Record high in successful motor vehicle tests in 2024; some reports of fraud

For the first time, more than 8 million periodic motor vehicle inspections (APK) were completed in the Netherlands in 2024, according to the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW). This record coincides with a new crackdown on fraudulent APK practices, including illegal approvals promoted on TikTok.

The RDW said the growth in APKs, an increase of approximately 100,000 compared to last year, is due to more vehicles on the road and longer-lasting cars. Vehicles undergo these tests to ensure roadworthiness. Gasoline and electric vehicles require an APK after four years, while diesel cars are tested after three years. During the inspections, brakes, tires, suspension, lighting, and emissions are evaluated.

While most of the 10,000 licensed garages operate legally, the RDW has uncovered widespread fraud in some cases. Earlier this year, 350 vehicles had their APKs invalidated after investigations revealed they were never actually inspected. In one instance, data showed an inspector registering an inspection in Groningen and another in Amsterdam just five minutes later—an impossible scenario.

RDW officials have identified illegal APK approvals advertised on social media platforms, including TikTok. Posts by fraudulent providers promise approvals for vehicles without inspections. One ad stated, "Car won’t pass? Too much emissions? For 200 euros, get it approved without leaving your home." Another offered services for as little as 135 euros, boasting that even vehicles missing tires would pass.

“We need to separate the wheat from the chaff and take strong action against these illegal practices,” said RDW inspection manager Teun Verschuren. “These fraudulent activities jeopardize road safety. Cars that should fail their inspections and require repairs are still on the roads.”

Starting January 2025, the RDW will implement stricter measures to combat APK fraud. A mandatory reporting pause will be introduced, preventing inspectors from registering multiple vehicles in bulk—an anomaly previously linked to suspicious activities. Additionally, inspection reports will be redesigned for clarity, and underperforming garages will face more frequent checks by RDW inspectors.

“We conduct about 235,000 spot checks annually with 150 inspectors on the ground every day,” Verschuren said. “We’ll increase our use of data to identify discrepancies, but I can’t disclose specifics about our methods.”

The RDW is also urging citizens to report illegal inspection practices. In 2024, 12 inspectors were suspended for participating in fraudulent activities, while 350 vehicles had their APKs canceled, forcing owners to undergo legitimate tests. One person has been arrested for fraud, and several garages have been warned.

“Sometimes people pay 250 euros for an illegal inspection and receive nothing in return,” said Verschuren. “But these scams often go unreported because those scammed are also engaging in illegal activity.”

Inspectors caught participating in these schemes face an automatic 12-month suspension and must retake their certification exams. “It’s not just about fraud—it’s life-threatening,” Verschuren added. “Vehicles with critical defects are on the road, posing risks to everyone’s safety.”