Suspending a car, this is how it works
Car suspension saves you money
If you decide to suspend your car, then the vehicle obligations – MOT inspection, insurance and motor vehicle taxes – expire and, of course, you save on their costs. Of course, that can be very important to you in certain situations, but suspension has more consequences.
Consequences of car suspension
You have to remember that you can’t do anything at all with your suspended car. You are not allowed to drive it or park it along the road. So you need a place to park your car. Nor does a car get any better if you don’t use it for a long time. And if you do want to sell your car during the suspension, the buyer cannot test drive it.
Where can I suspend my car?
You can suspend your car at a so-called license plate counter. You can find these at PostNL branches, at car dealerships and at RDW – all addresses can be found on the RDW site. Bring your original, valid identification, as well as your registration card and the registration code or the registration certificate and the transfer certificate. It is probably more convenient to arrange the suspension online at RDW‘s website, where you will be guided step by step through the application. The suspension starts immediately; you cannot choose another date.
License plate and suspension
Please note that when you suspend your car, the registration number of your car remains valid, so your car remains in your name. So be careful with it, because you won’t get a new license plate once the suspension expires or is lifted. When you start driving again – even if you get your car inspected before driving – you need your license plate number.
How long can I suspend my car?
You can choose to suspend your car for one, two or three years. The suspension will then automatically expire at the end of your chosen suspension period. You can also extend the suspension again.
What does car suspension cost?
Suspending your car is not free of charge. There are two rates: the lower ones for cars 15 years or older and the normal rates for cars that are younger:
| Low (Older than 15 years) | Normal (Younger than 15 years old) | |
| 1 year | € 26,50 | € 80,20 |
| 2 years | € 53,00 | € 106,70 |
| 3 years | € 79,50 | € 133,20 |
Suspension override
But a suspension can also be lifted again – immediately. This does come at no cost, but you also won’t get a refund if you lift the suspension early. Remember that your car must be MOT-approved again when the suspension expires and also that you must have paid motor vehicle tax and insurance premiums. Suspension, extension and lifting of suspension can be done through the RDW website.
Collector scheme
Those with a collection of old cars in their name can take advantage of the more advantageous collector scheme to suspend more cars at once. For example, if you store them in a barn and suspend them for 1, 2 or 3 years, you are rid of all vehicle liabilities at once. You can also arrange this online or at a counter.