Registration

Fact: the fine for driving with shoddy number plates is 65,-.

The registration consists of all parts of the vehicle registration document and the number plates. It is mandatory to always carry part I and part II of the vehicle registration document with you when driving your car. You should have the originals with you, since copies are not valid. Part I of the vehicle registration document consists of the technical data on the vehicle and will not be renewed. Part II consists of the data about the owner or holder of the vehicle.

Number plates
Since February 1st 2003 it is mandatory for almost all cars and motorcycles to have number plates which display the euro-emblem and the NL-sign. There are however a few exceptions, e.g. the dark blue plates for old-timer cars, the light blue plates for taxicabs, green plates for car dealers and garagists and the smaller American type registration plates.

To prevent fraud, the new number plates can only be bought at one of the official sales points, only after showing a valid ID along with parts I and II of the vehicle registration document.

Readability
The letters and numbers on the number plates should be readable from a distance of 20 meters. This means that you are not allowed to drive the vehicle if the number plates are worn or unreadable because of dirt. It is also forbidden to drive with an unreadable number plate because an object like a draw hook or a bicycle rack is obstructing the number plate. The fine for incorrect number plates is 57,-. The fine for driving with green plates (for car dealers or garagists) when this is not allowed, is 144,-.

Trailers
For trailers, caravans and other pulled vehicles, an individual registration is mandatory. Since September 1st 2003 all trailers, caravans etc. which weigh more than 750 kilo should have individual number plates and an individual vehicle registration document. Lighter trailers may also use the white number plates of the pulling vehicle, this is also so for bicycle racks.

Stolen number plates
Although it doesnt happen very often, sometimes number plates are stolen. If this happens you should contact the RDW (if your car has Dutch number plates), as well as your insurance company. You should also report the theft to the police. Remember: someone driving with your stolen number plates can cause traffic offences and accidents.