What do HU & AU cost? Overview of the fees for the 2025 main inspection

• Costs for ‍ (HU) 2025: The prices for HU vary depending on the testing organization, federal state and vehicle type. For a car up to 3.5 tons, the costs are around 97€ (excluding AU) and up to 150€ (including AU).
• Differences depending on the vehicle: Motorbikes, trailers, motorhomes and trucks have specific fees that depend on weight and the tests carried out. Electric cars are cheaper because no emissions test is required.
• Deadlines: Cars must go to HU for the first time after 36 months, then every 24 months. If the deadline is exceeded by more than 2 months, the costs rise by 20%.
• Cost saving tip: Good preparation for HU, such as checking lighting, windshield wipers and safety vests, can help prevent deficiencies and save costs.

A look at the sticker reveals that it is time for the main inspection again. Regardless of whether you are traveling with an electric car, “normal car”, motorcycle or caravan — it is important to know what costs you will have for the main inspection in 2025.

This article gives you a helpful overview of what is checked during a general inspection and what prices you can expect. At the end of the article, you'll also find our secret tip on how you can save money on your next general inspection. So stay tuned — it's worth it.

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What is the main inspection?

Everyone who is motorised on Germany's roads must go to the general inspection (HU) and emissions test (AU) at certain intervals. Section 29 of the Road Traffic Approval Code (StVZO) regulates this. However, mopeds and scooters with an engine capacity of up to 50 cm³ are not subject to this inspection requirement.

Since 01.12.1951, all motor vehicles in Germany have had to undergo a general inspection. This ensures that your motorised vehicle is roadworthy and that your passengers are not endangered.

Which testing organization carries out the main inspection?

In the past, the market was monopolized by testing organizations that were allowed to give your car the round, colored sticker.

However, you have not been bound to a monopoly for a few years now, but can also visit other technical inspection centers with your vehicle, such as DEKRA, GTÜ or KÜS.

Now you have the opportunity to compare the various prices of the testing organizations and visit the workshop of your choice for you and your motor vehicle.

What does the main inspection cost?

The fees for the main inspection vary and depend on the following factors:

• The federal state
• The testing organization
• The type of vehicle
• The total weight of the vehicle to be tested

In general, the heavier your vehicle, the more expensive the main inspection.

The emissions test: Now an integral part of HU

In addition to the roadworthiness of your vehicle, its environmental compatibility is also tested at certain intervals. This test is the so-called exhaust gas test — AU for short.

Since 2010, the emissions test and the general inspection have been a joint compulsory program and are in most cases completed in one wash up. As always, there are exceptions to the rule: You can also have the AU carried out at your trusted workshop before the HU. However, the test must not be more than 1 month ago, otherwise the emissions test must be re-approved as part of the HU. So note this deadline, otherwise you may have to pay twice for the AU.

How often do you have to go to the main inspection?

Depending on the type of vehicle and age, you must observe various examination intervals. Newer vehicles only have to go to the workshop for an inspection for the first time after 36 months, i.e. 3 years.
After the first 3 years, you must have the main examination carried out every 2 years.

But what about other vehicle classes? Our table gives you information:

Tabellle

Type of vehicle 1. HU appointment after initial approvalsAll subsequent examination intervalsPKWAfter 36 monthsEvery 24 monthsMotorhomes up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weightAfter 36 monthsEvery 24 monthsTaxis and rental vehiclesAfter 12 monthsEvery 12 monthsMotorcycles/light motorcycles (categories L3e, L4e, L5e and L7e)After 24 monthsEvery 24 monthsTrailers up to 750 kgAfter 36 months-Trailers up to 3.5 t maximum weight and caravansAfter 24 months-Trailers over 3.5 t gross vehicle weightAfter 12 monthsEvery 12 monthsTrucks up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weightAfter 24 monthsEvery 24 monthsTruck over 3.5 t gross vehicle weightAfter 12 monthsEvery 12 months

Charges for the main inspection of cars (up to 3.5 tons)

Depending on the testing organization and federal state, the fee to keep your car fit for road traffic for the next few years differs.
However, the price difference is very slight, so it is not worthwhile to travel from Bavaria to Thuringia, for example, just to save a few euros.

Here is a helpful overview of the cost structures of the most important testing organizations for cars up to 3.5 tons:

table

Cars up to 3.5 tons costs HUcosts HU including AUKÜSUp to 101,00 €Up to 158,00€GTÜUp to 104,00 €Up to 159,00€DekraOn requestOn request

Does my electric car have to go to a general inspection and how much does it cost?

An electric car must also be tested for road safety at certain intervals. Just like with an internal combustion engine, new cars take a look under the hood after the first 36 months. Every 24 months thereafter.

However, since the emissions test is omitted, you save around 40€ per visit on average. The total fee therefore consists only of the fees for HU.

Costs for follow-up checks in the event of defects

If your vehicle does not pass the main inspection or emissions test due to defects, you have one month to fix them.

Note that you can make up for the follow-up check within this period for a relatively inexpensive fee. The prices for the follow-up check vary depending on the testing organization and federal state. On average, you should expect an additional cost of around 15-20 €. If defects are found in your car, it is therefore worthwhile to have them repaired as quickly as possible, within the deadline.

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HU prices for technical changes

Have you given your car a new spoiler or made any changes to the exhaust system? Technical changes can have an impact on the road safety of your vehicle. The changes are therefore relevant for the main inspection and therefore for your operating license. Here, too, the costs vary depending on the vehicle class, type of change and federal state. It is cheaper to accept the technical changes on a motorcycle than on a car.

For a more binding statement about your tuned vehicle, it is best to contact our test engineers.

Costs for the general inspection of heavy cars (3.5 - 7.5 tons)

table

Car 3.5 - 7.5 tons costs HUcosts HU including AUKÜSUp to 110,00 €Up to 200,00€GTÜUp to 113,00 €Up to 202,00€DekraOn requestOn request

Costs for the main motorhome inspection

Are you the proud owner of a motorhome? If you drive a lighter model that does not exceed 3.5 tons, you don't pay more for the general inspection than a “normal” car. The price overview can be found here.
For a motorhome up to 7.5 tons, you have to expect around 30€ more for the main inspection, including the emissions test. The cost structure of heavy cars between 3.5 and 7.5 tons is relevant for you. Non-motorized caravans must also be regularly checked for safety. They fall under the category of followers. Here, too, the fees are based on the weight of your trailer. If your motorhome weighs over 7.5 tons, you can expect up to €200 for HU and AU.

If your caravan weighs less than 750 kg and does not have an overrun brake, then the following fee table is of interest to you. Starting brakes are mandatory for a total weight of 750 kg or more. These are examined as part of the main investigation.

Costs for the main trailer inspection

Unbraked trailer up to 750 kg

Every 3 years, your unbraked trailer weighing up to 750 kg must be tested for roadworthiness. Of course, there is no need to carry out an emissions test for this. You only have to pay a small amount for HU.

table

Unbraked trailers up to 750 kg Cost HUKÜSUp to 43.00€GTÜUp to 47,00€DekraOn request

Trailers with brakes up to 3.5 tons

Especially after long periods of downtime, trailers with starting brakes have problems due to inadequate lubrication and corrosion.

In contrast to the lighter “brother”, the slightly heavier (residential) trailer is therefore scrutinized every 24 months. Depending on the federal state and testing organization, you will incur the following costs:

table

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Trailers, with brakes up to 3.5 tons cost HUKÜSUp to 63,00€GTÜUp to 68.00€DekraOn request

Motorcycle general inspection costs

The feeling of limitless freedom and the view of unique panoramas: In order not to lose that, you have to drive your motorcycle to the main inspection every 24 months.

In contrast to a four-wheeled car, the main inspection for your motorcycle costs significantly less.

table

Motorcycle costs HuKosten HU incl. AUKÜSUp to 63,00 €Up to 89,00€GTÜUp to 67,00 €Up to 98,00€DekraOn requestOn request

Deadline exceeded - what now?

You are shocked to discover that the general inspection for your vehicle is long overdue. What is in store for you now?

First of all, don't panic. In our fast-paced world, it can quickly happen that the schedule bursts and the general inspection of your car is forgotten. It is now important that you contact the inspection center you trust as soon as possible and make an appointment.

If you have overworked for less than 2 months, most inspection centers turn a blind eye and do not charge you any additional costs. However, if you exceed 2 months (supplementary examination), you must expect 20% extra fees.

Beware of police fines

If you get into a police check where the excessive deadline is determined, you could face a fine and possibly even points in Flensburg.

Should the police catch you within 2 months of the main inspection, the fun will cost you differently depending on the vehicle class and weight. Starting at 15€, you can join. If the deadline is exceeded by 4 months, you will receive higher fines as well as 1 point in Flensburg.

Saving money at HU: How to prepare

With a little preparation, you'll get through the main inspection safely and relaxed. Because it is often just small, annoying flaws that separate you from the coveted badge. Even though the follow-up is not expensive, it still costs you a little money and, above all, time.

To prevent this from happening, you can prepare your vehicle for the main inspection in advance.

• Are all important documents packed?
• Vehicle registration/registration certificate
• For tuned and technically modified cars: relevant documents and evidence
• Is everything in the car that needs to be inside?
• First aid kit (pay attention to the expiration date)
• safety vest
• For electric cars and plug-in hybrids: The charging cable
• Is your license plate legible and securely attached?
• Are windshield wipers and windshield washer fully functional?
• Do all control lights go off again after starting? No error messages?
• Are all mirrors intact?
• Are all lamps and lights fully functional?
• Does your car horn work?
• Is the minimum profile depth at least 1.6 mm?

The main inspection has never been easier: use our insured pick-up and delivery service

The general inspection is an important milestone for your vehicle. Make sure that you are well informed about the current condition of your vehicle and know when the next HU is due.

This allows you to plan accordingly and avoid unnecessary additional costs and fines. If you have any questions or need help preparing for your next major inspection, don't hesitate to call our experts. You can also easily and conveniently book your HU appointment directly with us. With our pick-up and delivery service for the Nuremberg/Fürth and Regensburg region, we will help you make the next main inspection as smooth as possible.

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