Are you coming to Luxembourg with your own car, or planning to buy one on the spot? It’s important to know that there are rules to be respected when it comes to technical inspections in Luxembourg.
What’s the point of control? Is it compulsory for all vehicles? When is it due? How much does it cost? Find out what the law says about roadworthiness testing in Luxembourg.
No roadworthiness test for cars less than 4 years old
In the Grand Duchy, the first technical inspection must be carried out 4 years after the car was first put into service. If your vehicle is new or less than 4 years old, you are not currently concerned by this obligation..
Following the first technical inspection, this must be renewed after 2 years. The vehicle owner must then renew it every year.
Let’s say you’ve bought a vehicle that will be on the road in 2020:
- The first technical inspection is scheduled for 2024,
- The second in 2026
- Then every year from 2027.
The older the vehicle, the more it will need regular inspection to ensure that it still complies with certain standards.
Don’t worry, you won’t miss any deadlines. Two months before the deadline, the Société Nationale de Contrôle Technique (SNCT) will send you a letter inviting you to make an appointment.
The roadworthiness certificate is mandatory
Mandatory for registration and insurance applications
When moving from abroad with a foreign car, don’t forget that you’re obliged to change your number plates and take out Luxembourg car insurance within the first 6 months. To do this, you’ll need to provide a valid roadworthiness certificate.
Validity of technical inspections carried out abroad
Normally, a roadworthiness certificate issued in another European country or in Switzerland remains valid in Luxembourg. Please note, however, that validity periods vary from country to country, even within the European Union.
In France, for example, the law stipulates a period of 2 years between certificate renewals. But if you’re importing a French vehicle that’s more than 6 years old, the period since the last roadworthiness test must be less than 1 year. Otherwise, you’ll have to carry out a new roadworthiness test in Luxembourg to comply with local regulations.
Third-party technical inspections
Simplify your life with AXA Luxembourg. We’ll take care of all your license plate changes, roadworthiness tests and car insurance for you.
If you buy a used car from a private seller, remember to ask for the roadworthiness certificate. Otherwise, the administration will require you to take a new one.
Car dealers are used to doing all the legwork for you. They’ll provide you with a turnkey vehicle, complete with license plates and technical inspection.
Where can I go for a technical inspection?
- Société Nationale de Contrôle Technique (SNCT), in Sandweiler, Wilwerwiltz or Esch-sur-Alzette ;
- DEKRA, in Bertrange (5km from downtown Luxembourg);
- Or choose your nearest SNCT partner garage.
Remember to make an appointment within 8 weeks of receiving the SNCT letter.
Here you’ll find all the information you need to prepare for your appointment.
If you’d like to save yourself the hassle of having your vehicle inspected, contact our insurance partner AXA Luxembourg to take advantage of theService Confort. A partner will take charge of your vehicle and carry out all the formalities for you at a preferential rate.
How much does a technical inspection cost?
The cost of a technical inspection varies according to various factors: type of vehicle, chosen location, etc.
Each organization or garage is free to set its own rates. If you choose to have your inspection carried out by SNCT or DEKRA, costs vary from €50 to €70. You can consult their prices directly on their websites.
What happens in the event of non-compliance?
The purpose of roadworthiness testing is to determine whether a vehicle is technically reliable enough to be driven safely. Among other things, the brakes, lights and seatbelts are checked for correct operation.
If a flaw is detected, you will be issued with a provisional certificate for a period of 28 days. This time will allow you to bring the vehicle up to standard and submit it for a second test. Make sure you meet this deadline, otherwise you’ll be asked to carry out a new comprehensive roadworthiness test.
