Avoiding CJIB surcharges: how to watch the deadlines across your fleet

The Dutch CJIB is strict about deadlines. A notice for a minor traffic offence (Mulder Act) must be paid within the deadline on the document. If not, a reminder follows with a surcharge; if payment still fails to arrive, the amount is increased again and the CJIB can start enforcement. A €100 fine first becomes €150 and then higher still. Check the current percentages on cjib.nl.

Why fleets run into surcharges

• The fine sits with the wrong person – it arrives at administration, the lease company or a branch and is only forwarded later.
• Waiting for the driver – the company wants the driver to pay and waits for that while the deadline runs.
• No overview – a mailbox or spreadsheet does not show which fines expire this week.
• Lease cars – the lease company forwards the fine, so part of the deadline has already passed.

How to prevent surcharges

As the registered keeper, always pay on time, even if the driver ultimately has to pay. Recharging is an internal step separate from the CJIB deadline. Also make sure every incoming notice is registered the same day with its due date, and that someone sees the list of expiring deadlines.

Objecting

If you disagree with the notice, you can appeal to the public prosecutor within six weeks of the date of the notice. Note that the payment deadline and the appeal period run side by side. Read the notice carefully for the exact conditions.

How Fleetfines helps

Fleetfines reads the due date from the notice automatically and shows in the fine overview which fines are overdue or about to expire. The driver receives a payment request and then up to three reminders at fixed moments, for example after 7, 14 and 21 days, within a sending window you choose. The dashboard shows per period how fast fines get paid.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Check the current rules with the CJIB, the Dutch government or your adviser.