WILLEMSTAD - The police will also take tough action this year against disturbing public order during carnival. A zero-tolerance policy will be applied during all parades, the Public Prosecution (OM) announced in a press statement.
For example, everyone from the age of 12 who is in the vicinity of the carnival route must have a valid ID with them. The fine for not having it with you is 150 guilders.
Pursuant to the Firearms Ordinance, the Public Prosecution Service has issued a preventive body search order to the police that will be valid before, during and after the carnival parades.
This means that anyone can be searched for firearms by the police if there is a reasonable suspicion without any prior suspicion being present. Anyone carrying anything that can serve as a weapon will be fined 500 guilders.
Traffic
The police KPC and the Public Prosecution Service take tough action in traffic, in particular attention is paid to drivers and passenger of two-wheeled motor vehicles such as motorcycles and scooters, but also quads and cars.
For two-wheeled vehicles, both the driver and passenger must wear a properly fitted helmet. Those who fail to do so will be presented with a fine of 300 guilders.
Drifting with cars, motorcycles, scooters or other vehicles will not be tolerated. In those cases, a fine of 750 guilders will follow, the vehicle will be seized and the drivers will be arrested. Noise nuisance costs 500 guilders.
Drivers of cars, scooters, motorcycles and quads must be in possession of a valid inspection card, tax card, insurance certificate and a valid driver's license. For each violation the penalty is 250 guilders, no insurance will cost drivers 300 guilders.
People who do not comply with all these rules will be stopped and the vehicle in question will be confiscated. At the police station, the person concerned is offered a transaction. If the person pays this amount immediately, a 15% discount will be given. If all these requirements are met, the seized vehicle can be collected from 15 March.
A court hearing has been scheduled on April 24, 2023 for those who have received a summon. Those who choose to do so risk a prison sentence, a higher fine and a criminal record.