Got a parking fine in Amsterdam — how do I appeal?
An Amsterdam parking fine can often be successfully challenged — follow this route: (1) Determine type: naheffing (city, for unpaid/underpaid parking, often ~€73) or Mulder fine (CJIB, for wrong parking e.g. on sidewalk, ~€110). (2) Naheffing: appeal via amsterdam.nl/parkeren/bezwaar within 6 weeks of fine letter. (3) Mulder fine: appeal via public prosecutor (address on letter), within 13 weeks. (4) Build strong case: payment proof, photo, witness, or formal complaint (defective machine, unreadable sign, parking disk was visible). (5) On rejection: county court within 6 weeks, fee €58. No success: possibly Supreme Court too. Success rate of well-substantiated Amsterdam appeals: 40-60%.
Step by step
- 1Determine fine typeNaheffing (city): sender Amsterdam, amount around €73, “unpaid/underpaid parking”. Mulder fine (CJIB): sender CJIB Leeuwarden, higher amount, traffic situation.
- 2Gather evidencePayment confirmation (sms/app/receipt), photos of meter + sign + bollard at time of violation. Defective machine: photo of error display. Witness? Name + phone.
- 3File appeal within 6/13 wksNaheffing: amsterdam.nl/parkeren/bezwaar (DigiD) or letter: Gemeente Amsterdam, Parkeren, PO Box 202, 1000 AE. Mulder: follow CJIB letter, often online via prosecutor portal.
- 4Write convincing appeal“Appeal against fine [number] of [date]. Reason: [e.g. parking WAS paid, see attachment; or: machine defective, photo attached]. Request: refund + withdrawal.”
- 5On rejection: county courtAppeal rejected within 6 weeks? Appeal at county court via rechtspraak.nl. Court fee €58. Success rate drops slightly (30-40%), but often includes cost recovery on win.
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
What are the strongest grounds for appeal?
1) Payment proof in app/sms (often forgotten in case). 2) Defective parking machine (photo required). 3) Sign unreadable/wrongly placed. 4) Confusing or new zone transition. 5) Permit holder with valid permit not scanned.
Do I have to pay during appeal?
Naheffing: no, provided you appeal within 6 weeks. No appeal: pay before first reminder (otherwise surcharge). Mulder fine: always pay at first reminder, money refunded on upheld appeal.
Does Slim Boete or paid appeal service help?
No-cure-no-pay services claim 80% success rate (reality 40-60%, similar to DIY). Costs 30-50% of fine on win. For <€100 fines: DIY appeal equally feasible.
What if I missed the deadline?
Excusable lateness: illness, move with wrong BRP address, extended stay abroad. Argue this + evidence (medical certificate, hospital letter). City accepts these grounds in 30-50%.
What if I wasn't parking but got the fine anyway?
Classic with shared car: enforcer scans license plate without check. Send response: “I wasn't at location at [date] [time], vehicle parked by [name]” + alibi. Often 100% withdrawal.
Do success counts matter for future fines?
No, no tracking record. But: for repeat offenders (speeding) every previous fine counts. For parking fines: each case judged on its own.
Sources
🔎 Common search queries
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