Periodic technical inspection (PTI) and emissions test (ET) - information for cars and motorcycles

The periodic technical inspection is also known by the abbreviation PTI. This is a regular inspection of motor vehicles that is clearly regulated by law. This type of vehicle inspection has been established since December 1, 1951.

If significant defects or dangerous defects are identified, they must be rectified. The vehicle must then be presented again within one month. If it is determined during the periodic technical inspection that the vehicle is no longer roadworthy, the inspector removes the inspection badge. This vehicle may no longer be driven! In this case, you will also need a certificate stating that you have deregistered the vehicle.

The periodic technical inspection has a very simple purpose: it serves to protect the general public and is considered to protect life and limb. Specialists check the function and effect of the vehicle’s components and systems that are relevant to road safety. This is intended to prevent vehicles that are unroadworthy or do not comply with regulations from taking part in road traffic.

The periodic technical inspection is considered a sovereign activity according to § 29 of the StVZO. The test may only be carried out by experts and must be performed without assembly or disassembly work.

• Brakes

• Wheels and tires

• Chassis

• Exhaust systems

• Frame and bodywork

• Steering

• Panes and mirrors

• Lighting and electrical system

• Equipment such as warning light, warning triangle, first aid kit and wheel chocks

• Pedals, seats and seat belts

• Electronic security systems

Three years after the initial registration, the time has come: the car must undergo a periodic technical inspection. After that, the appointment is made every two years. This is clearly regulated and there are no exceptions. But how can vehicle owners tell when the periodic technical inspection is due?

You will find all the necessary information on the registration certificate part I, which used to be known as the vehicle registration document. Here you will find a stamp indicating the date of the next periodic technical inspection. So if you are not sure, you can simply take a look at this document.

You will also find the due date of the next periodic technical inspection on the PTI badge, which is attached to the rear license plate. The year of the next periodic technical inspection is in the middle and the month in which it is due is at the top.

An even easier way to find out when your PTI is due: Let HolDeinePlakette remind you of your badge! Simply enter your e-mail address and your next PTI appointment. This way you will never miss a periodic technical inspection again.

As a motor vehicle, the car must be checked regularly. The PTI is therefore mandatory in order to be allowed to drive safely. Find out now when the periodic technical inspection is due, what the inspection interval for cars is and what else you need to know.

When is the next periodic technical inspection due?

New cars must undergo their first inspection after 36 months. The following examinations must be carried out every 24 months. If you are not sure when the next periodic technical inspection needs to be carried out, you can take a look at your license plate number. The 12 o’clock position indicates the year in which the next periodic technical inspection is due.

How often does the periodic technical inspection of a car take place?

The car must be inspected every two years. You can have engineering hubs conveniently remind you of the deadline.

What is examined at a periodic technical inspection for your car?

A disassembly-free visual inspection is carried out as well as a functional and operational test of all components that play a role in road safety.

How long does the periodic technical inspection of a car take?

A normal periodic technical inspection takes about 30 minutes. However, the duration can vary between the different engineering hubs.

What to bring to the vehicle inspection?

The following documents are required for the main inspection of cars:

• Vehicle registration certificate or registration certificate part I

• for deregistered vehicles: vehicle registration certificate or registration certificate part II, if applicable

• For a follow-up inspection: inspection report from the previous PTI

• Possibly test certificates or modification acceptance certificates for add-on parts

Furthermore, your car must be equipped with a first-aid kit that is no more than 5 years old, a warning triangle and high-visibility vests.

Motorcycles must also undergo regular periodic technical inspection. This applies to

• Motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 50 cc

• Motorcycles with a maximum design speed of over 45 km/h

When is the periodic technical inspection for motorcycles due?

Motorcycles must undergo a periodic technical inspection every 24 months. Your inspection organization will also be happy to remind you of the upcoming appointment.

How often should I have my motorcycle inspected?

The periodic technical inspection of motorcycles is carried out every two years.

What is examined during the motorcycle PTI?

During the periodic technical inspection, all functions and safety-relevant components of the motorcycle are checked. Testers check the steering and braking function and the functions of the electronic safety assistant as part of a test drive.

The technical check includes the following aspects:

• General vehicle condition

• Lighting

• Electrical equipment

• Wheels and tires

• Drive, frame, chassis, add-on parts

• Steering

• Brakes

How long does the motorcycle PTI take?

The PTI for a motorcycle usually takes just as long as for a car. It’s best to take 30 minutes.

What to bring to the motorcycle PTI?

You should have the following documents with you so that the inspectors can carry out the periodic technical inspection:

• Registration certificate part I

• Registration certificate part II

• Proof of modifications and extensions

The cost of a periodic technical inspection varies depending on the vehicle:

• Car: 150 €

• Motorcycle: 86 €

• Pendant: 42 €

The costs for your periodic technical inspection without an emission test are slightly cheaper. However, you will have to arrange for an emission test elsewhere, as this is also mandatory:

• Car: 97 €

• Motorcycle: 61 €

Anyone who drove a car before 2009 will certainly remember that there was once a hexagonal inspection badge on the front license plate that recorded the result of the exhaust emission test (ET). This badge no longer exists – but the emission test is still mandatory.

Is the emission test automatically included in the periodic technical inspection?

The emission test is part of the periodic technical inspection. Is it therefore automatically included? In fact, the emission test was abolished as a separate test in 2010. It is now an integral part of the PTI. Nevertheless, when booking an appointment at most engineering hubs, you can decide whether you want to combine the PTI with the ET or not.

The ET can also be carried out independently of the PTI. A separate certificate is issued, which vehicle owners can request after the inspection. To ensure that the emission test is still valid at the time of the periodic technical inspection, it must not be more than one month old. It must also be carried out by an authorized workshop.

What does the emission test cost?

The cost of an ET varies from region to region. You should always ask the local inspector for individual prices. It is best to combine the emission test with the periodic technical inspection.

What is checked?

All motor vehicles subject to registration that are equipped with a diesel or petrol engine must undergo an exhaust emissions test (ET). It is checked whether specified limit values of defined measured variables are complied with.

In petrol engines, this measures whether the carbon monoxide (CO) content is within limits and how the fuel-air mixture (lambda) is doing. For diesel engines, the smoke opacity (absorption coefficient) is measured.

Since January 1, 2018, there has been a tailpipe measurement for all vehicles subject to ET. And since January 1, 2021, there should be particle number measurement for vehicles with diesel engines. However, this has been delayed by one year due to missing work steps, meaning that this audit is to be completed by July 1, 2023.

The reason for the emissions test is to check the environmental compatibility of exhaust gases. The aim of the legislation is to curb environmental pollution.

Road users should avoid exceeding the deadline for the periodic technical inspection as far as possible. The legislator knows no mercy here. Therefore, if you notice that it is time to have your vehicle inspected, you should make an appointment as soon as possible.

What is the PTI deadline?

If your badge has been expired for more than two months, an in-depth inspection must be carried out. In terms of price, this represents a surcharge of around 20 % of the costs. The new deadline is then 24 months after the last examination date.

What are possible penalties?

If you get caught in a traffic check with an expired badge, it can end badly for you. Anything is possible, from a warning fine to a hefty fine and even points. Therefore, if possible, do not take part in road traffic with an expired inspection badge.

The fines and penalties for expired badges are the same for cars and motorcycles:

• 2-4 months: 15 € fine

• 4-8 months: 25 € fine

• more than 8 months: 60 € fine + one point in Flensburg

Things can get tricky, especially if you are involved in an accident. If your inspection badge has expired at the time of the accident, you may be prosecuted by your car insurance company.

DEKRA

DEKRA is a testing company that was founded in Germany in 1925. It also carries out periodic technical inspection and exhaust emission tests on motor vehicles.

KÜS

KÜS stands for Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungsorganisation freiberuflicher Kfz-Sachverständiger. The registered association was founded in 1980 and is responsible for numerous vehicle inspections and appraisals.

GTÜ

The GTÜ company is the Gesellschaft für technische Überwachung mbH. It is an officially recognized technical testing organization in Germany. The GmbH has its registered office in Stuttgart.

HolDeinePlakette

As a partner of KÜS and a reliable engineering office, we also carry out PTI and ET at Hol Deine Plakette. We are happy to be there for you at two locations.

Nuremberg

Find us at Münchener Straße 281 in 90471 Nuremberg.

Fürth

Visit us at our location in 90763 Fürth opposite street 108 B.