Car — roadworthiness test, road tax, insurance and seasonal duties
A list of checks and obligations with their cadence, ready to add to your agenda.
For private car owners in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal or the United States. Covers the periodic roadworthiness test country by country, road tax where it exists, insurance, mileage-based servicing and seasonal tyre and snow-chain duties. It does NOT cover commercial vehicles over 3.5 t, buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, historic vehicles or driving licence renewal, which sits in the personal documents kit.
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- 16 planned checks, the most frequent every year by 1 October
Planned checks
Informative summary verified on 11/09/2026. It does not replace legal advice: the regulation cited prevails. If you spot an error, report it.
Some checks are only mandatory in certain countries: pick yours and the list follows.
- 01
Do the periodic roadworthiness test (Italy)
Take the car to an authorised test centre or to the Motorizzazione within four years of first registration and every two years thereafter. Proof is the test sticker on the registration document together with the entry in the national vehicle archive. Applies to cars and vehicles up to 3.5 t; vehicles with more than nine seats, vehicles over 3.5 t, taxis, private hire vehicles and ambulances are tested annually instead.
every 24 months since the last inspectionLegal obligationD.Lgs. 30 aprile 1992 n. 285 (Codice della Strada) art. 80Italy onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 02
Fit winter tyres or carry snow chains (Italy)
On roads where the road authority has issued the relevant order, from 15 November to 15 April you must run winter tyres or carry approved snow chains on board. Proof is the M+S or 3PMSF marking on the tyres together with the chains actually carried. Applies only to road sections covered by an order of the road authority: the dates 15 November to 15 April come from the ministerial directive, but individual orders, especially in mountain areas and in Valle d'Aosta, South Tyrol and Trentino, may bring the period forward or extend it.
every year by 15 NovemberLegal obligationD.Lgs. 285/1992 (Codice della Strada) art. 6 comma 4 lett. f-bis); Direttiva MIT 16 gennaio 2013 prot. 1580Italy onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 03
Pay the vehicle tax (Italy)
The regional vehicle tax must be paid every twelve months by the end of the month following the expiry of the previous period, via pagoPA, ACI, tobacconists or online banking. Proof is the payment receipt. Applies to owners of vehicles registered in Italy: the amount and the reliefs are set regionally, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sardinia and the autonomous provinces run the tax themselves, and electric cars are exempt for the first five years in almost every region.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationD.P.R. 5 febbraio 1953 n. 39 (Testo unico delle tasse automobilistiche); leggi regionali di attuazioneItaly onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 04
Do the scheduled service by mileage
Carry out the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance (oil, filters, checks) at the stated mileage or at the maximum time interval, whichever comes first. Proof is the stamped service book or the workshop's digital record. Applies to all cars: the 15,000 km interval is a typical value, many manufacturers use 10,000, 20,000 or 30,000 km or variable intervals computed by the ECU, so set the value from your own service book. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 15000 kmRecommendedPiano di manutenzione del costruttore; Regolamento (UE) 2018/858 art. 61 per l'accesso alle informazioni di riparazione e manutenzioneSource - 05
Renew the motor third-party liability insurance
Motor third-party liability cover is compulsory across the EEA and must be renewed at expiry, normally every year. Proof is the in-force certificate or policy together with the premium payment receipt. Applies to every motor vehicle in use or merely parked in a public area: in Italy the automatic grace period no longer exists and from the day after expiry the vehicle is uninsured, apart from the fifteen days of contractual tolerance.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationDirective (EU) 2021/2118 amending Directive 2009/103/EC on motor insurance; in IT D.Lgs. 209/2005 art. 122Sourceverified on 11/09/2026
- 01
Do the scheduled service by mileage
Carry out the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance (oil, filters, checks) at the stated mileage or at the maximum time interval, whichever comes first. Proof is the stamped service book or the workshop's digital record. Applies to all cars: the 15,000 km interval is a typical value, many manufacturers use 10,000, 20,000 or 30,000 km or variable intervals computed by the ECU, so set the value from your own service book. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 15000 kmRecommendedPiano di manutenzione del costruttore; Regolamento (UE) 2018/858 art. 61 per l'accesso alle informazioni di riparazione e manutenzioneSource - 02
Do the contrôle technique (France)
The first contrôle technique must be done in the six months before the fourth anniversary of first registration, then renewed every two years at an approved centre. Proof is the inspection report and the stamp on the registration certificate. Applies to voitures particulières and camionnettes: when selling a car more than four years old the test must be less than six months old, while véhicules de collection are tested every five years.
every 24 months since the last inspectionLegal obligationCode de la route art. R323-22France onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 03
Renew the motor third-party liability insurance
Motor third-party liability cover is compulsory across the EEA and must be renewed at expiry, normally every year. Proof is the in-force certificate or policy together with the premium payment receipt. Applies to every motor vehicle in use or merely parked in a public area: in Italy the automatic grace period no longer exists and from the day after expiry the vehicle is uninsured, apart from the fifteen days of contractual tolerance.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationDirective (EU) 2021/2118 amending Directive 2009/103/EC on motor insurance; in IT D.Lgs. 209/2005 art. 122Sourceverified on 11/09/2026
- 01
Comply with the situational winter tyre duty (Germany)
Germany has no start and end date: in ice, packed snow, slush or frost the vehicle must run tyres bearing the 3PMSF marking, the snowflake on a mountain. Check tyres and tread at the start of the cold season and keep the purchase documentation. Applies to all vehicles driven in Germany: there is no calendar window, the date of 1 October serves only as a seasonal reminder to check the tyres before the first frosts.
every year by 1 OctoberLegal obligation§ 2 Abs. 3a StVO in Verbindung mit § 36 Abs. 4 StVZOGermany onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 02
Do the Hauptuntersuchung (Germany)
The first Hauptuntersuchung falls 36 months after first registration, then every 24 months at TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ or KÜS. Proof is the HU sticker on the rear plate together with the test report. Applies to Pkw up to 3.5 t registered in Germany; self-drive hire cars and some commercial vehicles are tested every 12 months.
every 24 months since the last inspectionLegal obligation§ 29 StVZO und Anlage VIII StVZO Nr. 2.1Germany onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 03
Do the scheduled service by mileage
Carry out the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance (oil, filters, checks) at the stated mileage or at the maximum time interval, whichever comes first. Proof is the stamped service book or the workshop's digital record. Applies to all cars: the 15,000 km interval is a typical value, many manufacturers use 10,000, 20,000 or 30,000 km or variable intervals computed by the ECU, so set the value from your own service book. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 15000 kmRecommendedPiano di manutenzione del costruttore; Regolamento (UE) 2018/858 art. 61 per l'accesso alle informazioni di riparazione e manutenzioneSource - 04
Renew the motor third-party liability insurance
Motor third-party liability cover is compulsory across the EEA and must be renewed at expiry, normally every year. Proof is the in-force certificate or policy together with the premium payment receipt. Applies to every motor vehicle in use or merely parked in a public area: in Italy the automatic grace period no longer exists and from the day after expiry the vehicle is uninsured, apart from the fifteen days of contractual tolerance.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationDirective (EU) 2021/2118 amending Directive 2009/103/EC on motor insurance; in IT D.Lgs. 209/2005 art. 122Sourceverified on 11/09/2026
- 01
Present the car for the MFK inspection (Switzerland)
The first inspection falls 5 years after first registration (at the latest within 6), the second 3 years later and then every 2 years at the cantonal road traffic office. Proof is the registration document showing the last inspection date together with the inspection report. Applies to cars and motorcycles registered in Switzerland: the summons comes from the cantonal road traffic office, so the actual date depends on the canton and can slip. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 24 months since the last inspectionLegal obligationVerordnung über die technischen Anforderungen an Strassenfahrzeuge (VTS, SR 741.41) Art. 33Switzerland onlySource - 02
Do the scheduled service by mileage
Carry out the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance (oil, filters, checks) at the stated mileage or at the maximum time interval, whichever comes first. Proof is the stamped service book or the workshop's digital record. Applies to all cars: the 15,000 km interval is a typical value, many manufacturers use 10,000, 20,000 or 30,000 km or variable intervals computed by the ECU, so set the value from your own service book. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 15000 kmRecommendedPiano di manutenzione del costruttore; Regolamento (UE) 2018/858 art. 61 per l'accesso alle informazioni di riparazione e manutenzioneSource - 03
Renew the motor third-party liability insurance
Motor third-party liability cover is compulsory across the EEA and must be renewed at expiry, normally every year. Proof is the in-force certificate or policy together with the premium payment receipt. Applies to every motor vehicle in use or merely parked in a public area: in Italy the automatic grace period no longer exists and from the day after expiry the vehicle is uninsured, apart from the fifteen days of contractual tolerance.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationDirective (EU) 2021/2118 amending Directive 2009/103/EC on motor insurance; in IT D.Lgs. 209/2005 art. 122Sourceverified on 11/09/2026
- 01
Do the scheduled service by mileage
Carry out the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance (oil, filters, checks) at the stated mileage or at the maximum time interval, whichever comes first. Proof is the stamped service book or the workshop's digital record. Applies to all cars: the 15,000 km interval is a typical value, many manufacturers use 10,000, 20,000 or 30,000 km or variable intervals computed by the ECU, so set the value from your own service book. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 15000 kmRecommendedPiano di manutenzione del costruttore; Regolamento (UE) 2018/858 art. 61 per l'accesso alle informazioni di riparazione e manutenzioneSource - 02
Do the §57a inspection (Pickerl, Austria)
The first inspection falls 3 years after first registration, then after a further 2 years and annually thereafter, at an authorised workshop or motoring club. Proof is the Prüfgutachten together with the Pickerl sticker on the windscreen. Applies to class M1 Pkw, class L motorcycles and light O1 and O2 trailers registered in Austria, with a tolerance of one month before and up to four calendar months after the punched month; from 19 May 2027 the cycle moves to 4-2-2-2-1 for class M1 cars, excluding taxis and emergency vehicles.
every 12 months since the last inspectionLegal obligation§ 57a Kraftfahrgesetz 1967 (KFG)Austria onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 03
Renew the motor third-party liability insurance
Motor third-party liability cover is compulsory across the EEA and must be renewed at expiry, normally every year. Proof is the in-force certificate or policy together with the premium payment receipt. Applies to every motor vehicle in use or merely parked in a public area: in Italy the automatic grace period no longer exists and from the day after expiry the vehicle is uninsured, apart from the fifteen days of contractual tolerance.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationDirective (EU) 2021/2118 amending Directive 2009/103/EC on motor insurance; in IT D.Lgs. 209/2005 art. 122Sourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 04
Comply with the situational winter tyre duty (Austria)
From 1 November to 15 April, in wintry conditions with snow, slush or ice on the road, cars may only be driven with winter tyres on all wheels or with chains on the driven wheels. Proof is the M+S or 3PMSF marking together with the required minimum tread depth, 4 mm for radial tyres. Applies to class M1 vehicles driven in Austria: the duty is situational and is triggered by wintry road conditions, not by the date alone, while for lorries over 3.5 t it is absolute throughout the stated period.
every year by 1 NovemberLegal obligation§ 102 Abs. 8a Kraftfahrgesetz 1967 (KFG)Austria onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026
- 01
Renew the vehicle tax (United Kingdom)
Renew the vehicle tax with DVLA annually, or every six months or monthly by direct debit, before it runs out, or declare the vehicle SORN if it stays off the road. Proof is the DVLA payment confirmation together with the online vehicle tax record. Applies to vehicles registered in the United Kingdom and kept or used on a public road: where the vehicle is kept off the road, in a garage or on a private driveway, a SORN must be filed and no tax is due.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationVehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994United Kingdom onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 02
Do the scheduled service by mileage
Carry out the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance (oil, filters, checks) at the stated mileage or at the maximum time interval, whichever comes first. Proof is the stamped service book or the workshop's digital record. Applies to all cars: the 15,000 km interval is a typical value, many manufacturers use 10,000, 20,000 or 30,000 km or variable intervals computed by the ECU, so set the value from your own service book. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 15000 kmRecommendedPiano di manutenzione del costruttore; Regolamento (UE) 2018/858 art. 61 per l'accesso alle informazioni di riparazione e manutenzioneSource - 03
Get the MOT test done (United Kingdom)
The first MOT is due by the third anniversary of registration, then every year on the anniversary of the last MOT, at a DVSA-approved test centre. Proof is the MOT certificate together with the online record in the DVSA database. Applies to cars registered in the United Kingdom: historic vehicles over 40 years old and without substantial changes are exempt but must be declared as such, while some special categories need their first MOT after one year.
every 12 months since the last inspectionLegal obligationRoad Traffic Act 1988 s.45; The Motor Vehicles (Tests) Regulations 1981United Kingdom onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 04
Renew the motor third-party liability insurance
Motor third-party liability cover is compulsory across the EEA and must be renewed at expiry, normally every year. Proof is the in-force certificate or policy together with the premium payment receipt. Applies to every motor vehicle in use or merely parked in a public area: in Italy the automatic grace period no longer exists and from the day after expiry the vehicle is uninsured, apart from the fifteen days of contractual tolerance.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationDirective (EU) 2021/2118 amending Directive 2009/103/EC on motor insurance; in IT D.Lgs. 209/2005 art. 122Sourceverified on 11/09/2026
- 01
Pass the ITV inspection (Spain)
Private cars are exempt up to 4 years old, then must pass the ITV every 2 years up to 10 years of age and annually beyond 10 years. Proof is the stamped ITV card together with the windscreen sticker. Applies to class M1 turismos in private use registered in Spain: past the tenth year the interval becomes annual and must be reset to 12 months, while historic vehicles follow lighter rules.
every 24 months since the last inspectionLegal obligationReal Decreto 920/2017, de 23 de octubre, art. 6 y Anexo ISpain onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 02
Do the scheduled service by mileage
Carry out the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance (oil, filters, checks) at the stated mileage or at the maximum time interval, whichever comes first. Proof is the stamped service book or the workshop's digital record. Applies to all cars: the 15,000 km interval is a typical value, many manufacturers use 10,000, 20,000 or 30,000 km or variable intervals computed by the ECU, so set the value from your own service book. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 15000 kmRecommendedPiano di manutenzione del costruttore; Regolamento (UE) 2018/858 art. 61 per l'accesso alle informazioni di riparazione e manutenzioneSource - 03
Renew the motor third-party liability insurance
Motor third-party liability cover is compulsory across the EEA and must be renewed at expiry, normally every year. Proof is the in-force certificate or policy together with the premium payment receipt. Applies to every motor vehicle in use or merely parked in a public area: in Italy the automatic grace period no longer exists and from the day after expiry the vehicle is uninsured, apart from the fifteen days of contractual tolerance.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationDirective (EU) 2021/2118 amending Directive 2009/103/EC on motor insurance; in IT D.Lgs. 209/2005 art. 122Sourceverified on 11/09/2026
- 01
Do the IPO inspection (Portugal)
Light passenger vehicles must take the first IPO when they turn 4 years old from the date of first registration, then every 2 years up to 8 years and annually thereafter. Proof is the inspection sheet together with the record in the IMT system. Applies to ligeiros de passageiros registered in Portugal: from 8 years of age the interval becomes annual, and the vehicle may be presented in the 90 days before the day and month of registration. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 24 months since the last inspectionLegal obligationDecreto-Lei n.º 144/2012, de 11 de julho (regime jurídico das inspeções técnicas de veículos), art. 5.ºPortugal onlySource - 02
Do the scheduled service by mileage
Carry out the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance (oil, filters, checks) at the stated mileage or at the maximum time interval, whichever comes first. Proof is the stamped service book or the workshop's digital record. Applies to all cars: the 15,000 km interval is a typical value, many manufacturers use 10,000, 20,000 or 30,000 km or variable intervals computed by the ECU, so set the value from your own service book. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 15000 kmRecommendedPiano di manutenzione del costruttore; Regolamento (UE) 2018/858 art. 61 per l'accesso alle informazioni di riparazione e manutenzioneSource - 03
Renew the motor third-party liability insurance
Motor third-party liability cover is compulsory across the EEA and must be renewed at expiry, normally every year. Proof is the in-force certificate or policy together with the premium payment receipt. Applies to every motor vehicle in use or merely parked in a public area: in Italy the automatic grace period no longer exists and from the day after expiry the vehicle is uninsured, apart from the fifteen days of contractual tolerance.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationDirective (EU) 2021/2118 amending Directive 2009/103/EC on motor insurance; in IT D.Lgs. 209/2005 art. 122Sourceverified on 11/09/2026
- 01
Do the scheduled service by mileage
Carry out the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance (oil, filters, checks) at the stated mileage or at the maximum time interval, whichever comes first. Proof is the stamped service book or the workshop's digital record. Applies to all cars: the 15,000 km interval is a typical value, many manufacturers use 10,000, 20,000 or 30,000 km or variable intervals computed by the ECU, so set the value from your own service book. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 15000 kmRecommendedPiano di manutenzione del costruttore; Regolamento (UE) 2018/858 art. 61 per l'accesso alle informazioni di riparazione e manutenzioneSource - 02
Check the state vehicle inspection (United States)
There is no federal roadworthiness test in the United States: each state decides whether and how often to require a safety inspection or an emissions test. Check your state DMV rules and keep the certificate or sticker issued. Applies to vehicles registered in the United States: some states, for example Florida and Montana, require no periodic inspection at all, while others require an annual safety inspection or a two-yearly emissions test in certain counties only.
continuous check, confirm every 12 monthsRecommendedNormativa statale (es. Texas Transportation Code ch. 548; New York VTL art. 5; California Smog Check Program, Health & Safety Code)United States onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 03
Renew the motor third-party liability insurance
Motor third-party liability cover is compulsory across the EEA and must be renewed at expiry, normally every year. Proof is the in-force certificate or policy together with the premium payment receipt. Applies to every motor vehicle in use or merely parked in a public area: in Italy the automatic grace period no longer exists and from the day after expiry the vehicle is uninsured, apart from the fifteen days of contractual tolerance.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationDirective (EU) 2021/2118 amending Directive 2009/103/EC on motor insurance; in IT D.Lgs. 209/2005 art. 122Sourceverified on 11/09/2026
- 01
Do the scheduled service by mileage
Carry out the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance (oil, filters, checks) at the stated mileage or at the maximum time interval, whichever comes first. Proof is the stamped service book or the workshop's digital record. Applies to all cars: the 15,000 km interval is a typical value, many manufacturers use 10,000, 20,000 or 30,000 km or variable intervals computed by the ECU, so set the value from your own service book. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 15000 kmRecommendedPiano di manutenzione del costruttore; Regolamento (UE) 2018/858 art. 61 per l'accesso alle informazioni di riparazione e manutenzioneSource - 02
Renew the motor third-party liability insurance
Motor third-party liability cover is compulsory across the EEA and must be renewed at expiry, normally every year. Proof is the in-force certificate or policy together with the premium payment receipt. Applies to every motor vehicle in use or merely parked in a public area: in Italy the automatic grace period no longer exists and from the day after expiry the vehicle is uninsured, apart from the fifteen days of contractual tolerance.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationDirective (EU) 2021/2118 amending Directive 2009/103/EC on motor insurance; in IT D.Lgs. 209/2005 art. 122Sourceverified on 11/09/2026
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