Vehicle inspection in Europe
In short: almost every European country requires cars to pass a recurring technical inspection for safety and emissions. EU and EEA countries, Norway included, share a common baseline set by EU Directive 2014/45/EU, while countries outside the EU and EEA run their own equivalent rules. The name, price, and schedule are decided nationally. Below is how it works in the countries we cover, with a link to a local price comparison service for each.
What a periodic technical inspection is
A periodic technical inspection, often shortened to PTI, is a recurring roadworthiness test that a vehicle must pass to stay legal on the road. An inspector checks brakes, steering, lights, tyres, suspension, the body, and exhaust emissions. If the car passes, you get proof of inspection. If it fails, you fix the faults and return for a retest within a set window.
Across the EU and the wider EEA, the minimum standards are set by EU Directive 2014/45/EU, which is why the checks feel familiar from one country to the next. Countries outside the EU and EEA run their own schemes, but the idea is the same. What differs is the local name, the price, how often the test is due, and which organisations are allowed to carry it out.
Inspection at a glance, by country
| Country | Local name | Typical frequency | Typical cost | Who performs it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | EU-kontroll | Every 2 years | Around 500 to 2,000 NOK | Approved workshops |
| Germany | Hauptuntersuchung (TÜV) | First after 3 years, then every 2 years | Around 140 to 170 EUR | TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS, FSP |
Prices and intervals are indicative and change over time. Use the country guide and the local service for current figures.
Norway: EU-kontroll
Norway calls the test EU-kontroll. Passenger cars are inspected every two years, and prices between approved workshops vary widely. Our Norway EU-kontroll guide explains the cost, the schedule, and what is checked, and links to eukontrollpris.no where you compare workshops and book.
Germany: TÜV and the Hauptuntersuchung
In Germany the inspection is the Hauptuntersuchung, widely known as the TÜV after one of the organisations that performs it. A coloured plakette on the rear number plate shows when the next test is due. Read the Germany TÜV guide for costs, the plakette system, and where to compare.
Frequently asked questions
Is vehicle inspection the same across the EU?
Within the EU and EEA, the minimum standards are harmonised by EU Directive 2014/45/EU, so the core safety and emissions checks are similar from country to country. Countries outside the EU and EEA run their own equivalent schemes. Each country still sets its own name, price, schedule, and approved inspection bodies on top of that baseline.
How often does a car need inspection?
A common pattern for passenger cars is the first inspection after three to four years, then every two years. Some countries move to annual inspection once a car passes a certain age. Always check the rule for the country where the car is registered.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Driving with an expired inspection can lead to fines and, in some countries, deregistration of the vehicle. Booking ahead of the deadline avoids the risk and gives you time for a retest if something fails.
Can I compare prices before I book?
Yes. Inspection prices vary a lot between workshops. Local comparison services let you sort approved workshops by price, distance, and rating before you choose.