Main inspection: Acceptance
In order to ensure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition in accordance with the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), it must be subjected to a general inspection (HU) at regular intervals.
Since 1 January 2010, there has been no independent emissions test (AU). It was integrated into the HU as an independent part. Since 1 January 2010, the AU badges have also been omitted, there are only the HU badges.
Who should I contact?
The responsibility lies with the testing centres and the specialist workshops/car dealerships. As a rule, an expert person comes to these companies at different intervals to carry out the inspection on site.
Further information on opening hours and test locations can be found on the following websites:
Which documents are required?
Documents may be required. Please contact the competent authority.
What are the fees?
Acceptance fee for cars
Fee: approx. 60,00 Euro
Purchase fee for motorcycles
Fee: approx. 40,00 Euro
In the event that you have exceeded the examination deadlines, you must expect a fine. For more information on the type and amount of the fine, please contact the competent authority or refer to sub-items 186.1.1 - 186.1.4 of the Annex (to § 1 paragraph 1) of the catalogue of fines (BKat). The fines apply in accordance with Annex VIII (§ 29 paragraphs 1 to 4, 7, 9, 11 and 13) No. 2.1 Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO).
- Annex (to § 1 paragraph 1) Catalogue of fines (BKat)
- Annex IX (to § 29 paragraphs 2, 3, 5 to 8) Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO)
Fine: 15,00 - 75,00 EURPayment in advance: no
Process flow
During the main inspection, your vehicle will be inspected by an expert to determine any defects. After the examination, you will receive a detailed test report.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
The legislator prescribes the following deadlines for the main inspection (HU):
|
Type of vehicle |
Months until the next HU after 1st HU |
Months until the first technical inspection after initial registration |
|
AUTOMOBILE |
24 |
36 |
|
Motorcycles, including light motorcycles |
24 |
24 |
|
Trailer, gross vehicle weight up to 0.75 t |
24 |
36 |
|
Trailer, gross vehicle weight from 0.75 t to 3.5 t |
24 |
24 |
|
Caravans/motorhomes under 3.5 t |
24 |
36 |
|
TRUCK |
24 |
24 |
|
motorhomes and trucks, |
up to 6 years: 24 |
24 |
|
motorhomes and trucks, |
12 |
12 |
What else should I know?
The test report of the main inspection (HU test report) must be kept in accordance with § 29 paragraph 10 StVZO and submitted to the vehicle registration authority whenever the vehicle documents are dealt with.
If you have lost or misplaced your HU test report, you are obliged to either obtain a duplicate (from the institution that carried out the HU) or you must have a new HU carried out at your own expense. The inspection sticker on the license plate or the HU stamp in the vehicle registration document alone are not sufficient proof of a valid technical inspection.
