What is the old-timer regulation?

The oldtimer regulation was created to accommodate everyone who owns an oldtimer. Because of this transitional arrangement, oldtimer owners, with an oldtimer of 40 years or older, do not pay road tax. The reason for this is that oldtimer owners often do not drive very much with the oldtimer. Oldtimer insurance is mandatory, however.

In 2014, the age at which vintage cars are exempt from road tax was changed from 25 years to 40 years. This change was made with a view to improving the environment and living conditions. Because some oldtimers fell between two stools, the transitional arrangement was created.

Transitional

All oldtimers that run on gasoline, are not used commercially and were put into service between Jan. 1, 1978 and Jan. 1, 1988, can benefit from the transitional arrangement. As a result, oldtimer owners pay a lot less road tax than the regular amount. When an oldtimer has passed the age of 40 years, you cannot take advantage of the transitional arrangement. Thanks to the oldtimer scheme, you are exempt from road tax from that moment on.

If you want to take advantage of the transitional arrangement, you must apply for it yourself at the Tax Office.
Once the application has been approved, you will receive a payment slip at home. It is not possible to pay the road tax by direct debit.

In 2028, the transitional rule will expire. All vintage cars that did not receive an exemption in 2014 will have passed the 40-year mark by then.

Transition requirements

To take advantage of the transition scheme for vintage cars, the vintage car must meet a number of requirements.

One of the requirements to take advantage of the transitional rule is that vintage cars must be on private property during December, January and February. During this period you are not allowed to take the oldtimer on the road. If you do want to go on the road during these months, you will pay the full amount of road tax.

In addition, the transitional rule applies only to passenger cars, camping cars and vans that run on gasoline and are not used commercially.
Buses and trucks that are not used commercially do not have to run on gasoline to participate in the scheme.