My vehicle inspection has expired—what should I do now?

Annual Vehicle Inspection (APK)

The General Periodic Inspection (APK) is a mandatory inspection for vehicles. The garage checks whether your car meets environmental and safety requirements. The APK identifies defects to prevent accidents. Driving with worn tires or faulty brakes is dangerous. After the APK, the risk of accidents is reduced.

Annually or biennially

An APK inspection is performed annually on cars that are more than 8 years old. It is performed every two years on newer cars.

MOT expiration date

Six weeks before your APK expires, you’ll receive a letter from the RDW stating the expiration date. You can also check this date online on the RDW website. Have your car inspected before the expiration date—up to 2 months in advance. The old expiration date will then be extended by 1 or 2 years, depending on the inspection frequency. Check your APK expiration date.

Consequences of Driving Without an APK

Are you driving without a valid APK inspection? Two months after your APK expires, you will automatically receive a fine from the Central Judicial Collection Agency (CJIB), even if you are not driving on public roads. In addition, you also risk a fine from the police if you are pulled over. The RDW tracks down cars without a valid APK through daily registry checks and compares inspection data with the vehicle registration database. If your APK has expired, you’ll receive a ticket.

A fine of €180 to €500

In 2025, the fine for an expired vehicle inspection (APK) will be €180 for light vehicles (up to 3,500 kg) and €500 for heavy vehicles (over 3,500 kg). Administrative fees will also be added to these amounts.

File an objection

Do you disagree with a fine for an expired vehicle inspection (APK)? If so, you can file an appeal within 6 weeks through the RDW website. You will receive a confirmation of receipt for your appeal. Sometimes a hearing will follow, during which you can explain your position in person or by phone. The RDW will then make a decision, which you will receive in writing.

No longer insured

In addition, driving with an expired vehicle inspection can also affect your auto insurance. If you cause an accident while driving a car with an expired or failed vehicle inspection, your insurer may decide that you are not covered at that time. This means you’ll have to pay all repair costs yourself.

Legal Expense Insurance

It’s unfair that the insurer refuses to pay out because of a missing vehicle inspection, unless the accident was caused by a vehicle defect. The burden of proof always lies with the driver. A valid vehicle inspection is required under the policy terms. Witness statements can help in this case, and legal expense insurance may be necessary.