Environmental zone scooters, mopeds and motorcycles
An environmental zone exists in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Arnhem and The Hague for polluting cars. Cars before a certain year of manufacture are therefore not allowed to enter some parts of the cities. Amsterdam also established an environmental zone for scooters (mopeds and mopeds) in 2018. The city had about 55,000 scooters, so it was a far-reaching decision.
Therefore, mopeds/scooters and mopeds are not allowed to enter certain districts of Amsterdam starting in 2018. This concerns so-called 2-stroke and 4-stroke vehicles from before January 1, 2011. The date on which a vehicle first received a license plate is decisive here. The measure affects the built-up area of Amsterdam.
How old is my scooter?
On the RDW website, you can find out the so-called DET (date of first admission). This date can be found under the heading 'Expiration dates and history'.
How is it controlled?
According to the City of Amsterdam website, they use fixed and mobile enforcement tools for enforcement. This can be by placing cameras that read license plates, but of course the police can also act during surveillance. The amount of the fine is €75 for scooters, plus administration costs.
Is waiver possible?
Yes, that is possible. Electrically propelled scooters, for example, are automatically exempt. But as is to be expected with this type of measure, other types of vehicles are also subject to an exemption. In fact, a ban on driving in built-up areas may prove unreasonable. Therefore, the following mopeds/mopeds may be exempted:
- Disabled vehicles
- Oldtimers
- Converted scooters that now have a clean engine in them
- Under conditions 4-stroke mopeds or mopeds
The final exemption is again linked to the date of first registration. The scooter can be exempted if the first license plate was registered with the RDW between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2011. This is because cleaner engines have been fitted to these scooters since 2008. Once the 4-stroke moped or moped is older than 10 years, the exemption expires. This exemption requires an inspection.
When is a moped or motorcycle an old-timer?
Owners of vintage cars are being accommodated. These vehicles are bad for the environment, but banning them all at once in Amsterdam went too far for the decision-makers. You can apply for an exemption for scooters as young as 30 years old. The exemption applies to weekends and public holidays, and is valid for a period of one year. The weekend exemption is valid from Friday afternoon 12 noon to Monday afternoon 12 noon.
Even in exceptional cases, exemption is still possible under the hardship clause. Under this clause, an exception to the rules can be made in a law or regulation. This is to prevent certain vehicles from being overlooked.
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