Vacatio legis
The period between the promulgation of a statute and its entry into force.
Vacatio legis is the period between the promulgation of a statute and the moment at which that statute enters into force.
Vacatio legis is a Latin term denoting the interval between the publication or promulgation of a statute and the date on which it enters into legal force. This period affords citizens, businesses and public authorities an opportunity to prepare for the new rules and prevents legislation from taking effect immediately and without prior notice.
In Dutch legal practice, a vacatio legis is often expressly prescribed in the statute itself, typically for a number of weeks or months, depending on the complexity and impact of the provisions. It promotes legal certainty and permits the orderly introduction of new legislation.
The duration of the vacatio legis may vary between statutes and is determined by the legislator, who may in some cases take account of practical considerations or the need for prompt entry into force.
“The new privacy act provides for a vacatio legis of three months, allowing organizations sufficient time to adapt their systems.”
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