Based on the Dutch Periodic Vehicle Inspection Directive valid until 20 May 2018, vehicles built before 1960 were exempt from the Dutch Periodic Vehicle Inspection obligation. As a result, over time no new vehicles could fall under the exception. Directive 2014/45 / EU allows Member States, subject to conditions, to exempt vehicles of historical interest from the APK obligation. 

historical interest must meet

The vehicle was manufactured or registered at least 30 years ago and the specific vehicle type of the vehicle is no longer produced and the vehicle has been historically preserved, preserved in its original condition and the technical characteristics of the main parts are unchanged. Based on advice from the RDW and relevant industry parties, the Dutch government has decided to make use of this option. 

Following the adoption of Directive 2014/45 / EU in 2015, the RDW and relevant industry parties were asked for advice on the age limit for which the APK exemption should apply to historic vehicles. At an age limit of 45 years and older, a group of vehicles is created which, according to the RDW, is relatively large. The size of this group of vehicles and the associated influence of an APK exemption on road safety and the environment is increasing as the age limit moves further down. 

The vehicles younger than 45 and especially younger than 30 are still frequently used in daily traffic. It has therefore been decided to apply the APK exemption to vehicles 50 years and older. This small group of vehicles hardly participates in traffic and therefore has a very small effect on road safety and the environment. This also results in considerable tax relief.