Number of classic cars ballooning

In 2012, the total number of oldtimers being presented at one of the country's technical check-up centres was put at 11,229. Last year, this number had risen to 44,430.

In Belgium, cars over 25 years of age can be registered as oldtimers. This has one big advantage: after passing a first technical test, owners do not have to come back in later years. This is different for ordinary cars: owners are confronted with a first official safety check when the car has reached 4 years, and from then on on a yearly basis (except when the car has not covered too many kilometres and passes the test, when drivers have to come back after 6 years, red).

Classic cars receive a special number plate starting with the letter O. However, owners cannot use them for professional or commercial purposes, as a taxi, for commuting to and from work, or for taking the children to and from school.