Car Inspection (Keuring) in Curaçao: What You Need to Know
The keuring is the periodic vehicle inspection on Curaçao that confirms a car is roadworthy. Whether you're buying or already own a car, understanding how it works saves you fines, surprises and repair bills.
What the keuring is
The keuring is a recurring inspection that checks whether a vehicle meets the island's roadworthiness and safety requirements. A car that passes receives a keuringskaart (inspection card) valid until a set expiry date.
Why it matters when buying
A valid keuring is a basic sign the car has been kept roadworthy. If the keuring has expired, you generally can't legally drive the car until it's been inspected again, and you'll be the one arranging and paying for that. Always ask to see the keuringskaart before you commit.
How to check the keuringskaart and its expiry
- Ask the seller to show the keuringskaart and check that the vehicle details on it match the car.
- Look at the expiry date. A card that runs out soon means you'll need to arrange a new inspection shortly.
- Match the card to the seller's ID and the vehicle registration, so you know the keuring belongs to this car.
What happens if it's expired
An expired keuring means the car is not legally roadworthy in the meantime. You'll need to have the car inspected again before you can drive it, and any issues the inspector finds have to be fixed first. This is why an expired (or nearly expired) keuring often shows up as a lower asking price, which is why you should factor the inspection and possible repairs into your offer.
The inspection process
In general, you bring the car to the official inspection location, where it's checked against the roadworthiness requirements; if it passes, you receive a new keuringskaart. The exact steps, required documents, location and any fees change over time, so for the current procedure always check with the official government loket (dienst wegverkeer) on Curaçao before you go.