At a glance
In this article we look at what a classic car (oldtimer) is, its specific features and usage restrictions, how often it must be inspected, and what it costs to insure.
During the warmer months, many classic vehicles, known as "oldtimers" (or ancêtres in Belgian regulations), come out of their garages to take to the road. Cherished and pampered by their owners, they bring back memories for many people of an era when cars looked very different from today's.
Are you thinking of buying a classic car and hitting the road? Our blogger Alain Dierckx shares a few tips and explains what you need to watch out for.
What is an "oldtimer" (ancêtre)?
A car is considered an oldtimer if it meets the following conditions:
• The car is at least thirty years old
• The vehicle is registered as an oldtimer
• The license plate starts with the letter "O", with "1-O", or carries a personalized oldtimer sticker
Important: anyone wishing to register their vehicle as an oldtimer must first go to a Technical Inspection Center to obtain a valid certificate of conformity.
How does an oldtimer differ from a modern car?
An oldtimer is several decades old and is therefore not equipped with today's technology. That's why driving an oldtimer feels very different from driving a modern car. Think, for example, of the lack of power steering and air conditioning. The brakes are also less effective than today's braking systems. Most oldtimers have a manual gearbox, and the cabin is less soundproofed, making engine and traffic noise more noticeable.
These factors make driving an oldtimer a more hands-on experience than driving a modern car. You'll need to adapt your driving, particularly your speed, since most oldtimers can't go very fast. This has consequences, among other things, when you want to overtake another vehicle or merge onto a motorway.
However, if you take these limitations into account, you'll no doubt have a great deal of fun driving your oldtimer.
What types of use are forbidden for oldtimers?
With an oldtimer, you can drive on all types of roads in Belgium and abroad, including motorways. However, the following activities are forbidden, unless you have special authorization:
• Commuting to work or school
• Professional activities
• Paid transport
• Using the oldtimer as a work tool
What are the drawbacks of an oldtimer?
Depending on the model and age of the vehicle, it can be difficult, or even very difficult, to find spare parts in case of breakdown or accident. It's therefore useful to have some technical know-how to deal with any problems that arise.
On top of that, there is unfortunately an increased risk of theft, particularly for beautiful and rare oldtimers, since they can be quite valuable.
When does an oldtimer need to undergo a roadworthiness inspection?
An oldtimer that has been on the road for at least 25 years must undergo periodic roadworthiness inspection.
Exceptions:
• Slow-moving transport vehicles
• Vehicles fitted with tracks
• Vehicles in categories TL, Txa (< 40 km/h), C or R
• Vehicles dating from before January 1, 1926. These are often considered cultural heritage, are in excellent condition and rarely appear on public roads.
Vehicles with an O plate dating from before June 15, 1968 are also exempt from providing certificates if the modifications date from before May 20, 2018.
The inspection costs €40, and a surcharge applies in case of delay.
How often must an oldtimer be inspected in Flanders and Brussels?
• Vehicles aged 25 to 29: annual inspection
• Vehicles aged 30 to 49: inspection every two years
• Vehicles aged 50 and over: inspection every five years
How often must an oldtimer be inspected in Wallonia?
• Vehicles aged 25 to 30: annual inspection
• Vehicles aged 30 to 50: inspection every two years
• Vehicles aged 30 to 50 with "historic value": no inspection
• Vehicles over 50 years old: no inspection
Can an oldtimer be registered with a regular plate?
Yes, that's possible, and in that case there is no restriction on use. However, you will need to pass the roadworthiness inspection every year.
Are oldtimers allowed in LEZs (low emission zones)?
In Brussels:
Oldtimers over 30 years old with an "O" plate can drive in the LEZ without registering with the Brussels authorities.
In Wallonia:
There is currently no low emission zone.
In Flanders:
Oldtimers over 30 years old with an "O" plate can drive in LEZs after registering with the relevant local authority. This registration may be free or subject to a fee and must be done no later than the day after entering the LEZ.
For the city of Ghent: Gent
For the city of Antwerp: slimnaarantwerpen
How do you insure your oldtimer? What about roadside assistance cover?
You can insure your oldtimer without any trouble with various insurers, just as you would for a new or used vehicle.
For roadside assistance cover, check with your assistance provider whether they cover oldtimers. This is the case for Redion insurance policies. However, since it's an older vehicle, it won't always be possible, for example, to repair it on the spot. The oldtimer will therefore only be towed to a garage or an agreed location. There, you can have the vehicle repaired using the appropriate spare parts.
How much does insurance for an oldtimer cost?
As with regular cars, the price depends on the chosen plan and the cover it offers. For an oldtimer, you can choose per-kilometer insurance, a "mini omnium" or a "full omnium" policy. The value of the vehicle also plays a role.
For exclusive models, the insurer may impose restrictions, particularly regarding parking and the number of kilometers driven. If you own several oldtimers, the rate generally decreases from the second vehicle onward.
If you are a member of an oldtimer club, ask whether a negotiated group rate exists, as this can be advantageous.
How much tax do you pay for an oldtimer?
In Belgium, two types of tax must be paid for an oldtimer: the registration tax and the road tax.
Oldtimers benefit from an advantageous flat-rate road tax, provided the vehicle has been on the road for at least thirty years. Note: it's the date of first registration that counts, not the year it was built!
Here are the rates by region:
