Cards seem to be shuffled in license plate debate

There will probably be a registration requirement for tractors after all. This is accompanied by an APK obligation, speed increase and better access to certain roads. The House of Representatives debated the issue on Tuesday 22 January.

It is expected that a majority of the House of Representatives will approve the bill amending the 1994 Road Traffic Act next week. This will provide an answer to the EU directive that has been in effect since 20 May 2018. This directive stipulates that agricultural vehicles that can go faster than 40 kilometers per hour MOT-required to be. In order to be able to check and enforce this, a registration requirement for tractors will be introduced. An earlier bill to this effect did not pass.

Limit costs
In the debate yesterday, among other things, the costs associated with registration were discussed. Minister Van Nieuwenhuizen-Wijbenga (Infrastructure and Water Management) emphasized that, as agreed with the sector, this should be kept as low as possible. A motion by PvdA and GroenLinks to also make a license plate mandatory on the front of tractors was therefore discouraged. “That would lead to a total of 4,8 million in additional costs for tractor owners. We only do what is really necessary.”

In addition to the MOT and license plate obligation, the bill includes an increase in the maximum speed to 40 kilometers per hour. This will enable trekkers to choose safer routes and avoid residential areas and parallel roads with cyclists.

Transition Period
If both the House of Representatives and the Senate agree to the bill, a registration requirement will apply to tractors from 2025. Until then, a transition period will apply. New tractors are immediately provided with a license plate. Agricultural vehicles that want to make use of the speed increase, apply for an exemption or use provincial roads before 2025, need a registration plate.

The VVD and the CDA want an evaluation provision to be included in the law. The effectiveness and the effects in practice, including the costs and administrative burden, must be evaluated. This amendment will also be voted on next week.

Boerenbusiness previously submitted questions about the registration requirement Hero Dijkema from Cumela Netherlands.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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