Article 157 Dutch Criminal Code
Artikel 157 Wetboek van Strafrecht (Sr) – unofficial English translation
Book Two · Title VII. Serious offences endangering the general safety of persons or property
Any person who intentionally starts a fire, causes an explosion or causes a flood is liable:
to a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve years or a fine of the fifth category, if general danger to property is to be feared as a result;
to a term of imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years or a fine of the fifth category, if danger to life or danger of grievous bodily harm to another person is to be feared as a result;
to life imprisonment or a fixed term of imprisonment not exceeding thirty years or a fine of the fifth category, if danger to life for another person is to be feared as a result and the offence results in a person's death.
Unofficial translation. This English text is an unofficial translation provided for information only. Only the Dutch text is legally authentic: Artikel 157 Wetboek van Strafrecht. Checked against the Dutch text in force on 12 October 2026.
Dutch case law
968 Dutch court rulings cite this article. View the rulings (in Dutch)