MOT inspection oldtimer

In principle, all cars that go on the road must be MOT approved. This is slightly different for vintage cars. Oldtimers do not need to be inspected as often as younger cars and from a certain age oldtimers do not need to be inspected at all. Oldtimer insurance is mandatory, however.

Should old-timers require MOT or not?

In 2020, the Senate approved an amendment to the Road Traffic Act to exempt cars aged 50 years and older from MOT requirements. First, this only applied to cars manufactured before Jan. 1, 1960. So instead of a year, there is now a limit of 50 years. This change in the law will take effect Jan. 1, 2021. People with a car 50 years old or older will receive a so-called APK exemption letter from the RDW.

Cars 30 years old and older (but under 50 years old) must be inspected once every two years. Vintage cars under 30 years old, with an introduction before Jan. 1, 2005, must be inspected every year.

One condition is that the weight of the car be no more than 3,500 pounds. Heavier cars before 1960 are also exempt from the MOT. All other cars over 3500 kilos must be re-inspected every year.

Compulsory inspection during license plate suspension

When you have the registration number of your oldtimer suspended, you do not have to pay road tax and the oldtimer insurance can also be stopped temporarily. During this suspension period the oldtimer does not need to have a valid MOT and you do not need to have the car inspected. During this period you are not allowed to drive with your oldtimer. If you still drive the oldtimer while the license plate is suspended or the oldtimer has an expired MOT, you can get a fine.

If you plan to terminate the suspension, you must make sure the vintage car is apk-tested before then.

To be allowed to drive to the garage, you must insure the vintage car. In addition, you may only drive on the road around the time of the inspection and you must have an appointment confirmation.

Special event regulations apply to vintage cars. This may allow you to drive your vintage car to an event without a valid MOT. You must have registered for the event and this registration must be approved by the organizer of the event.

Rules when suspending

During a suspension period, your vintage car does not have to meet the periodic inspection requirements. This also applies the other way around: if your vintage car does not pass the periodic roadworthiness test, you can suspend the registration. You can also choose to ensure that your vintage car does pass the MOT inspection within two months. During this period you are not allowed to drive your vintage car, except for trips to the garage.