Periodical technical Inspection (PTI) - advance information

Learn more about the periodical technical inspection (PTI)

The periodical technical inspection of vehicles is one of the most important tools to make Germany’s roads safer.  First introduced in 1961, the TÜV inspection sticker on the license plate shows that a car is conforming to legal road safety requirements.

TÜV SÜD vehicle inspections: For your safety and everybody else’s

Road safety and environmental protection – these are the major objectives of the periodical technical inspection (PTI, in German: Hauptuntersuchung, HU). Every vehicle registered in Germany must undergo this mandatory recurring safety check throughout its service life. Since January 1, 2010, the previously separate emissions test (Abgasuntersuchung, AU) has been fully integrated into the PTI. As a consequence, the hexagonal emissions test sticker on the front plate has also been discontinued.

A passenger car usually must be presented for inspection every two years. The TÜV SÜD experts examine every car in detail, checking brakes, lights and all other safety-related features for functionality and integrity. The environmental check-up benefits both the environment and your own wallet: high emissions can be the sign of a malfunction resulting in excessive fuel consumption.

But how can I tell if my car is due for another inspection? What paperwork do I have to bring? What about vehicles with seasonal license plates? What happens if the inspection reveals any defects? Read on and click through the following pages to find answers to these and many other questions.

Sign up for our free online reminder service to never miss another inspection deadline. For your convenience, you can also find your nearest TÜV SÜD Center and schedule your inspection appointment online.

Getting your inspection sticker: some essential legal facts

  • Backdating principle (effective from December 1, 1999): For example, if you are supposed to present you car for inspection in November, but only get around to doing it in January, your new inspection sticker will be backdated to November. Of course, you can also schedule an early inspection, e.g. if there’s still six months until the deadline but you want to sell your car and improve its resale value.
  • If the inspection reveals any defects, the necessary repairs must be made within one month or less.
  • The car owner must keep the most recent inspection report at least until the next inspection report is issued. However, it’s not necessary to keep the inspection record in the vehicle at all times.
  • If you should happen to lose your inspection report, TÜV SÜD is here to help: just present your vehicle registration documents at the nearest TÜV SÜD Service Center and request a copy of the inspection report.
  • RVs and camper vans weighing less than 3,500kg are treated as passenger cars. New vehicles must have their first periodical technical inspection 36 months after their initial registration and every 24 months thereafter. RVs weighing from 3,500kg to 7,500kg must be presented for inspection every two years for the first six years of their service life and once a year thereafter.

If you miss the deadline for scheduling an appointment or presenting your vehicle, you may be fined up to €40 and receive a maximum of two demerit points at the Central Traffic Register. By the way: TÜV SÜD is not the enforcing authority and will not add the fine to your inspection bill.

HUA/AU Box