The vehicle technical inspection in Luxembourg: how does it work?
Do you live in Luxembourg and own a car that is already a few years old? Do you have plans to buy a second-hand car? Then don’t forget that it must have a valid technical inspection certificate. What does this inspection entail? How often must it be renewed? Let us take you through the legal aspects of a vehicle technical inspection.
When must a technical inspection be carried out?
In Luxembourg, vehicles are exempt from a technical inspection during the first 4 years after registration. After this period, you will have to submit your vehicle to a periodic inspection:
- 4 years after the date of its first registration.
- 2 years later, i.e. 6 years after the first registration
- Then every year for the following inspections.
For the renewal of this inspection, a letter is sent to your home 8 weeks before the certificate expires. It invites you to make an appointment at one of the technical inspection bodies in Luxembourg.
Is it necessary to perform a technical inspection when buying or importing a vehicle?
If you buy a second-hand vehicle that is more than 4 years old, you will be asked for a valid technical inspection certificate before you can register it. Don't forget to ask the seller, otherwise the administration will ask you to carry out a new technical inspection.
If you buy your vehicle from a dealer in Luxembourg, the administrative procedures such as technical inspection and the fitting of licence plates are usually taken care of by the seller, who will hand over a ready-to-drive vehicle.
If you import your vehicle or purchase it abroad, in principle, the technical inspection certificate of a vehicle previously registered in another Member State of the European Union or in Switzerland is valid for registration in Luxembourg.
Please note that the foreign inspection certificate must respect the period of validity provided for by Luxembourg law. Let's take the example of France, where the law allows a period of 2 years between each technical inspection. If you wish to import from France a vehicle that is more than 6 years old and whose last technical inspection was carried out a year and a few months ago (certificate still valid under French law), the Luxembourg administration will ask you to undergo a new inspection (period of validity in Luxembourg: 1 year)
Where can you have the technical inspection of your vehicle carried out?
You have several options:
- The Société nationale de contrôle technique (SNCT) has three inspection centres. The first one is located in Sandweiler, about ten minutes by car from Luxembourg City centre. The other two are in Wilwerwiltz in the north of the country or in Esch-sur-Alzette in the south.
- DEKRA, the German Motor Vehicle Inspection Association, is also a recognised inspection body. It is located in the Bourmicht business park in Bertrange, 5 km from the centre.
- Some 15 partner garages are also spread throughout the country.
Whichever inspection centre you choose, making an appointment is mandatory. For greater peace of mind, you can present a vehicle for periodic inspection 8 weeks before your certificate expires. The new certificate won’t start until the current certificate expires.
On the SNCT website, you will find everything you need to know before going to your appointment: How to prepare it? What papers you need to hand over on D-day?
How much does a vehicle technical inspection cost?
The prices depend on the place of inspection you choose. For a car, the SNCT rates are between € 50 and € 70 depending on the type of car (see the price list). The same goes for DEKRA. As for the partner garages, you need to consult them to find out their prices.
What points are checked during a technical inspection?
To guarantee safety on Luxembourg’s roads, your vehicle must undergo a regular technical inspection, which covers the condition and maintenance of the vehicle, and in particular:
- the identification of the vehicle (chassis number, licence plates);
- environmental pollution (noise, exhaust fumes);
- braking devices;
- lights and reflective devices;
- wheels and tyres, suspension;
- the chassis;
- seat belts;
- vehicle steering.
At the end of the inspection, if the vehicle complies with the obligations in force, you will be handed a certificate.
Otherwise, if the vehicle has defects, it will be refused. You will then receive an inspection certificate with a validity limited to 28 days. This period of time is granted to you to rectify the problems found and to present your vehicle at another inspection. Don’t forget to make an appointment for this second inspection. If you exceed the 28-day period allowed, a complete new technical inspection will have to be carried out.
Is it possible to avoid this technical inspection appointment?
The technical inspection is a compulsory and regulated procedure. It is impossible to avoid it. However, if you don't have enough time to bring your car, AXA offers to take care of it for you, while offering your preferential rates.
