Rijongeschikt

Rijongeschikt is a Dutch legal term used in road traffic law to describe a person who is not fit to drive a motor vehicle. It indicates that the individual may be temporarily or permanently unable to operate a vehicle safely due to medical, psychological, or other conditions.

The status is usually established through a medical assessment. In the Netherlands, doctors or specialists assess whether a condition (such as severe visual impairment, epilepsy, neurological or psychiatric disorders, or substantial cognitive or motor limitations) impairs driving ability. The assessment may involve the Central Bureau of Driving Licences (CBR) and, in some cases, the road authorities (RDW) to determine eligibility, restrictions, or revocation of the driving license.

A rijongeschikt designation can lead to various outcomes. It can result in a temporary prohibition on driving, with a formal suspension or withdrawal of the license, or in the assignment of driving restrictions tailored to the individual’s condition (for example, restrictions on certain vehicle categories or the requirement of medical follow-up). Individuals declared rijongeschikt typically must surrender or hand in their license and may need to undergo re-evaluation to resume driving.

Rijongeschikt is distinct from rijontzegging, which is a punitive driving ban imposed as a penalty for a traffic offense rather than a medical incapacity. Rijongeschikt focuses on safety and fitness to drive, while rijontzegging concerns disciplinary sanctions.

Reinstatement depends on medical improvement or completion of prescribed treatment and subsequent re-evaluation. If fitness to drive is restored, the license or its restrictions can be reinstated under supervision of the relevant authorities.