- When is my vehicle inspection (HU) due?
- The Hauptuntersuchung (HU) is due on the last day of the month shown on the sticker (§ 29 para. 7 StVZO). If the sticker shows '3/2026', the deadline is 31 March 2026.
- Is there a grace period after the HU expires?
- For regular passenger cars, the fine schedule (BKatV no. 186.2) only imposes a fine for more than 2 months' delay. However, driving with an expired HU is an administrative offence under § 29 StVZO from the very first day after expiry.
- When is an extended inspection required?
- If the presentation deadline is exceeded by more than 2 months, extended supplementary inspections must be carried out (Annex VIIIa no. 2.2 StVZO). In practice this is often called 'extended MOT'; the testing organisation usually charges higher fees.
- How much is the fine for an expired MOT?
- For standard passenger cars (BKatV no. 186.2): 0–2 months: no fine; more than 2 to 4 months: €15; more than 4 to 8 months: €25; more than 8 months: €60. Vehicles subject to safety inspections (trucks, buses) are fined under different tables.