Overtreders

Overtreders refer to persons who commit an overtreding, a type of legal infraction defined by law. Overtreding typically refers to minor offenses that carry administrative penalties rather than prison.

In Dutch law, offenses are generally categorized as overtredingen (infractions) and misdrijven (crimes). An overtreder commits an overtreding; penalties include fines, administrative orders, or corrective measures. More serious violations may be pursued as misdrijven with criminal penalties.

Common examples include traffic violations such as speeding or running a red light, illegal parking, noise or littering offenses, and violations of licensing or environmental rules.

Procedure: Enforcement is typically carried out by police or municipal authorities; depending on the offense, the offender may receive a fine, a formal notice, or be summoned to a hearing. Some offenses are handled administratively, while others can result in court proceedings.

Etymology and usage: The word overtreding comes from Dutch over- "across" and treden "to tread"; overtreders are those who step across a legal boundary. The term is used in official documents, media, and everyday language to describe someone who has violated a rule.