Suspending an oldtimer

If you purchase an old-timer with the aim of restoring it, you can have the license plate suspended at the RDW or at a PostNL post office. As a result, during the suspension, you do not have to pay road tax, which lapses automatically.
In addition, the vintage car does not need to have a valid MOT and the vintage car insurance can be temporarily stopped.

As of January 3, 2019, it is possible to suspend a vehicle for a period of 2 or 3 years. The suspension no longer needs to be renewed every year.

What do you need for a suspension?

You can arrange the suspension of an oldtimer both online through the RDW and at a PostNL post office. What you need are proof of identity, a transfer slip for the car and a registration certificate. There are costs associated with a suspension. The suspension fee depends on the age of the car. For a passenger car weighing up to 3,500 pounds that is older than 15 years, you pay €24.10 per year. For a car younger than 15 years old, you pay €73.10 per year. After one year, the suspension expires automatically. You can lift a suspension at a PostNL post office or at the RDW throughout the year. The oldtimer must comply with the vehicle requirements from then on.

The fine imposed for not having a valid MOT is €140. For not having a certificate of insurance the fine is €600. If the suspension is lifted within a month of the suspension taking effect, the motor vehicle tax for that month must still be paid. If you have lifted the suspension and suspend again in the same year, you will again pay the low rate of €24.10 per year for an old-timer.

Suspend insurance

Car insurance can be stopped temporarily or cancelled altogether during a suspension. You need to indicate this yourself to the insurance company. Suspending the insurance, is not always possible, this is usually only possible during the sale of the car. It is not mandatory to stop or cancel the insurance. If you choose to do so, the car must be on private property or in a storage facility.

If you have suspended the insurance and want to reinsure the vintage car, there are two options. You can reactivate the insurance or purchase a whole new policy and terminate the suspended policy. When taking out a new insurance policy, you may have to report the new value of the car to the insurance company, which may increase or decrease the premium. With third-party coverage, it is usually not necessary to have the car appraised. If you choose more comprehensive coverage such as all-risk or WA + limited hull insurance, the car usually does need to be appraised. To be entitled to the appraised value when the car is totaled, the car must be appraised every three years. If you do not, you will not receive the appraised value but the daily value. If you choose to continue insurance, it is important to consider the type of insurance. If you plan to hit the road, you must have at least third-party insurance. This will reimburse you for damage you cause to others.

When there is no intention of going on the road, the third-party insurance can be suspended or cancelled. In that case, it is better to take out another insurance that also insures in case of theft or fire, for example. WA+ limited casco and all-risk insurance are then a good option.

Lift suspension

When the suspension is lifted, the RDW will notify the tax authorities. If you want to lift the suspension, you will have to start paying road tax again from that moment on for an oldtimer that was put into use less than forty years ago. You must also make sure you have a valid MOT and car insurance again. Without a valid MOT, you also cannot get car insurance.

If you go on the road during the suspension of the license plate without a valid MOT, you can be fined. In some cases, you are allowed to drive on the road during the suspension. To go to an event, you need permission through the event regulation. You may also drive to have your car MOT tested. For this, you need an appointment confirmation, you may only drive around the time of the appointment and the car must be insured.