CJIB wants to get rid of traffic fines that shoot up like a rocket
Increases run too high
Currently, a first reminder charges 50 percent on top of the original fine amount.
With a second reminder, this even doubles to 100 percent.
Thus, a fine can quickly go up several notches.
The increases are intended to ensure that fines are paid on time, but in some cases this is counterproductive, especially when the person in question is already struggling to pay the first fine.
Customization needed
The CJIB therefore argues in an annual report for more room to apply customization in situations involving force majeure or special circumstances.
Currently, the collection agency does not have the authority to independently decide on remission of increases, meaning that this responsibility often falls to the judge or the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM).
Flexibility
In addition to traffic fines, the CJIB also wants to have more leeway in collecting fines imposed without the involvement of a judge, for example for smaller crimes.
CJIB believes they should be able to stop collecting these fines in certain, difficult situations, especially if it no longer seems sensible to continue.
About 300,000 such fines are imposed each year.