Classic car road tax: rules and exemption clearly explained

Classic car road tax in the Netherlands is not as simple as “old = tax-free”. Many people think that every classic car is automatically exempt, but in reality, this depends on age, fuel type, and specific regulations. If you do not fully understand these rules, you may unexpectedly end up having to pay tax.

In this article, you get a complete and practical overview of how classic car road tax really works. Not only the rules, but also how to apply them when purchasing and owning a classic.

Anyone considering a classic car would be wise to take tax regulations into account immediately when choosing a vehicle. View Metropole's current selection of classics.

How much does a classic car cost in road tax?

The cost of classic car road tax varies widely and depends entirely on age, fuel type, and regulations. Broadly speaking, there are three situations:

1. 40 years and older

• Completely tax-free
• €0 per year

2. Petrol car between 26 and 40 years old ( transitional arrangement )

• Maximum approximately €120 per year
• No use during winter months

3. Other vehicles (diesel, LPG or less than 26 years old)

• Full rate
• Depending on weight and province

A concrete example makes the difference clear. A 30-year-old petrol classic costs approximately €100 per year under the scheme. A comparable diesel can cost more than €1.000 per year. That difference suddenly makes fuel choice a strategic decision, especially at the time of purchase. What is often forgotten is that road tax is only one part of the total costs. Also consider classic car insurance , maintenance, and storage.

What should you look out for when buying a classic car with tax benefits?

Anyone who wants to benefit smartly from classic car road tax must look beyond just the current status of a car.

The most important factors are:

1. Year of construction and exact date of first admission
2. Fuel type
3. Use (seasonal or year-round)
4. Future tax position

A common mistake is that buyers only look at the current exemption. They forget that rules can change or that their own usage does not align with the conditions. A better approach is to plan ahead. For example, choose a car that turns 40 within one or two years, so that you quickly benefit from the full exemption. Those wishing to select based on this can already browse the range of classic cars at Metropole.

In addition, documentation plays a major role. A well-documented classic not only retains its value better but also aligns better with matters such as classic car valuation , insurance, and regulations. This is precisely where experience makes the difference. Through insight into the market, history, and regulations, you can make better choices that go beyond mere emotion.

Is a 40-year-old classic car still exempt from road tax?

Yes, a car 40 years or older is completely exempt from road tax in the Netherlands. This applies to all fuels: petrol, diesel, and LPG.

The Tax and Customs Administration applies a clear threshold: from the moment a vehicle reaches 40 years of age (based on the date of first admission), motor vehicle tax is completely waived. This makes this category particularly attractive to enthusiasts and collectors. However, there is an important detail that is often overlooked. The exemption takes effect from the exact date the car turns 40, not per calendar year. If you buy a car that turns 40 in three months, you will still pay tax as usual during that period.

In practice, many buyers take this into account wisely. They consciously choose a car that is nearly 40 years old , so that it qualifies for an exemption from road tax within a short time.

An example clarifies this. A 1986 Mercedes will be exempt from road tax in 2026. If you buy that car just before that moment, you will first pay temporary motor vehicle tax. After that, you no longer have to pay it.

That is why it is smart not to look only at the model or the price when searching for a classic. Also pay close attention to the year of manufacture and the tax regulations that apply to that car.

Is a 25-year-old car tax-free?

A 25-year-old car can often be insured with classic car insurance . However, this is not automatically the case. The age of the car is, in fact, only one of the conditions. Insurers also look at how the car is used, its condition, and whether the vehicle is truly regarded as an enthusiast's car.

That means that a 25-year-old car does not automatically fall under classic car insurance. Only when the car also

No, a 25-year-old car is not automatically tax-exempt . This is a common misconception that still persists among car enthusiasts.

A transitional arrangement applies to petrol cars between 26 and 40 years old . This means:

1. You do not pay full road tax
2. You pay a reduced rate (maximum approximately €120 per year)
3. You may not use the car in December, January, and February.

This regulation does not apply to diesel and LPG cars. They remain fully subject to tax until they are 40 years old. This is where things often go wrong. Buyers see a 25 or 30-year-old “classic” and assume that it is low in terms of tax. That is only true if it is a petrol car and you meet the conditions of use.

A practical example: a 1995 petrol classic may fall under the transitional arrangement. However, if you use it during the winter months as well, the arrangement lapses and you will still have to pay the full road tax. This has a direct impact on your usage. Many owners choose to store their car during the winter to remain within the scheme.

What year is the classic car still?

The term 'oldtimer' is not always used in the same way. In practice, many people already call a car that is 20 or 25 years old a classic. However, for road tax purposes , what matters most is whether a car is 40 years old or older . This often causes confusion. For tax regulations, the following usually applies:

1. 40 years and older: completely tax-free
2. 26 to 40 years old (petrol): transitional arrangement
3. younger than 26 years: regular road tax

At the same time, enthusiasts often already view cars 20 years and older as youngtimers or budding classics.

That difference is important if you want to buy a car. A car can look and feel like a true classic, but still count as a normal car for tax purposes. For example: a sports car from 2005 is often seen as a future classic. Yet, it still falls under normal tax regulations. That is why it is smart to consider two things when making your choice:

• When does this car fall under a more favorable tax scheme?
• How long do you want to keep the car?

Those who look ahead can make smarter choices. Sometimes a car is not yet tax-friendly, but becomes so within a few years. With knowledge of the market, model years, and regulations, you can better assess which car is not only beautiful but also a smart financial choice.

Ready to see how Snowflake works?

In the Netherlands , classic car road tax depends primarily on the age of the car , the type of fuel , and the associated regulations . Therefore, a car is not automatically tax-exempt simply because it is old or considered a classic.

For tax purposes, the following matters most: cars 40 years and older are exempt, a transitional arrangement applies to some petrol cars between 26 and 40 years old , and younger cars are subject to standard tax. Consequently, it is important not to look solely at the appearance or price of a classic car, but also at the year of manufacture and the tax implications. The most important lesson is simple: those who fully understand the rules regarding classic car road tax make a better choice and avoid unexpected costs.

Metropole Druten – Classic car specialist

Metropole is one of the largest classic car dealers in the Netherlands, with a collection of over 400 cars. We combine expertise with a passion for cars and pride ourselves on our transparent approach.

✔ Over 30 years of experience with classic ford cars for sale
✔ Certified specialists on location
✔ Documentation, history and maintenance always visible
✔ Possibility of on-site inspection
✔ Sales from our own museum

Frequently asked questions