How long can you overstay the TÜV? When is there a fine? Does the TÜV report the overdue HU date? And what effects does the excessive TÜV appointment have on insurance cover if an accident occurs? AUTO BILD answers the most important questions.
How long can you overstay the TÜV?
The TÜV or the main inspection (HU) must not be exceeded! This is regulated in the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (§29 StVZO). Anyone who misses the deadline for the main inspection commits an administrative offence. According to the catalog of fines, there is only a risk of a fine if the deadline has been exceeded by more than two months. Example: According to the inspection sticker, the deadline for the next HU ends in October 2022. The car then has to go to the TÜV or another testing organization that carries out an HU by October 31 at the latest. However, there is only a threat of a fine from January 1, 2023. And then only if you are noticed at a traffic check without a valid TÜV sticker, for example. The TÜV itself does not levy a fine and does not report the delay to the authorities!
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An exception applies to vehicles that, according to the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), must be subjected to a safety check at certain intervals (applies to taxis, for example). There is a risk of a fine from the first day after the deadline for the next HU.
How can I tell when I have to go to the TÜV again?
When the period for the next main inspection expires can be seen from the inspection sticker on the rear license plate: The number in the middle of the sticker indicates the year, the number on the edge of the sticker at the top (12 o’clock position), the month At the end of the specified month, the period for the next main inspection expires. In addition, Part I of the registration certificate (vehicle registration) also notes when the car has to be returned to the TÜV at the latest.
HU plaque: The year of the next test is in the center, the month is in the 12 o’clock position (here June 2022).
What are the penalties if the TÜV has been exceeded?
That depends on how many months the due main inspection was overdue. If the TÜV is exceeded by more than two months, the fine is 15 euros. From four months, the fine increases to 25 euros. If the TÜV date was exceeded by more than eight months, 60 euros are due. If the delay is more than eight months, there is also a point in Flensburg.
These penalties threaten excessive TÜV
More than 2 months
4 to 8 months
More than 8 months
Up to 2 months
2 to 4 months
4 to 8 months
More than 8 months
Cars, motorcycles and light trailers:
Vehicles with a mandatory safety check:
Are there additional costs if the TÜV is exceeded?
With the testing organization itself, you don’t need to be afraid of a fine. However, the testing organization is obliged to carry out an “extended HU” (also known as a supplementary examination) if there is a delay of two months, which is around 20 percent more expensive than the regular HU. (You can find an overview of the TÜV costs here!)
Will the general inspection sticker be backdated if the TÜV is exceeded?
No, there hasn’t been a backdating as it used to be since 2012. Even if the original date for the main inspection has been exceeded, the next HU is only due again two years after the actual inspection date.
What if a car fell through the HU?
If the car does not pass the TÜV due to defects found, the validity of the TÜV sticker is extended by one month. During this period, the vehicle owner must have eliminated the defects and presented the car for a follow-up inspection. If he misses this deadline, a new HU is due, which is subject to a fee. In addition, there is a 15 euro fine if the delay is noticed during a traffic check. Important: Even if the deadline is one month, significant defects found at the HU must be eliminated immediately.
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How often do cars/motorcycles have to go to the HU?
New cars have to be inspected for the first time after three years (date of first registration), then every two years. For motorcycles, the HU appointment is generally every two years – even for new motorcycles, the first HU is due after two years.
The same HU deadlines apply to hybrid and electric vehicles as to petrol or diesel engines. In the case of electric vehicles, in addition to the conventional test points, the batteries that work with high-voltage technology are also on the list. The charging connection, the condition of the insulation and the cable harnesses are also inspected.
MOT pass and car insurance
In the event of an accident, the claims of third parties are generally covered by the car insurance covered – even if the TÜV had expired. In the event of negligent action, however, it can happen that the insurance company takes recourse against the insured, i.e. demands back part of the damage sum from him. The defects in the vehicle and whether they were relevant to safety also play a role. It should be noted that there can be problems with the vehicle insurance even if the TÜV has not yet expired – for example if safety-related defects are negligently ignored or rectified.
MOT cover with seasonal license plates
Whether it’s a convertible, vintage car, caravan or motorcycle – a vehicle with a seasonal license plate may not be moved during the idle phase. If the TÜV expires outside of this operating period, the HU must be carried out in the first month at the beginning of the new operating period.
