For many drivers, the MOT is a necessary evil and often dreaded. This is because the so-called main inspection checks the road safety of the car and is not only associated with fees, but also often means high repair costs if damage is detected. But what happens if the MOT is not carried out regularly? And how is a vehicle without a valid MOT covered in the event of an accident?
General inspection and MOT
It is due every two years and regularly affects car drivers: the MOT. However, the vehicle inspection is not actually called the MOT, but the general inspection or HU. The TÜV, the Technical Inspection Association, is merely the body that frequently carries out the inspections. Over time, however, the term TÜV has become synonymous with the general inspection and is used by many drivers, but also by garages and other organisations for the safety inspection.
The StVO stipulates that the main inspection must be carried out every two years. This is because cars, motorbikes and other vehicles may only be driven on the road if they have a valid MOT sticker. A sticker is affixed to the rear number plate after every successful MOT so that it can be quickly recognised whether the vehicle has a current MOT. This not only confirms that the vehicle has passed the main inspection, but also indicates when a new inspection is required.
TÜV overstay - What applies?
The main inspection must be carried out every two years. However, drivers often forget about this important test and worry about what happens if they (unintentionally) overstay their MOT. For example, how long you can drive without a valid MOT or what happens if you cause an accident without an MOT. We would like to take a closer look at the most important questions here:
TÜV overrun: Costs
The cost of overdue inspections depends on how long the sticker has been expired. Drivers usually have a kind of transitional period of one month. During this period, it is already prohibited to drive without an MOT, but usually only a warning is issued. A fine is not yet levied. In general, driving without a valid MOT is an administrative offence under the Road Traffic Act, for which a fine is payable. This is staggered according to the duration of the offence.
TÜV overrun penalty - Overview:
- 2 to 4 months: 15 €
- 4 to 8 months: € 25
- over 8 months: €60 and 1 point
These fines apply to cars as well as motorbikes and light trailers for which no safety inspection is required. It is therefore advisable to always keep an eye on the date for the general inspection and to go to the inspection in good time.
TÜV for how long?
There is no period during which you can legally overstay the MOT. Only in the first month after the end of the period are drivers generally not asked to pay, but merely warned. Only if the overdue period lasts longer do drivers face fines and points in Flensburg. Although this gives you a short grace period in which you can make up for the failure to renew your licence sticker on time, you should not take too long to do so. This is because the main inspection ensures that a vehicle is roadworthy and protects your insurance benefits. In addition, the police can immobilise the vehicle if an inspection reveals that it has been driven for too long without a valid MOT.
Good to know: Since 2012, there has been no backdating. This means that vehicles only have to return for their next inspection after two full years - even if the actual deadline has been missed.
HU not passed - How long for repairs?
If a vehicle has not passed the general inspection, drivers generally have one month to have the defects rectified. If this period is exceeded, a new inspection must be carried out at the usual cost. In addition, a 15 euro warning fine is due if the defects that have not been rectified are noticed during a traffic check. Irrespective of the one-month deadline, there is an obligation to have any defects found repaired as quickly as possible.
TÜV expired - Who is liable in the event of an accident?
The good news is that an expired MOT does not automatically lead to the loss of motor vehicle insurance. Because even with an Accident without valid MOT the motor vehicle liability insurance comes into play and settles the accident victim's claims. However, it makes sense for drivers to have a current MOT, as the insurance company will take a very close look. If you cause an accident with an expired MOT and it turns out that this is due to a defect that would have been noticed during the MOT, the insurance company can demand a refund from the policyholder.
TÜV expired - insurance cover still valid?
Despite an expired MOT, insurance cover is provided by the motor vehicle liability insurance. This means that it will settle the claim if a car without an MOT causes an accident. But beware, in this case the insurer may demand reimbursement of up to 5,000 euros. The situation becomes critical with partial and fully comprehensive insurance. This is because they can completely refuse to pay if the MOT has expired. In the worst case scenario, drivers are left with the costs.
My MOT has expired and I am not to blame for the accident - who pays?
In the event of a no-fault accident, the motor vehicle liability of the person responsible for the accident pays for the damage suffered by the accident victim. Even if the vehicle no longer has a valid MOT. But beware: If your vehicle's MOT is overdue, you may be held partially liable. In this case, the insurance company of the person responsible for the accident may no longer pay the full amount. In addition, a missing MOT also affects your partial and fully comprehensive insurance, which may refuse to pay out - even if you are not at fault for the accident.
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FAQ about the TÜV and its overrun
How long can you overrun the MOT without penalty?
Overdue MOTs are punishable from the first day. However, in the first month after the due date, only a warning is usually issued and no penalty is charged. Only if the MOT is overdue for a longer period can a fine of up to 60 euros and a point in Flensburg be incurred.
What are the penalties for TÜV overruns?
The catalogue of fines stipulates a penalty of 15 euros from the second month of overdue payments. After four months it is 25 euros and anyone who is more than eight months overdue must reckon with 60 euros and a penalty point.
How long can you overrun the MOT?
Not at all, at least not without penalty. Anyone who misses the HU deadline must expect penalties from the first day. However, only a warning is usually issued in the first month. However, fines and points are imposed from the second month at the latest. So always make sure you have your main inspection on time.
What happens if I miss the HU appointment?
If you miss the inspection date, you should make an appointment for the main inspection as soon as possible. This is because driving without an MOT is a punishable offence and can cost up to 60 euros and one point in Flensburg. An overdue MOT also has an impact on insurance benefits. During a traffic check, the police can also immobilise cars without an MOT.
Am I allowed to drive even if I have not passed the general inspection?
This depends on the defects found. In the case of minor defects, the car may continue to be driven as long as these are rectified as quickly as possible. Drivers generally have one month to do this without having to carry out a new MOT (including fees). In the case of serious defects, however, the vehicle may be immobilised immediately. In this case, the damage must first be repaired before the car can be driven again.
