Fines and risks: what awaits Ukrainians who have not re-registered their cars in the Netherlands?

The deadline for registering Ukrainian cars in the Netherlands has already passed, and fines are imposed for violating the new rules. Find out what to do if you did not have time to re-register your vehicle, what fines may be imposed on car owners, and how to check for them

Insurance policy Green card for traveling abroad by car with Ukrainian registration

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The Dutch government has introduced new vehicle registration requirements for Ukrainians. According to these requirements, all cars with Ukrainian registration had to obtain Dutch license plates by March 4, 2025.

As this deadline has already passed, vehicle owners who have not completed the registration process may face fines.

This article explains how to re-register a car and avoid possible sanctions.

🚗 You have already taken care of car registration in the Netherlands, but do you have a valid Green Card?

Without an international insurance policy, your trip can result in significant costs in the event of an accident. Apply for a Green Card and travel without any worries! 

What to do if you didn't have time to register your car?

If your car still has Ukrainian license plates, you need to go through the registration procedure as soon as possible, as road control has been tightened. Police and customs services may issue fines for violations of registration requirements.

Possible fines for violating the rules

According to the updated rules, the lack of Dutch registration is punishable by:

- A fine of 400 to 1,000 euros, depending on the duration of the violation.

- Possible seizure of the vehicle in case of systematic violations.

- The MRB tax is charged retroactively from the moment the car actually stays in the Netherlands.

You can check for fines through the official website of the tax office or RDW. To do this, you should log in to your personal account using DigiD or seek advice from local authorities.

The procedure for obtaining Dutch license plates for Ukrainians

To register a vehicle, you must meet the following requirements

- be registered in a municipality in the Netherlands;

- have a valid passport;

- be at least 18 years of age.

Before registering a car in the Netherlands, it is important not to forget about insurance. Many insurance companies offer local policies, but they can be more expensive and require additional checks. The best option for Ukrainians is the international Green Card, which covers the costs of an accident and meets all the requirements of European countries.

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Step-by-step algorithm for re-registering a car

1. BPM tax exemption

- Apply through a special online form on the website of the tax service.

- Receive confirmation of the BPM exemption.

2. RDW technical inspection

- Make an appointment for a technical inspection.

- Bring the necessary documents with you: registration certificate, identity document, certificate of conformity (if any), confirmation of exemption from BPM.

3. Submitting the BPM declaration

- Fill out the online declaration after the technical inspection.

- Get a certificate of registration for the car.

- Obtaining license plates

- Order license plates at certified points (addresses are available on the RDW website).

4. Insurance

- Take out a car insurance policy. You can do it in a few clicks here.

5. Payment of MRB tax

- The tax authorities will send you an invoice.

- You can pay MRB via automatic debit or manually.

How do I check for fines?

To check whether a fine has been imposed for failure to register:

1. Visit the official website belastingdienst.nl or RDW.

2. Log in with DigiD.

3. Check your fine history under “Verkeersboetes” or contact the relevant authorities by phone:

- Tax Office: 0800-0749

- RDW: 088-008 74 47

If you have not yet registered your car, do so as soon as possible to avoid fines and other sanctions. The government urges vehicle owners to act without delay, as a delay may result in financial losses or even confiscation of the vehicle.

Obtaining a Green Card is not only about compliance with the law, but also about your financial security. ✅ Benefits for you:

✔️ Legal insurance for traveling in Europe

✔️ Protection against unforeseen expenses in case of an accident

✔️ Fast online registration in a few minutes

Do not delay! Take out insurance and travel with confidence. 🔗

We remind you! Ukrainian drivers planning to travel to the European Union by car should take care of insurance in advance. One of the key documents that allows you to legally drive a vehicle abroad is a Green Card. Read more about why a Green Card is necessary, how much insurance costs in 2025, and where you can get it quickly.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

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