Mandatory every 2 years. Overdue by more than 8 months: €60 fine and 1 point. Check the date before you buy.
✓ Verified: 15/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
What is it and when to act?
The Hauptuntersuchung (HU) is the mandatory government safety and emissions inspection. When buying a used car, check the HU date first — in the Fahrzeugschein (Teil I) and on the number plate sticker. If the HU expires within 2 months, have it done before registering the car.
Where to book
Book online with TÜV↗ or DEKRA↗ — appointments are usually available within 1–2 weeks (also TÜV Nord, TÜV Rheinland, GTÜ, CITA depending on your region).
Common mistakes
Looking for a separate Abgasuntersuchung (emissions test) appointment. Since 2010 the emissions check has been part of the HU — there’s no separate sticker or visit for it anymore.
Misreading the month on the Prüfplakette. The two-digit number in the centre shows the year; the month is shown by position — the sticker is mounted so the due month on the outer ring points to 12 o’clock. Misread it, and you could end up driving with an overdue HU without noticing.
Driving to the inspection station without valid plates or insurance. If the car isn’t registered in your name yet, getting to TÜV/DEKRA legally requires either Kurzzeitkennzeichen with transit insurance or valid registration — just “driving it over” without either is not allowed.
I bought a car with the HU 'valid until end of month'. I didn't check — it had expired 3 days earlier. Police stop: €60 fine and a ban on driving until the HU was done. Always check the HU date before buying — it's a bargaining point.
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Lea recommends:
My car failed the HU — the brakes were defective. I drove home 'just a short way' — the inspector had flagged gefährliche Mängel and banned the car from the road. I paid €120 for a tow truck. With gefährliche Mängel, don't move the car — tow it or fix it on the spot.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How often is the Hauptuntersuchung required?▾
Under § 29 StVZO: new cars first inspection after 3 years, then every 2 years. The due date is in the Fahrzeugschein (Teil I) and on the sticker on the number plate. Overdue up to 2 months: no fine; 2–4 months: €15; 4–8 months: €25; more than 8 months: €60 and 1 point. Separately from the fine, once you are more than 2 months late the station carries out an extended inspection, which costs roughly 20 % more than the standard one.
What does the HU cost and who carries it out?▾
Cost: €80–130 depending on provider and region. Accredited organisations: TÜV SÜD, TÜV Nord, TÜV Rheinland, DEKRA, GTÜ, CITA. Prices are similar — choose by proximity and availability.
What happens if the car fails the HU?▾
The inspector attaches a red sticker (erhebliche Mängel — significant faults) or bans the car from the road (gefährliche Mängel — dangerous faults). With a red sticker: 1 month to fix, then a partial re-inspection. With gefährliche Mängel: call a tow truck.