Suspending a car
Do you want to not use your car for a longer period of time? For example, during a repair, when you go abroad, due to illness or surgery? Or if the car belongs to a collection and is not used every day? Then you can easily (online) suspend a car for 1, 2 or 3 years. You don't have to pay for the MOT, car insurance and motor vehicle tax.
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Suspending a car through the RDW
Suspending a car is done through the National Road Administration (RDW). You do this:
- Through the RDW website. For this you need a DigiD.
- At the license plate counter.
- At an RDW counter.
- At an RDW inspection station.
Suspend car online
Follow these steps to suspend your car online:
- Go to "Request suspension or renewal. This will take you to the DigiD screen where you can log in. Fill in the requested information.
- Select the license plate number of the vehicle you want to suspend.
- Choose how long you want to suspend the car: 1,2 or 3 years.
- Pay the costs via iDEAL.
You will receive an email confirming your application. The license plate is not suspended until you receive a second e-mail from RDW. This e-mail also states when the suspension ends. You must print this e-mail and keep it safe. This is the proof of suspension.
Suspending a car at the registration desk
Prefer to suspend your car at a location? That is also possible. In that case, always bring valid identification.
- Go to a license plate counter, RDW inspection station or RDW counter.
- Bring the registration certificate and the certificate of transfer. Or the registration card and the registration code.
- Choose how long you want to suspend the car: 1,2 or 3 years.
- Pay the fees.
The license plate is immediately suspended. You will receive a suspension report from the clerk that includes the end date of the suspension. Keep this as it is your proof of suspension.
The conditions
There are a number of conditions for suspending a car:
- The person arranging the suspension of the car must be at least 18 years old.
- The vehicle must be in your name.
- Has the owner of the car died? Then you cannot apply for a suspension. The car must first be transferred to the new owner's name.
Suspending your car for 1, 2 or 3 years
When you suspend a car, you can choose a suspension period of 1, 2 or 3 years. Thus, the shortest period is 1 year. After this period, the suspension expires automatically. During this period, your license plate is registered as suspended in the license plate register.
Lifting the suspension earlier
You can end the suspension earlier, but the shortest suspension is 1 month. Do you stop the suspension earlier than the chosen period? You will still pay motor vehicle tax for the suspension period via an additional charge. You will not get any money back from the RDW if you end the suspension earlier.
Extending the suspension
You can also choose to extend the suspension. You can extend your suspension from no more than 6 weeks before the end date of the suspension. The expiration date will then remain the same as the expiration date of the old suspension. You will receive a reminder from RDW 1 month before the suspension expires.
If you renew the suspension before the 6 weeks, you do not keep the old expiration date. The date you extend the suspension is then the new expiration date after 1, 2 or 3 years. About 1 month before the end date of the suspension expires, you will receive a reminder letter from the RDW. You may suspend a car as many times as you want.
The cost of a car suspension
How much you pay for license plate suspension depends on the age of your car and its weight. Older and heavier cars are cheaper.
There are 2 types of fees:
Normal rate:
- Passenger cars not older than 15 years
- Commercial vehicles not older than 15 years (up to 3500 kg)
Low rate:
- Vehicles older than 15 years
- Heavy commercial vehicles (from 3500 kg)
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Request suspension for 1 year (normal rate) | €88,05 |
| Request suspension for 1 year (low rate) | €29,10 |
| Request suspension for 2 years (normal rate) | €117,15 |
| Request suspension for 2 years (low rate) | €58,20 |
| Request suspension for 3 years (normal rate) | €146,25 |
| Request suspension for 3 years (low rate) | €87,30 |
Parking a suspended car
A suspended car must always be on private property. This is because you are not allowed to drive or stand on public roads with a suspended car. Do you do this anyway? Then you risk a fine. Roadsides, paths, sides of roads and public parking lots also count as public roads.
Storing a suspended vintage car
Do you have a vintage car? Then it is best to store it in a special old-timer garage. This meets all the conditions to protect your oldtimer as well as possible against the weather.
Driving a suspended car
There are 3 exceptions where you are allowed to temporarily drive on public roads:
- You may drive to a garage or RDW inspection station for an MOT inspection. You do not have to register the MOT inspection in advance. Do you get a fine on the way anyway? Then you can object with an MOT report from that day. Therefore, always request an MOT report as proof that you were on your way to the inspection at that time.
- You may drive the shortest route to an RDW inspection station. For example, for a change to the vehicle or to put a vehicle into your name that no longer has liability.
- You may drive a suspended car 15 years old or older to an event. Register in advance with the Internal Revenue Service for the event rule.
Fine driving on public roads in 2025
If you are stopped during a police check or checked during a registry check, you will be fined about €700. This is because the car is not MOT approved and you are not insured.
- The fine for driving without a valid MOT is €180.
- The fine for uninsured driving is €490.
On top of that, there may be an after-tax motor vehicle tax.
Suspending your car and insurance
If your car is suspended, you don't have to buy car insurance for that period. But, of course, you may. Tell the insurance company that you want to stop your car insurance. Please note that from that moment you are no longer insured against damage to your car.
You can always insure your suspended car against theft. The (limited) hull car insurance is the cheapest option for this. Often insurers offer an option to insure the car separately against theft.
Is the end date of the suspension approaching and are you going to use the car again? If so, you need at least third-party car insurance again.
Selling a suspended car
Are you selling a car whose license plate is suspended? If so, you don't have to do anything. The suspension expires as soon as the seller has the vehicle transferred into his/her name.
Frequently asked questions about suspending a car
Can I take my car out of suspension earlier?
Yes, you can end the suspension at any time through the RDW. From that moment, all obligations such as insurance, the MOT and paying taxes apply again. You will not receive any money back from the RDW.
Can I still sell my suspended car?
Yes, you can end the suspension at any time through the RDW. From that moment, all obligations such as insurance, the MOT and paying taxes apply again. You will not receive any money back from the RDW.
Can I keep claim-free years if I suspend my insurance?
Yes, claim-free years usually remain valid for up to 3 years with most insurers. Check with your insurer to avoid forfeiting your accumulated discount.
Where may I park when a car is suspended?
A suspended car may not be parked in a public place, so it must always be parked on your own property, such as in a garage or on your own property. If you do park in a public place you risk a fine.
Can I suspend a car online?
You can suspend your car online or at the registration desk. If you suspend the car online, you will need a DigiD. You can then do the suspension any time of the day, at a time that suits you. If you prefer to arrange the suspension through a counter, you can do this at a license plate counter, RDW counter or RDW inspection station.
Can I suspend more than one car at a time?
Yes you certainly can. For example, if you have a car collection consisting of more than 5 cars that are 15 years old or older. Then the collector rule may apply. All vehicles must be in your name.
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