Vehicle inspection in Portugal (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Passenger cars are first inspected four years after registration, then every two years until eight years old and yearly after that. Inspections are done in approved centres. Using a car without inspection is fined EUR 250 to EUR 1,250.

RuleWhat applies
First inspection of a new carVehicle inspectionLight passenger cars (M1) have their first periodic inspection four years after the date of first registration. [1]
Inspection intervalVehicle inspectionAfter the first inspection, light passenger cars are inspected every two years until they are eight years old, and every year after that. [1]
Who carries out the testVehicle inspectionInspections are the responsibility of the IMT, which may use managing entities of inspection centres. Those inspections take place in approved inspection centres by inspectors licensed by the IMT. [2]
Penalty for an overdue testVehicle inspectionUsing a vehicle without an inspection on the required schedule is an administrative offence punished with a fine of EUR 250 to EUR 1,250 (EUR 120 to EUR 600 for motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles). [2]
Foreign cars visitingVehicle inspection⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The sources read do not say whether foreign-registered cars visiting must have a local test, so this is not stated here.

Sources

  1. Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes: Tipos de Inspeções (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Procuradoria-Geral Distrital de Lisboa (updated text of the Diário da República act): DL n.º 144/2012, de 11 de Julho (versão actualizada) (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.