Suspending Vehicle Road Tax
If you own a car, motorcycle, van, or truck in your name, you must pay road tax. However, when you stop using your vehicle, you can save money by suspending vehicle road tax. This process temporarily halts your tax payments and insurance obligations.
Why Suspend Road Tax?
You might want to stop paying road tax if your vehicle is under long-term repair, stored in a garage, or kept as a collector’s item. Even when unused, your car still requires insurance, a valid APK (MOT), and road tax.
By suspending vehicle road tax, you pause all these costs. Once suspended, the vehicle no longer needs insurance or an APK inspection. This is a smart choice for anyone keeping a car off the road.
How to Suspend Road Tax
You can suspend road tax only by requesting a suspension of your vehicle’s registration. The RDW (Dutch Vehicle Authority) allows this both online and at major post offices. After approval, the tax authorities automatically stop sending road tax invoices. You no longer need to keep the vehicle insured or APK-approved during the suspension period. Keep in mind, suspension comes with a small administrative fee, but it prevents larger recurring expenses.
Rules for Road Tax Suspension
During the suspension period, your vehicle cannot be used or parked on public roads—not even abroad. It must stay on private property. This rule prevents accidental tax or insurance violations.
If you’re found driving or parking the car on public roads while suspended, you could face fines and backdated tax payments.
How to End the Suspension
Suspension automatically expires after twelve months. However, you can end it earlier if needed. Visit an RDW post office or submit a request online. If you cancel within the first month, you still owe road tax for that time. When the suspension ends or expires, regular tax payments resume automatically. The tax office will send your next invoice as usual.
Suspension and APK Inspection
While suspended, your car doesn’t need a valid APK. But once the suspension ends, the APK and insurance must be renewed. You may legally drive the car on public roads only to reach the inspection location. Make sure the car has at least third-party (WA) insurance for that day.
If checked by authorities, you can prove the trip was for inspection. To avoid confusion, you may inform the Belastingtelefoon Auto in advance about your inspection date and location.
