Mandatory inspection
Check when a vehicle needs the Dutch periodic roadworthiness inspection.
First and later deadlines differ for petrol, diesel, gas and electric vehicles. The current expiry date is available in public RDW data.
Driving without a valid inspection may lead to a fine and insurance issues. Check the rules for suspended or off-road vehicles.
Mandatory periodic inspection
A valid APK is required for road use, but it does not guarantee reliability or replace a full pre-purchase inspection.
A petrol, electric or alcohol-fuelled car under 30 normally follows 4-2-2-1: first after four years, twice at two-year intervals and then annually.
Diesel, gas and other fuels are normally first inspected after three years and then annually. Special and older vehicles can follow different rules.
The current expiry date appears in the RDW registration check. The owner remains responsible even if no reminder arrives.
APK assesses mandatory points on the inspection date. When buying, combine it with a test drive, independent inspection and service history.