Dutch transport officers to gain access to driving-licence photographs

The Dutch government has cleared the way for public-transport enforcement officers, known as boa’s, to use photographs in the driving-licence register to identify people who have no identity document with them. Employers can apply to the RDW, which manages the register, from 1 October 2026. Officers will gain access after authorisation. [1]

Establishing someone’s identity is necessary before an officer can issue a fine. In these cases, officers currently need police assistance, the government says. It cited research finding that 42% of *all* boa officers encounter a situation each day in which they cannot establish a person’s identity independently. That figure is not specific to public transport. [1]