Why you should no longer buy a 40-year-old classic car after 2028

You don’t pay any vehicle tax for a classic car. At least that’s how it is now. That’s going to change. We explain why it will be less attractive to buy a 40-year-old classic car after 2028.

Until 2014, cars that were 25 years old or older were legally considered classic cars. This means that until then you didn’t have to pay vehicle tax on these older cars. That changed 10 years ago and a car that is 40 years old or older is a vintage car. There is a transitional regulation for cars that fall through the cracks.

Get new classic cars in 2028

But the regulation for cars that are 40 years old or older is also limited. The program ends in 2028. This means that if you drive a car from 1988 or later, it can never legally become a classic car. So you always have to pay vehicle tax.

40 years old

Cars from before 1988 are still considered classic cars by law. You won’t have to pay vehicle tax for these cars even after 2028. Please note that a car is only exempt from vehicle tax on the day it turns 40 years old. So it’s not about the years of production of a car, but about the first registration of the specific example.

Would you like to drive a classic car? Previously, we made a list of five iconic cars that will be exempt from road tax this year. It is sometimes difficult to find a first year car, although the majority of used cars eventually become classic cars.

Classic car events

Do you like classic cars and like going to events? Then take a look here at the best events of 2024, where you will find beautiful classics.