Are you a proud owner of a classic car, or are you dreaming of purchasing one soon? Then it’s important to know that starting in 2027, changes are coming to the policies regarding classic cars (oldtimers).
The current regulation
Up until now, petrol vehicles that are 40 years or older (calculated from the date of first registration and up to January 1, 1988) automatically qualified under the classic car scheme. This means you don’t have to pay road tax (MRB) for the vehicle. In addition, you’re allowed to use the vehicle all year round, regardless of its fuel type.
What will change as of January 1, 2027?
As already announced, vehicles with a production year from January 1, 1988 onward will no longer be eligible for classic car status — even once they reach 40 years of age. Cars that were first registered before 1988 will, however, retain their current rights.
However, the Dutch Tax Authority will be switching to a new ICT system in 2027. This new system will no longer accommodate complex arrangements such as the transitional scheme.
To avoid confusion and “grey areas,” vehicles from 1987 will therefore fall under the full classic car exemption (MRB-free) up to one year earlier. This will be advantageous for owners of a 1987 classic!
In other words:
If you own a classic car from before 1987 or after 1988, nothing changes for you.
But if your vehicle is from 1987, it will be completely exempt from MRB as of January 1, 2027!
The transitional scheme — how did that work again?
Since January 1, 2014, a transitional scheme has been in place. Before that, vehicles older than 25 years were exempt from road tax (provided they were registered before January 1, 1988). The new legislation raised the threshold to 40 years, which caused a great deal of dissatisfaction among classic car enthusiasts.
That’s why the transitional scheme was introduced. Under this scheme, vehicles that:
Were first registered before January 1, 1988
Run exclusively on petrol
Are not used for business purposes
may qualify for reduced road tax. In this case, you only pay one quarter’s worth of tax per year and may drive the car for nine months annually.
Please note: during December, January, and February, the vehicle is not allowed on public roads.
Stay informed!
At Marlog Europe, we understand better than anyone how important your classic car is to you — it’s more than just a vehicle; it’s a passion. That’s why we keep a close eye on all the regulations surrounding this passion!
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Together, we’ll keep the passion for classic cars alive!