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The reform of the old-timer inspection is primarily intended to create a clear framework in which it becomes clear which conversions can be considered safe.

From 1 November, modified rules will apply to the old-timer inspection. “With the adjustments, we mainly aim to make the rules clearer for every old-timer enthusiast, with road safety as a priority,” says Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters.

Need for clearer instructions

Since 2018, all classic cars (vehicles of 25 years and older) are subject to a periodic inspection. Previously, owners only had to go to the inspection when registering under an O number plate. In 2021, Minister Lydia Peeters started a process with the stakeholders involved (oldtimer associations, Traxio and GOCA Flanders) to evaluate the current inspection and see where adjustment was necessary.

There was a need for more clarity and better instructions. That is why Flemish minister Peeters, together with the Department of Mobility and Public Works, has started a procedure to arrive at a clearer and more uniform framework with the stakeholders. This mainly concerned vehicles that are no longer completely original, which regularly occurs, among other things, because certain spare parts are no longer available. This will be addressed with the changes.

“Road safety is an absolute priority for me, which is why we are putting the focus of the old-timer inspection even more on safe vehicles, in line with the ambitions from the Flemish Road Safety Plan”.

The main elements of the reform

  • The reform of the old-timer inspection is primarily intended to create a clear framework in which it becomes clear which conversions can be considered safe.
  • This reform introduces the classic car report which will give the owners of classic cars more certainty about modifications to the vehicle. The inspection center includes the renovations that can be considered safe in the report. The report is part of the inspection certificate.
  • Another novelty is the exemption from the periodic inspection for vehicles older than 1 January 1926, because such vehicles are often cultural heritage, are in excellent condition and are used sporadically on public roads.
  • Vehicles with an O-plate from before June 15, 1968 are exempt from submitting certificates if the renovations date from before May 20, 2018 .
  • This decree also provides a procedure to change the date of first commissioning if the old-timer is built more recently or has been heavily renovated. The purpose of this is to better protect the buyers of such old-timers.

A clearer old-timer inspection for more safety on the road

More than 115.000 classic cars are registered in Flanders. They are part of our heritage, but they must also be able to travel safely on the road. That is why the stakeholders were involved in the preparation of the amended instructions. This makes it clear to everyone, owner and inspector, what exactly must be inspected and what each vehicle must meet in order to receive a green card and be allowed to drive safely. The Department of Mobility and Public Works.

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