General Periodic Inspection
The General Periodic Inspection (Algemene Periodieke Keuring - APK) is a mandatory inspection for motor vehicles in the Netherlands to verify compliance with legal requirements regarding safety and environment. The inspection must be carried out by an approved APK inspection station and is required for cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
When a vehicle fails the APK inspection, it may no longer be used on the road until the identified defects have been remedied. If you disagree with the inspection result, you can file an objection with the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW - Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer).
Requirements
- Inspection frequency: Passenger cars younger than 4 years are exempt, thereafter annual inspection is mandatory
- Approved station: Inspection must be carried out at an RDW-approved APK inspection station
- Registration certificate part 1: Must be brought to the inspection station
- Validity: APK approval is valid until the expiry date on the inspection report
Procedure
- Make appointment: At an approved APK inspection station
- Inspection: Check of safety, environment and technical condition of the vehicle
- Approval: Upon approval you receive an APK inspection report
- Rejection: Upon rejection you must have defects remedied and have the vehicle inspected again
Objection
- Disagree with result: You can file an objection with the RDW
- Re-assessment: The RDW can have the vehicle inspected again
- Deadline: Objection must be filed within the specified period
- Procedure: Follow the objection procedure as described in Articles 90 and 91 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 (Wegenverkeerswet 1994)