The Hauptuntersuchung (HU) in Germany
In short: the Hauptuntersuchung (HU) is Germany's periodic vehicle inspection. A new car is first tested after three years, then every two years. The combined inspection and emissions test usually costs 140 to 170 EUR, and a coloured plakette on the rear plate shows when the next test is due.
What the Hauptuntersuchung is
The Hauptuntersuchung (HU) is the mandatory periodic inspection of safety and roadworthiness in Germany. It is carried out by officially approved inspection organisations such as DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS, TÜV SÜD, TÜV Rheinland, and FSP. The HU is usually performed together with the emissions test, the Abgasuntersuchung (AU).
What it costs
The combined HU and AU typically costs between 140 and 170 EUR, depending on the provider, the region, and the vehicle. Because the licensed organisations set their own prices, the amount you pay for the same test can differ noticeably, which is why comparing before you book is worthwhile.
How often you need it
A brand new passenger car has its first Hauptuntersuchung after three years. After that, the test is due every two years. The exact month is encoded on your plakette.
The plakette explained
After a passed inspection, a coloured plakette is fixed to the rear number plate. The colour changes by year and the numbers around its edge mark the month and year of the next due date. A glance at the sticker tells you, and the police, when the car must be tested again.
What gets checked
- Brakes and brake balance
- Steering and suspension
- Lights and electrical systems
- Tyres, wheels, and axles
- Body, chassis, and underbody
- Exhaust emissions (Abgasuntersuchung)
Compare prices and book
hu-kosten.de helps German drivers compare what the Hauptuntersuchung costs nearby and book with a trusted provider, the same way eukontrollpris.no works in Norway.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Hauptuntersuchung cost in Germany?
The Hauptuntersuchung combined with the emissions test (Abgasuntersuchung) typically costs around 140 to 170 EUR, depending on the provider and region. Prices vary between DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS, TÜV SÜD, TÜV Rheinland, and FSP, so it pays to compare.
How often is the Hauptuntersuchung required?
A new car has its first Hauptuntersuchung after three years, then every two years afterwards. Older vehicles stay on the two year cycle.
What is the plakette?
The plakette is a coloured sticker placed on the rear number plate after a passed inspection. Its colour and the number it shows indicate the month and year the next Hauptuntersuchung is due, so police and owners can see the deadline at a glance.
What happens if I miss the HU deadline?
For the first two months past the deadline there is usually no fine. Beyond two months the test becomes a more thorough inspection with a fee surcharge of around 20 percent, and fines start to apply: roughly 15 EUR at two to four months over, 25 EUR at four to eight months, and 60 EUR plus one point in the Flensburg driving register beyond eight months. Booking before the month shown on your plakette avoids all of it.
Comparing another country? See our Norway EU-kontroll guide or the overview of vehicle inspection in Europe.