaldwijk or Monster.
Differs from judicial driving bans or police seizures: with CBR suspension, you retain the physical driving licence, but legally you may not drive. Violation constitutes driving without a driving licence (article 9 WVW 1994), with criminal consequences. In Westland, Rechtbank Den Haag (district) handles relevant cases.
Reasons for CBR suspension in Westland
The CBR suspends based on traffic safety and driver fitness. Common causes:
Medical causes
In case of doubt about medical driving fitness, suspension follows, e.g. due to:
- Physical limitations affecting steering
- Mental health issues
- Medication with side effects on alertness
- Alcohol or drug addiction
- Conditions such as dementia or Parkinson's
Educational Measure Alcohol and Traffic (EMA)
Following alcohol-related offences, the CBR mandates an EMA course. Non-compliance leads to suspension until completion in Westland.
Educational Measure Behaviour and Traffic (EMG)
In cases of reckless driving behaviour, such as high speeds, an EMG obligation follows. Non-compliance results in suspension.
Alcohol interlock programme
Violation of alcohol interlock rules causes suspension.
Legal basis: WVW 1994
CBR's authority is enshrined in the Road Traffic Act 1994:
- Art. 130 WVW 1994: CBR may suspend in case of unfitness
- Art. 131 WVW 1994: Procedure for driving fitness checks
- Art. 134 WVW 1994: Invalidity of driving licence
- Art. 9 WVW 1994: Penalty for driving during suspension
The driving licences regulations specify requirements. For Westland advice: Juridisch Loket Westland.
Procedure for CBR suspension in Westland
Notification
The initial letter states:
- Suspension ground
- Request for documents
- Response period
- Objection and appeal information
Assessment and decision
The CBR evaluates and may require:
- Medical/psychological examination
- Driving test
- Suspension or waiver
Official decision by post with duration.
Objection and appeal
Objection to CBR within 6 weeks (no suspensive effect). Rejection? Appeal to Rechtbank Den Haag. Request interim relief for temporary cessation. Free assistance via Juridisch Loket Westland.
Duration of CBR suspension
Duration varies:
| Reason | Average duration | Lifted after |
|---|---|---|
| Medical | 3-12 months | Examination/course |
| EMA/EMG | Until completion | Passed |
| Alcohol interlock | 6-24 months | Compliance |
Consult Juridisch Loket Westland for personal situations.