Suspending a vehicle

1. Go to a vehicle registration counter or an RDW location: a desk in Veendam or Zoetermeer or an inspection station. You do not need to make an appointment. Please bring the following:
   • The registration card and registration code. Or the Certificate of Registered Ownership and Transfer Certificate.
   •  Valid Dutch driving licence. Alternatively, visit an RDW location with a valid ID, passport or any other valid ID (only available in Dutch). If you are extending the suspension on behalf of someone else, all you need is your own (foreign) ID. You do not need a Citizen Service Number (BSN) or live in the Netherlands.
2.  Pay the fee.
3. The number plate is suspended immediately. You will receive a suspension report stating the end date. This is the date of reporting the suspension up until the same date 1, 2 or 3 years later. Keep the report in a safe place, it is your proof of suspension. Pass on the report to the owner if you are taking care of the suspension on behalf of someone else.
4. Your registration certificate remains valid. If you have a registration card, you will receive a new registration code. The first 4 digits of this code can be found on the suspension report. The second part of the registration code (with 5 digits) will be sent by post to the address where you are registered with the municipality. If the vehicle belongs to a lease or financing company, they will receive the code. We will send the registration code on the third business day following the request. When you will receive the registration code depends on the postal service.
5. You can cancel the insurance yourself. Please note. In certain cases, it is wise to keep the insurance. Be sure to ask your insurer.
6. Are you paying motor vehicle tax? We will inform the Tax and Customs Administration that the number plate has been suspended. The obligation to pay motor vehicle tax will stop automatically.

The fee for a suspension depends on the following:

• The vehicle type.
• The suspension duration
• The age of the vehicle
• The weight of the vehicle. We use the Maximum Authorised Mass to determine the weight. It is listed under F.2 on the registration certificate.

Regardless of the vehicle, you aren not entitled to a refund if you end the suspension early.

Other vehicles and vehicles older than 15 years

• Passenger cars older than 15 years
• Campers older than 15 years
• Commercial vehicles up to 3,500 kg and older than 15 years
• Heavy commercial vehicles of 3.501 kg and over
• Motorcycles
• Trailers

A suspended vehicle may not be driven or parked on a public road. You are allowed to drive to an inspection station or garage for the following reasons:

• You have made a modification and are on your way to have the vehicle approved.
• You are having the vehicle registered in your name. This only applies to vehicles that are no longer subject to registration.
• You have a PTI appointment. There is no need to register the PTI in advance. Always ask for a PTI report (pass or fail). You may be fined for driving on a public road without a valid PTI report, even if the police do not stop you. You can only file an objection with a PTI report with the same date.
• You may drive a suspended vehicle which is 15 years or older to an event.  Be sure to register with the Tax and Customs Administration for the events scheme.

Important

• The vehicle must be covered by third-party liability insurance on the day you drive it.
• You are only allowed to take the shortest route around the time of the appointment.
• Be sure to bring your appointment confirmation, so you can present it if stopped by the police.
• Please consult Belastingdienst.nl to see if you are required to pay motor vehicle tax on the day of the inspection.

The suspension will end automatically. You are responsible for extending it in time. We will send you a reminder before the suspension expires, either by post or via your Message Box.

If you are extending the suspension within 6 weeks of the end date, you will keep the same end date, except 1, 2 or 3 years later. Learn more at Extending a suspension.

If you do not extend the suspension, all requirements apply as soon as the suspension term passes. This involves PTI, insurance and motor vehicle tax. If you fail to meet any of these requirements, you will be fined.

If you want to start using the vehicle again, you can end the suspension early. You will not receive a refund in that case. Learn more at Ending a suspension.