Registration requirements for agricultural and forestry vehicles: what is the exact situation?

Is my vehicle an agricultural or forestry vehicle?

Agricultural and forestry vehicles are:

• Limited-speed motor vehicles(MMBS).
• Wheeled and tracked agricultural or forestry tractors
• Agricultural or forestry trailer
• Mobile machines
• Interchangeable towed attachments

What exactly does the registration requirement for agricultural and forestry vehicles entail?

The registration requirement means that all existing (land) construction vehicles operating on public roads must be registered with the RDW. Once your vehicle is registered, you will be assigned a registration number and must apply for a registration card. Certain categories of agricultural and forestry vehicles are also subject to a license plate requirement. Finally, an MOT may also be required.

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Are there any exceptions?

Yes, there are also some exceptions. These vehicles are not subject to registration and license plate requirements:

• Vehicles going no faster than 6 kilometers per hour
• Vehicles narrower than 130 centimeters (for example, forklifts, lawn mowers, weed whackers, snowplows and sweepers)
• Asphalt pavers
• Asphalt milling machines
• Rollers
• Fruit trains
• Single-axle motor vehicles and transportable forklifts

What are the rules for each category of agricultural or forestry vehicle?

Agricultural and forestry vehicles can be divided into several categories. This mainly concerns the maximum speed of the vehicle. For each category, different rules apply regarding registration requirements. These rules have applied since January 1, 2021. We briefly list them for you here.

Agricultural or forestry vehicle up to and including 25 kilometers per hour

• Registration in the RDW register
• Vehicle registration
• Registration number and registration card

A physical license plate will not be mandatory until Jan. 1, 2025. Until then, the orange truncated triangle remains mandatory.

Agricultural or forestry vehicle up to 40 kilometers per hour

• Registration in the RDW register
• Vehicle registration
• Registration number and registration card
• Physical license plate on the back of the vehicle

Agricultural or forestry vehicle from 40 kilometers per hour

• Registration in the RDW register
• Vehicle registration
• Registration number and registration card
• Physical license plate on the back of the vehicle
• From May 1, 2021, an MOT requirement will apply

Vehicles put into service after December 31, 2020, must be assessed at an RDW inspection station before initial registration.