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Emergency

Failed the roadworthiness test: defects and re-inspection

In the roadworthiness test (HU), the inspection organization checks the roadworthy condition of the vehicle. If defects are found, their severity matters: the range goes from a simple correction to a prohibition on operation.

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Your chances of getting your money back

The roadworthiness test is prescribed regularly (§ 29 StVZO). Defects are classified into categories: minor defects, significant defects and dangerous/roadworthiness-endangering defects, to which different consequences are tied.
With significant defects you generally get a deadline (usually around one month) in which you can correct them and present the vehicle for re-inspection without paying for the complete HU again.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Read the defect report

    See which defects were found in which category.

  2. 2

    2. Arrange the repair

    Have the defects properly remedied and secure receipts.

  3. 3

    3. Attend the re-inspection

    Present the vehicle for re-inspection within the deadline.

  4. 4

    4. Act in case of danger

    With roadworthiness-endangering defects, do not continue to use the vehicle in traffic.

How to spot the scam

  • You keep driving despite dangerous defects.
  • The deadline for the low-cost re-inspection passes.
  • Repair receipts are missing at the re-inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I fail the roadworthiness test?

It depends on the defect category. With minor defects there is often the sticker with a note about correction. With significant defects you must correct them and present the vehicle for re-inspection within a deadline. With dangerous defects the vehicle may not be used further.

How long do I have for the re-inspection?

Usual is a deadline of around one month. Within this deadline you can present the vehicle for re-inspection after the repair, in which only the objected points are checked; that is cheaper than a completely new HU.

May I drive with an expired roadworthiness test?

Overrunning the HU is an administrative offense and can, depending on the duration, be sanctioned with a warning or fine and points. With dangerous defects there is the added point that the vehicle is roadworthiness-endangering and therefore may not be used.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.