Vehicle inspection by country
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
Vehicle inspection compared across countries: First inspection of a new car, inspection interval, who carries out the test, penalty for an overdue test, foreign cars visiting. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | First inspection of a new car | Inspection interval | Who carries out the test | Penalty for an overdue test | Foreign cars visiting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 36 months | Every 24 months | Recognised experts or organisations | EUR 15 to 60, by delay | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Netherlands | 4 years (petrol); 3 years (diesel, gas) | 2 years, then yearly from 8 (petrol) | RDW-recognised garage | Fine EUR 180 to 500 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| United Kingdom | 3 years after registration | Every year | Approved MOT test centre | Fine up to £1,000 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| France | Within 6 months before 4th anniversary | Every 2 years | Any approved centre | Fine up to EUR 750 (usually EUR 135) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Spain | None until 4 years old | 2 years; yearly after 10 years | Authorised ITV station | Fine EUR 200; deregistration after 10 days | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Ireland | 4 years | Every 2 years, yearly after 10 | NCTS test centres | Fixed charge fine and penalty points | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Poland | Within 3 years of registration | 2nd at 5 years, then yearly | Licensed inspection stations | Registration document retained | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Portugal | 4 years after first registration | Every 2 years; yearly after 8 years | Approved inspection centres (IMT) | Fine EUR 250 to EUR 1,250 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Sweden | 3 years after first use | 2nd after 2 years, then 14 months | Accredited inspection bodies | Driving ban from the next month | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Czechia | 4 years after registration | Every 2 years | Authorised inspection stations | Fine up to CZK 50,000 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Norway | 4 years | Every 2 years | Approved workshop | Use ban; plates may be removed | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Croatia | In month 24 after first registration | Every 12 months | Authorised inspection stations | Taken out of traffic; EUR 30 sticker fine | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Romania | 3 years (if new when registered) | Every 2 years; yearly from 12 years old | R.A.R. or R.A.R.-authorised stations | Registration suspended by law | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Japan | 3 years | Every 2 years | Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism | Up to JPY 300,000 or 6 months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.