Vehicle inspection in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: New cars have their first main inspection after 36 months, then every 24 months, at recognised experts or monitoring organisations. An overdue date carries a fine of EUR 15 to EUR 60, depending on the delay.

RuleWhat applies
First inspection of a new carVehicle inspectionA new passenger car must have its first main inspection (Hauptuntersuchung) after 36 months. [1]
Inspection intervalVehicle inspectionAfter the first inspection, passenger cars have a main inspection every 24 months. [1]
Who carries out the testVehicle inspectionThe main inspection must be carried out by an officially recognised expert or examiner for motor traffic (aaSoP), or by an officially recognised monitoring organisation through an inspection engineer it has appointed. [1]
Penalty for an overdue testVehicle inspectionFor a passenger car, the fine is EUR 15 if the test date is exceeded by more than 2 and up to 4 months, EUR 25 for more than 4 and up to 8 months, and EUR 60 for more than 8 months. [2]
Foreign cars visitingVehicle inspection⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The sections read apply to vehicles requiring registration in Germany. They do not say whether foreign-registered visiting cars need a German inspection.

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz / juris (gesetze-im-internet.de): Anlage VIII StVZO - Einzelnorm (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundesministerium der Justiz / juris (gesetze-im-internet.de): Anlage BKatV - Einzelnorm (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.