What is a Vehicle Inspection and Why is it Necessary?

Generally speaking, a vehicle inspection is a check in which experts examine whether the vehicle is still in a condition that allows it to be safely used in road traffic.

During the inspection, the car is primarily checked based on two main criteria: road safety and environmental regulations. The inspection also determines whether the car meets requirements for sale and insurance purposes – if we want to maintain our vehicle’s marketability in the long term, it’s essential to take care of the paperwork as well.
Additionally, it’s important to remind car owners that the vehicle inspection is legally mandatory. If the car's inspection expires, it is not allowed to participate in traffic.

When Should the Inspection be Done and Where Can I Get Help?

The first vehicle inspection is valid for four years from the date of registration. After that, inspections for passenger cars are generally valid for two years. The expiration date can be found in the vehicle registration document, but it’s not necessary to wait until the last day to schedule the inspection. It can be helpful to do it earlier, especially because waiting times at inspection stations can be long, and it’s not guaranteed that they’ll be able to accommodate you at the last minute. Additionally, if there is a major modification to the vehicle (such as an engine replacement), an inspection may be required outside of the regular schedule.

So, the primary reference for scheduling the inspection is the vehicle’s registration document, but if you have any questions, you can contact the relevant authorities or the inspection stations, who will be happy to assist with any queries related to repairs as well.

What Do They Check During the Inspection?

One of the most common reasons why many vehicles fail their inspection is the condition of the brakes. This is thoroughly checked by experts, as it is one of the most important factors for safe driving.

The same applies to the tires and suspension. Wear and damage are strictly evaluated, as they also significantly increase the risk of accidents. Experts also check the condition of the engine, the oil level, and whether the level of harmful emissions from the exhaust gases exceeds the permitted limit.

Other essential systems and components are also inspected, such as the lighting and electrical system, the chassis, the suspension, and even the bodywork.

What Happens if a Fault is Found on the Vehicle?

Even with careful preparation, it can still happen that the inspector finds a fault in the vehicle. These problems can be categorized into three groups.

Minor faults are those issues that do not affect the safety of the vehicle. In such cases, the inspection is considered successful, but it is recommended to resolve the identified problems as soon as possible.

If a more serious fault is found, the vehicle officially fails the technical inspection. In this case, the issues must be addressed immediately, and a re-inspection can be attempted afterward. Such faults may include brake problems, suspension failure, or inadequate tires.

There is also a category of dangerous faults. In this case, the vehicle is directly hazardous to passengers and other drivers, and immediate action is required. Problems like a malfunctioning steering system or severely damaged brakes fall into this category.