What are the rules about suspending a car?
Do you have a car, but are you planning not to use it for a while? For example, because of a long journey or a long recovery after an operation? Then you can suspend the car's registration number. During the suspension period of 1, 2 or 3 years, you do not have to fulfil the vehicle obligations, such as the insurance obligation, the MOT obligation or the payment of motor vehicle tax. However, there are a number of rules regarding the suspension of a car. In this article, we will explain them to you!
Rule 1: You cannot drive a suspended car
One advantage of suspending your car is that you save on costs by not having to meet vehicle obligations. One of those vehicle obligations is taking out car insurance. In the Netherlands, it is a legal requirement to take out at least third-party insurance for your car. This insures you for damage you cause to another person. Without car insurance you are not allowed to drive your car. If your car is suspended, you can stop your car insurance.
If you do go on the road with a suspended car, the police can impose various fines on you. The fine for a suspended car is about €400. Furthermore, your car probably does not meet the MOT requirement because it is suspended. The fine for an expired MOT is €140. Finally, you did not pay road tax during the suspension period. Therefore, if you drive a suspended car, the tax authorities can impose an additional tax on you. All in all, the costs can be considerable if you violate this rule.
Rule 2: You may not park on the public highway
In line with the previous rule, the car may not be on a public road. This also applies to parking on or alongside public roads. A suspended car should therefore always be on private property. Private property is your own property and therefore not accessible to others. A public parking garage does not count as private property. Paths, verges and the sides of roads are also considered to be public roads. After suspending your car, you should therefore pay close attention to where you park it. In this case, too, you can receive a hefty fine.
Rule 3: After the suspension period, you must immediately resume all vehicle obligations
During the suspension, you can choose a suspension period of 1, 2 or 3 years. After this period, the suspension will automatically expire. You must then immediately fulfil all vehicle obligations again. This means that the car must have passed an MOT test and you must have taken out car insurance. Are you planning on not using the car for a longer period of time? Then you can also extend the suspension.
Other rules concerning the suspension of a car
There are also a number of things to bear in mind when suspending a car:
- The person suspending the car must be at least 18 years of age
- The vehicle must be registered in your name
- If the registered owner of the vehicle has died, you cannot apply for a suspension. The car must first be transferred to the name of the new owner
Related pages about car suspension
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