Netherlands resumes travel after pause
The Netherlands is currently experiencing a cyberattack on its traffic management system, known as OM, which has caused disruptions in various facilities across the country. Here's what you need to know if you're a tourist driving in the Netherlands during this period.
Firstly, it's important to note that mobile phone cameras continue to function reliably during the OM disruption, ensuring that violations of the seat belt rule or mobile phone use while driving can still be detected and penalized. However, many speed cameras have been affected by the cyberattack, particularly those that were shut down for maintenance and could not be reactivated after the hack.
The automobile club ANWB has cautioned that there is no guarantee which facilities are active or inactive, so drivers should exercise caution and expect some delays. The newer Focusflitsers, which detect mobile phone or seat belt violations, have continued to operate during the cyberattack.
Classic police controls with mobile radar devices or laser pistols were also carried out unchanged, providing an alternative means of enforcing traffic rules. It's worth noting that fines from the Netherlands will be enforced within the EU even retroactively, despite the disruption.
Authorities are gradually bringing systems back online in phases to exclude security risks. It is not yet known when all facilities will be back online, but observers expect a noticeable decrease in revenue due to missing fines during the OM disruption.
The Public Prosecution Service disconnected all systems from the internet on July 17, 2025, due to a software security vulnerability. The surveillance systems that remained functional during the internet shutdown included infrastructures equipped with emergency power supply, such as new transmitter sites featuring backup generators. These ensured continuous operation for public and private broadcasting, mobile communications, and broadband providers.
Drivers should expect delayed notifications if they were caught on camera during the OM disruption. The Public Prosecution Service has not provided exact numbers of affected speed cameras to prevent drivers from identifying locations.
Little changes in the basic rules for drivers, including those from abroad, with the reactivation of the facilities. The loss of revenue from missing fines during the OM disruption is not quantified by official sources, but "Het Rijk mist tijdelijk inkomsten" (the state is temporarily losing income) during the OM disruption, according to "WNL".
In conclusion, while the OM disruption has caused some challenges, tourists can still expect to be held accountable for traffic violations. It's recommended to drive with caution, be aware of potential delays, and expect delayed notifications for any violations caught on camera during the disruption.
