What are the APK inspection requirements?
The following items are the APK inspection requirements:
- Road safety (brakes, suspension, shock absorbers, tires, steering system, lighting, and body).
- Environment (exhaust emissions).
- Vehicle Registration Certificate, Part I, and chassis number.
Particulate Matter Measurement
Cars with a diesel engine manufactured in 1980 or later undergo a soot test as part of the APK. During this test, the amount of soot emitted by the car is checked by running the engine at full throttle with no load and visually measuring the amount of soot. The test takes only a few seconds but must be completed successfully before the car can be approved.
Four-Gas Testing
Cars with a gasoline or LPG engine equipped with a “regulated” catalytic converter and manufactured in 1993 or later must undergo a so-called four-gas test. A four-gas tester is used to verify that the exhaust emissions do not exceed the legal limits.
Mileage
Since 1999, recording a car’s mileage has been a legally required part of the APK inspection. This mileage is recorded in the database of the Stichting Nationale Auto Pas. Mileage is recorded not only during inspections, but also during maintenance, repairs, or appraisals. Mileage readings are recorded in the National Auto Pass to prevent mileage fraud and thereby contribute to greater certainty regarding used cars.
RDW Vehicle Inspection Requirements
The RDW participates on behalf of the Netherlands in European consultations regarding European regulations on the APK. APK inspectors are bound by official regulations. They check whether your car meets all safety and environmental requirements and whether it is properly registered in the vehicle registration database. After the inspection, you will receive an APK inspection report. This report serves as proof that your car meets the RDW’s APK inspection requirements.You cannot view the report online. However, by performing alicense plate check, you can see online what the expiration date of your APK is.
APK Inspection Requirements Checklist
Is your car due for its APK inspection soon, and would you like to do a quick check yourself beforehand? If so, it’s helpful to go through this checklist of APK inspection requirements. The checklist makes it easy to verify the most important APK inspection requirements. All items must be present and in good condition.
- General requirements. This means that the car must be in good working order. For example, there must be no oil leaks.
- Registration, including all documents and the odometer reading
- Braking
- Mirrors
- Belts
- Steering System
- Exhaust and Exhaust Gases
- Windows, especially the windshield
- Locks, such as the hinges, doors, hood, and trunk lid
- Lighting
- Bodywork
- Wheel Suspension
- Wheels and tires. Check the tires for cracks, damage, and dryness.
APK Inspection Requirements PDF
There used to be an APK handbook that listed all the inspection requirements. However, it is no longer available. You can find all the regulations regarding the APK on the RDW website. You can also download a PDF version from the RDW website. You can save it to your computer or print it out yourself.
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