New vehicle inspection rules
Did you already know about the new vehicle inspection rules? Among other things, the inspection frequency of passenger vehicles is changing. Cars older than four years now only need to be inspected every two years. In addition, passenger vehicles can also be inspected in the garage under certain conditions.
Inspection every two years
Passenger vehicles older than four years with a final inspection date of 1 September 2024 or later will now only have to be inspected every two years. Once they are six years old or have covered 160,000 km, they will have to undergo an annual inspection again. This change applies to all passenger vehicles, dual-use vehicles, hearses and minibuses. All other vehicles do not fall under the new scheme. A used vehicle will still have to undergo an annual inspection, even if it is less than six years old and has less than 160,000 km on the odometer.
In concrete terms, this means that a five-year-old passenger vehicle with 120,000 km on the odometer and an inspection certificate that expires in September 2024 will only have to come back in two years after a new inspection. Would that same vehicle have had an inspection certificate valid until 31 August 2024, it cannot yet benefit from the new rules.
Introduction of new rules in three phases
The new rules on inspection frequency will be introduced in three phases. So in July 2024, the first phase went into effect. From 1 July 2025, the second phase will follow. Then, the rule will also apply to passenger vehicles up to eight years old whose final inspection date falls on 1 September 2025 or later. From 1 July 2026, phase 3 will take effect and the rule will also apply to passenger cars up to 10 years old whose final inspection date falls on 1 September 2026 or later.
Garage inspection
Passenger vehicles, light trucks and light trailers can also be inspected in a garage since 1 July. However, the garage must install an inspection line and the inspection itself must still be carried out by an inspector working at an approved inspection body.
Going to the inspection with your lease vehicle?
Even if you drive a lease vehicle, chances are you will have to go to the inspection. It depends on how long your contract runs. Every new vehicle has to undergo an inspection four years after the first registration date. If your contract is longer than four years, you will have to go to the inspection.
Vehicles fitted with a tow bar must go to the inspection as soon as the vehicle is delivered. It is the delivering dealer who takes care of the inspection. The cost associated with this first inspection is provided for in the leasing contract. If the maximum authorised weight of the trailer or caravan is less than 750 kg, the inspection station will issue a certificate valid for four years. If your vehicle is driven for longer than 4 years, you must present it to the inspection station again at your own expense after 4 years. If the maximum permitted weight of the trailer or caravan exceeds 750 kg, you will have to go to the inspection station annually and at your own expense. Vehicles registered as light goods must go to the inspection station annually.
Tip: Bring the right documents
When you go to the inspection, it's best to bring all on-board documents with you. We briefly list them for you:
- your registration certificate
- your certificate of conformity (also called COC)
- your last inspection certificate
- a valid insurance certificate (printed or digital version)
Tips for a smooth technical inspection
To help you pass the inspection successfully, we would like to give you a few tips:
- Before going to the inspection, put all seats in place, fasten all seatbelts and clean your vehicle inside and out.
- Check that all your vehicle's lights work. If necessary, ask your mechanic to adjust all lights correctly.
- Inflate your tyres to the correct pressure.
- Make sure both your number plates are clean and legible. Are they damaged? If so, replace them as your vehicle may be rejected for this.
