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Car inspection 2026 – see what is worth knowing and how to prepare for it?
Without a valid technical inspection, we cannot legally drive a car. How to prepare for a visit to a vehicle inspection station? What will a car inspection look like in 2026? In the article below we try to dispel any doubts.
What are the differences between technical inspection and periodic inspection?
Issues related to how a car inspection is carried out, where to have a car inspected and what are the consequences of not having an inspection are regulated by the Road Traffic Act.
Registered car inspection, periodic car inspection, registration inspection – these terms are sometimes confused, which may be due to the fact that they sound similar. What do they actually mean?
If we go to a vehicle inspection station to have a technical inspection done in order to get a stamp for the registration certificate, this is a periodic technical inspection. This is how the verification of the technical condition of the vehicle is defined in Article 81 of the Road Traffic Law. Let us add that the consequences of not having an inspection are very serious.
Formally, a registration inspection or periodic inspection of a car is the same as a technical inspection. However, in order for everything to be done in accordance with the regulations, a technical inspection must be performed before the first registration of the vehicle in the territory of the Republic of Poland.
The case of a technical inspection is not subject to zoning – In order to have a car inspected, you do not have to look for a specific station. The current technical inspection can be carried out at any point throughout the country.
A periodic car inspection is simply a service visit that you can schedule at any time. It can involve changing the oil and filters, checking the suspension, running computer diagnostics, checking the condition of your tires, and so on. Regular technical inspections are crucial for safety.
What will be the new fees for technical inspections that will come into force in 2026?
Starting in September 2026, updated vehicle inspection tariffs will come into effect in Poland. These will be the largest increases seen in over 20 years. The fee for a passenger car inspection will increase to PLN 149 , an increase of PLN 51. The new price list will cover various types of inspections and will also introduce rate adjustments based on average wages in the economy. These changes are intended to align fees with inflation and the rising costs of operating diagnostic stations.
An additional fee of PLN 245 is planned for vehicles equipped with gas systems (LPG/CNG) . These changes are a response to rising energy costs and diagnostician salaries. The introduction of the new rates aims to ensure high safety standards and the quality of tests performed.
The Ministry of Infrastructure argues that the need to adjust fees stems from the actual operating costs of vehicle inspection stations. The new tariffs are also intended to improve the financial stability of these facilities. These changes will affect all drivers, meaning car owners will have to reconsider their budgets given the rising costs associated with vehicle operation.
What procedures will change at vehicle inspection stations from 2026?
Starting in 2026, new procedures for technical inspections will come into effect at vehicle inspection stations (VAT). The main goal of these changes is to improve safety and diagnostics. An integral part of the new system will be the requirement to create photographic documentation of vehicles, as well as the use of modern measuring devices . These steps are intended to reduce fraud and ensure the accuracy of entries, which is crucial for the reliability of technical inspections.
The new diagnostic system will be based on digital reports from CEPiK 2.0 , which enables not only efficient data archiving but also data exchange with other European Union countries . Additionally, the regulations will introduce mandatory recording of odometer readings immediately after the test, which will undoubtedly contribute to the elimination of manipulation related to vehicle mileage.
Another significant element of the changes will be the professionalization of the diagnostic profession . Employees will be required to create accurate reports and will be subject to strict inspections and mandatory training. Implementing these principles will undoubtedly contribute to raising service standards at vehicle inspection stations. Adapting to the digitization of documentation and introducing modern diagnostic systems will prove crucial to the proper functioning of vehicle inspection stations in the coming years.
What is checked during a car inspection?
When we go to the diagnostic station to receive an entry in the certificate, the car will undergo a detailed mandatory technical vehicle inspection. The inspection of a registered car includes, among other things, comparing the data from the vehicle's nameplate with the car's documentation. This is how a car inspection works in practice.
In addition, the following elements will be checked:
- brakes,
- suspension,
- engine,
- steering system,
- lighting (efficiency and correct positioning of headlights),
- exhaust system (condition, noise level, exhaust emissions),
- bodywork (windows and load-bearing elements),
- tires.
Additionally, the diagnostician can verify whether the car carries the mandatory vehicle equipment, i.e. a fire extinguisher and a warning triangle. If the car has an LPG test, the gas installation will also be inspected.
How to prepare your car for inspection?
Before we go to have our car inspected, it would be a good idea to prepare it properly. It is best to show up at the vehicle inspection station in a car that shows that it has been well-maintained. The cost of the technical inspection is not everything - it is worth checking the condition of the car beforehand.
Before the inspection, we can wash and clean the car's interior. We've covered how to get your car in good condition in articles like "How to care for your car's exterior?" and " How and with what to wash your car? " Checking the cleanliness is essential.
Preparing your car for a periodic inspection is a good time to replace your windshield wipers . It's also essential to check the validity of the previous inspection and prepare accordingly for the next one. Make sure the lighting is working properly, the headlights are properly adjusted, and all bulbs are working. Checking the technical condition yourself can prevent unpleasant situations.
We can include a car inspection in our driver's calendar , a list of tasks related to car operation. Remember, even the shiniest car won't pass inspection if it has any faults. The period before the inspection is a good time to have the car pre-inspected at a service center, change the oil and filters, and check the suspension, steering, exhaust, and brakes. Regular inspections will help keep your vehicle in good condition.
How often is a car serviced?
The frequency of mandatory technical inspections of vehicles in Poland depends on their age and category.
Newly registered passenger cars and vans must undergo their first technical inspection three years after registration. Subsequent inspections occur every two years until the vehicle reaches ten years of age. After that, an annual inspection is required.
However, other types of vehicles, such as motorcycles , agricultural tractors , mopeds , and trucks and their trailers, have strict inspection deadlines that comply with legal regulations. Timely inspections are crucial to ensure road safety and compliance with applicable legal standards.
Failure to comply with technical inspection requirements may result in intervention by the CEPiK system , which may result in financial penalties being imposed on owners of such vehicles. Therefore, regular inspections are fundamental to ensuring the technical condition of vehicles and the safety of their users on the roads.
Additional technical inspection – who can order it?
Additional vehicle inspections are ordered by road inspectors and police officers authorized to inspect vehicles. Additional technical inspections are necessary if the car poses a safety hazard or violates environmental protection requirements.
An additional vehicle inspection may be ordered, for example, due to poor tire condition, lighting and exhaust system defects, damaged or excessively tinted windows. A post-collision technical inspection may also be required.
The starosta also has the right to refer a vehicle for a technical condition test. In this case, too, the reason may be the suspicion that the vehicle poses a threat to road safety or violates environmental protection requirements. In addition, tests will be necessary if there are errors in the vehicle documents (for example, imported from abroad) that require a diagnostic check to correct.
An additional inspection must also be carried out if the vehicle has had its load-bearing system repaired, if any parts have been replaced that will require changes to the registration certificate, or if the vehicle is to be used as a taxi, driving school car or emergency vehicle. The inspection of a vehicle registered as a taxi is subject to special requirements.
What EU and national regulations will affect technical inspections in 2026?
In 2026, significant regulations will come into force at both the EU and national levels, significantly impacting the way vehicle technical inspections are conducted. For example, the new reform will allow the recognition of technical inspection results from other EU member states for a six-month period. This solution will simplify the vehicle registration process in cross-border situations and international traffic, which is crucial given the increasing volume of traffic between countries.
Additionally, these changes will include an amendment to Directive 2014/45/EU, which aims to increase the effectiveness of the technical inspection system. The following will be introduced:
- new, higher safety standards,
- new, higher environmental protection standards,
- digitization of documentation related to technical tests,
- electronic certificates,
- more efficient data exchange between countries through a new EU platform.
These regulations will introduce more stringent oversight of vehicles and diagnosticians. Penalties for missing or delaying technical inspections may be tightened, aiming to strengthen compliance with regulations. These legislative amendments are crucial for the future of the technical inspection system in Poland and other European Union countries.
What are the consequences for drivers for a late or invalid technical inspection?
Failure to have a current MOT can lead to serious legal and financial consequences for drivers. In 2026, the penalties for failing to have an MOT will be:
- od 1500 PLN do 5000 PLN,
- depending on the circumstances of a given case.
The police have the right to retain the registration certificate, which will prevent you from continuing driving until the inspection is completed.
Additionally, if a vehicle is deemed unsafe due to a lack of a valid inspection, this may impact the possibility of obtaining compensation from the insurer. Drivers are also subject to penalties for late inspections. It's worth noting that these penalties increase over time and can reach approximately PLN 400 if the delay exceeds 90 days.
While drivers have the right to appeal fines, it's crucial that inspections are performed on time. Regular technical inspections are crucial for the proper operation of vehicles and for minimizing the risk of road accidents.
FAQ
How much will a car inspection cost in 2026?
From September 2026, the fee for a passenger car's technical inspection will increase to PLN 149 , which is PLN 51 more than currently. For vehicles with LPG/CNG systems , the price will be PLN 245 , and for motorcycles, approximately PLN 94. The increases are due to rate indexation and the rising costs of maintaining diagnostic stations.
What changes await drivers during the technical inspection in 2026?
From 2026, photographic documentation of the vehicle , digital reports in CEPiK 2.0 , and immediate mileage registration will be mandatory . Diagnosticians will be required to undergo regular training, and the inspections themselves will include a more detailed assessment of safety systems and exhaust emissions.
What is the fine for not having a valid technical inspection in 2026?
In 2026, fines for not having a current inspection will range from PLN 1500 to PLN 5000 . Police may confiscate your registration certificate, and delays of up to 90 days can result in an additional fine of approximately PLN 400. Failure to have an inspection may also affect your insurance payment.
Will a technical inspection performed abroad be valid in Poland?
Yes. From 2026, roadworthiness tests performed in other European Union countries will be recognized in Poland for a period of 6 months . This will allow drivers traveling or living abroad to legally register their vehicle without having to repeat the inspection.
