Whether you arrive in Luxembourg with your own car or are planning to buy one, you will need to comply with Luxembourg’s technical inspection rules. What is the purpose of this inspection? Is it compulsory for everyone? When must it be carried out? How much does it cost? Find out what the law says about vehicle technical inspections in Luxembourg.

No technical inspections for cars under 4 years old 

In the Grand Duchy, the first technical inspection must be carried out 4 years after the car is put on the road. If your vehicle is new or less than 4 years old, you are not concerned by this obligation for the time being.

After the first technical inspection, it must be renewed after 2 years, which is equivalent to 6 years after the date of first road registration, then every year.

Let’s say that you have bought a vehicle that was put on the road in 2016:

• The first technical inspection must be carried out in 2020,
• The second in 2022,
• Then every year starting in 2023.

The older a vehicle is, the more it will need regular inspections to ensure that it still meets certain standards.

Don’t worry, you won’t miss any deadlines. Two months before the deadline, the Société Nationale de Contrôle Technique (SNCT), Luxembourg’s technical inspection body, will send you a letter inviting you to make an appointment.

The technical inspection certificate, compulsory for registration and insurance

Except for vehicles less than 4 years old, a valid vehicle inspection certificate will be required for any application for registration of a second-hand vehicle bought in Luxembourg, imported or brought back with you as part of a move.

When moving abroad with a foreign car, remember that you are obliged to have your number plates changed and to take out Luxembourg motor insurance within the first 6 months. To do this, you will be asked for a valid vehicle inspection certificate.

Normally, a certificate issued in another European State or in Switzerland remains valid in Luxembourg. However, please note that the validity periods are not the same from one country to another, even within the European Union. For example, in France, the law provides for a period of 2 years between each certificate renewal. But if you import a French vehicle that is more than 6 years old, the period since the previous technical inspection must be less than 1 year, otherwise you will have to carry out a new one in Luxembourg to comply with local laws.

Simplify your life with AXA Luxembourg and have it carry out all number plate, technical inspection and motor insurance procedures on your behalf.

If you buy a second-hand vehicle from a private seller, remember to ask for the technical inspection certificate, otherwise the authorities will require you to undergo a new one.

This is the difference with a purchase from a dealer; they usually carry out all the steps and provide you with a turnkey vehicle, plates installed and technical inspection carried out.

Where do I go to have a technical inspection ?

Several organisations are approved for the technical inspection:

• The Société Nationale de Contrôle Technique (SNCT), in Sandweiler, Wilwerwiltz or Esch-sur-Alzette;
• DEKRA, in Bertrange (5km from Luxembourg city centre);
• Or opt for the SNCT partner garage closest to you.

Remember to make an appointment within 8 weeks of receiving the SNCT mail.

Here you will find all the information you need to prepare your appointment.

If you want to save yourself the trouble of a technical inspection, contact your AXA Luxembourg insurer to take advantage of the Service Confort. A partner will come and collect your vehicle and carry out all the procedures on your behalf at a preferential rate.

How much does a technical inspection cost ? 

The cost varies according to different factors: type of vehicle, chosen partner… Each organisation or garage is free to choose its rates. If you choose to carry out your inspection at SNCT or DEKRA, they vary from € 50 to 70. You can consult their rates directly on their websites.

What happens in case of non-compliance ? 

The aim of the technical inspection is to determine whether a vehicle is sufficiently reliable from a technical point of view to be able to drive safely. This includes checking that the brakes, lights, seat belts, etc. are working properly.

If a defect is found, you will be issued a provisional certificate for 28 days, which you can use to bring the vehicle into conformity and submit it for a second inspection. Make sure that you meet this deadline, otherwise you will be asked to undergo a new comprehensive technical inspection.

Would you like more information on the formalities related to your motor vehicle? Click here.