The car inspection is a mandatory technical check required by law to ensure road safety and compliance with polluting emission limits. The frequency with which it must be carried out varies according to the type of vehicle, its age and the specific legislation of the country in which the vehicle is registered. Below, we will provide details regarding the frequency of the inspection for motor vehicles, with a particular focus on the Italian context, which can serve as an example for the general requirements in many other countries.
Private vehicles (cars)
For private cars, the first inspection must be carried out within 4 years from the date of registration of the vehicle. Subsequently, the inspection must be repeated every 2 years. It is important to note that these timeframes are indicative for Italy and may vary slightly depending on specific national legislation.
Motorcycles and mopeds
Motorcycles and mopeds follow a similar timeframe to cars for the first inspection, which must be carried out within 4 years of registration. After that, for them too, the inspection becomes biennial.
Commercial vehicles and heavy goods vehicles
Vehicles used for the transport of goods or people (such as vans, trucks, buses) usually have a more stringent inspection frequency. For these vehicles, after the first inspection that follows the same timing as private cars, the inspection must be carried out annually. This is because the intensive use to which these vehicles are generally subjected involves a greater risk of wear and damage.
Historic vehicles
Vehicles considered historic, that is, those vehicles that are older than 30 years and are registered in special registers or associations, have special regulations. In Italy, for example, the inspection must be carried out every 5 years. Even in this case, the legislation can vary depending on the country.
What happens if the inspection is not carried out?
Failure to carry out the inspection within the required timeframes entails the risk of administrative sanctions, which may include fines and the withdrawal of the registration document. Furthermore, an uninspected vehicle may not be covered by insurance in the event of an accident.
How to prepare for the review
To pass the MOT without problems, it is advisable to carry out a pre-MOT check at a trusted garage, to verify that all aspects of the vehicle comply with the required standards, such as fluid levels, brake efficiency, wear condition of tyres, lights, signals and exhaust emissions.
In summary, the frequency with which you should have your car serviced depends on the type and age of your vehicle, with most vehicles requiring a biennial service after the first 4 years of registration. It is essential to adhere to these intervals to maintain your safety, that of other road users and to avoid fines.
