Many Ukrainians arrived in other countries by car, which greatly simplified the time spent there. Learn more about the current rules and documents for Ukrainians who arrived in the Netherlands in their own car

Issuing a policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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The Netherlands is thousands of kilometers from Ukraine, but many refugees came to this country in their own cars. The ability to drive actually became a lifesaver for many Ukrainians who fled the war by going to safe places abroad.

Each country has its own specific rules for drivers, especially non-EU drivers. We tell you whether refugees in the Netherlands can drive cars with Ukrainian license plates, whether it is necessary to register the vehicle and what to do to avoid fines.

Do Ukrainians need to register their cars in the Netherlands?

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the country has made an exception for Ukrainian refugees - it allowed not to register cars that are in the Netherlands. Usually, foreigners who live in the country for more than six months are required to register their vehicles, but Ukrainians are exempt from paying taxes until March 3, 2024.

In the future, such innovations for refugees from Ukraine may be canceled. In this case, the driver needs to register the car and submit a customs declaration, which in turn will create the need to pay taxes:

• Taxation of cars and motorcycles;

• Vehicle tax.

You can find out the latest information from the tax service of the Netherlands (Belastingdienst) by calling (0800) 01 43.

Attention! Be prepared to provide personal information: BSN number, your address, vehicle details.

Also note that under the conditions described, only cars registered in Ukraine can be in the Netherlands. In addition, fines for traffic violations will be sent to the registration address.

Is it necessary to exchange a driver's license for Ukrainians in the Netherlands?

Refugees can use a Ukrainian identity card. The government of the Netherlands supports the European Commission's proposal to keep Ukrainians' driving licenses.

If your certificate has expired before 2022, it is also considered valid.

Citizens who have lost their ID can get a new European-style document after checking with Ukrainian authorities.

Car insurance and civil liability

All cars in the Netherlands must have a valid insurance policy. If your car is insured only in Ukraine, purchase additional insurance.

Take out a "Green Card" insurance policy before entering another country, or if you are already abroad, on your own car. By purchasing insurance, you will receive property damage compensation and many other benefits.

Learn more about the "Green Card" and buy insurance in a few clicks at the link.

Can Ukrainians buy a car in the Netherlands?

Citizens of Ukraine are allowed to buy both new and used vehicles. Remember that after purchase you need:

• take out third party insurance;

• pay the vehicle tax;

• register a license plate in the RDW - you need to prepare your foreign passport and an extract from the BRP with the specified BSN number in advance (the document cannot be older than 3 months).

What to do if your car breaks down in the Netherlands?

Follow a simple algorithm of actions:

• If possible, get to the nearest parking lot or gas station;

• Park near the right edge of the road and turn on the hazard lights;

• If you are on the highway, get out of the car and go behind the fence;

• Call the rescue service (number 112), the National Information Line (0800-8002) or an official rescue company such as Wegenwacht.

It is important to understand exactly where you are. Along highways across the country, there are distance posts that show the distance to a certain point. When talking to the emergency services, you can name this distance and indicate which side of the road you are on. Thanks to this information, you will be found.

Features of parking in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, you will find both free and paid parking spaces.

Paid parking. The average price per hour is 3 euros, in Amsterdam it is 7.50. The further from the city center, the lower the cost. Special mobile applications are a very convenient way to find free and inexpensive parking spaces. Download ANWB Onderweg and Parkmobile, search for available spaces and pay for parking by the minute.

Free parking. In Dutch cities there are so-called "blue zones" - blue sections of the pavement where you can stop without paying. You can also buy a "blue card" that allows you to park in these zones for several hours. It is sold in police stations, gas stations and tobacco shops.

We will remind you! Recently, the country's government extended the term of legal stay for Ukrainians until March 4, 2024. However, refugees need to renew their temporary protection status. How to do it - read the link.

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