The future of the general inspection in Germany: New regulations for older vehicles?

The current discussion about the safety and environmental compatibility of vehicles in the EU has gained new momentum. While in Germany today the main inspection (HU) is mandatory for most cars every two years, the EU Commission is planning far-reaching reforms. These could present owners of older cars in particular with new challenges — from more frequent inspections to digital innovations.

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The current regulation: This is how HU is running today

The following currently applies to class M1 passenger cars (passenger cars) in Germany:

• Initial inspection: 36 months after initial registration.
• Follow-up inspections: Every 24 months.
• Inspection sticker: The colored sticker on the license plate shows the due date (e.g. green for 2024, orange for 2025).

There are exceptions for commercial vehicles such as taxis, trucks over 3.5 tons and buses, which are already today reviewed annually must be. But the EU wants to extend this practice to private vehicles — with far-reaching consequences.

First, a brief comparison of how the current regulations differ in different European countries:

Comparison: HU rules in Europe

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Landhu interval (older cars) Special featuresGermanyEvery 24 monthsNo age limitbelgiumStricter emissions tests every year from 5 yearsluxemburgYearly from 7 years of age Integrated noise and exhaust gas testsptYearly from 4 years of age Additional noise measurementsfranceEvery year from 4 years of age, environmental stickers are mandatory in cities

The EU proposal: mandatory annual inspections and digital certificates

The plans presented by the EU Commission on April 24, 2025 aim to reduce the number of road deaths and limit emissions.

• Affected vehicles: All cars and vans over 10 years of age.
• Objective: Reducing road deaths by 1% per year — equivalent to around 7,000 lives saved and 65,000 avoided serious injuries by 2030.
• Reason: Older vehicles are more likely to be involved in accidents, emit more pollutants and have a higher risk of breakdowns.

Key points

1. Annual HU for older vehicles
   • Affected: Cars and vans that are more than 10 years old.
   • Reason: Higher risk of accidents and emissions.
2. New testing methods for modern technologies
   • electric cars: Battery systems and charging technology are tested.
   • Assistance systems: Tests for emergency brake assist, lane departure warning, etc.
   • Exhaust gas tests: Stricter control of particulate matter and NOx using new measurement techniques.
3. Digitalization of processes
   • E-certificates: Replacing paper badges with digital certificates.
   • Odometer scam: EU-wide database for recording mileage.
   • Cross-border recognition: HU reports are valid across Europe for at least six months.

What does this mean specifically for car owners?

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SectorNewsFuture (EU proposal) Test intervalEvery 2 yearsYearly from 10 yearsexpenses100-150 € per huHigher spending due to more frequent testingdocumentationPhysical badge + paperDigital certificates

1. More preparation time for holders
   • Checklist apps for self-testing (lighting, tire tread).
   • Workshop HU packages.
2. Stricter control of retrofits
   • Approval requirement for software updates to assistance systems.
   • More frequent review of retrofit solutions (electric drive, particulate filter).
3. Environmental zones 2.0
   • Automatic transmission of HU results to environmental authorities.
   • Retrofitting obligation if pollutant levels are exceeded.

Criticism and open questions

• Cost burden: Low-income households with older cars are more affected.
• Practical implementation: Capacity issue at TÜV, Dekra & Co.
• Data protection: EU-wide networking poses risks of abuse.

Conclusion: A system in transition

The planned changes mark a paradigm shift — away from pure security control towards a integrated system for safety, environmental protection and digitization. While the EU wants to reduce accident figures with annual inspections and stricter tests, practicable solutions must be found for millions of vehicle owners at the same time. The era of the simple test sticker is coming to an end.

Note: The EU proposals still need to be approved by the European Parliament and the Council. A final decision is expected no earlier than 2026.

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