TÜV / HU: Hauptuntersuchung (Vehicle Safety Inspection)
Mandatory every 2 years. Overdue by more than 8 months: €75 fine and 1 point. Check the date before you buy.
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
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.
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: warning; 2–8 months: €60 fine; more than 8 months: €75 and 1 point.
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.