Special Vehicle Inspection in Austria 2026: When It Is Ordered, Where to Go and Costs

In Austria, a vehicle may have to undergo a special inspection if there are doubts about its roadworthiness and operational safety. This besondere Überprüfung is different from the regular periodic inspection known as the Pickerl. The rules also cover modifications such as installing a tow bar or replacing an engine.

What is a besondere Überprüfung?

A besondere Überprüfung is a technical vehicle inspection. It may be ordered when there are doubts about whether the vehicle is still in a roadworthy and operationally safe condition. For example, this may follow a complaint or report.

An inspection may also be ordered if the vehicle was first registered more than twelve years ago.

The procedure can affect any registered vehicle owner (Zulassungsbesitzer). If you receive a summons, you must present the vehicle for inspection and bring its vehicle approval document.

When and where must you present the vehicle?

There is no fixed deadline that applies to everyone. The summons specifies individually how much time you have to present the vehicle.

The inspection can take place at:

• a provincial inspection centre (Landesprüfstelle); or
• a location authorised by the provincial governor (Landeshauptmann), such as a motor vehicle workshop (Kfz-Werkstätte).

Which documents are required?

• The vehicle approval document (Fahrzeug-Genehmigungsdokument), such as the type certificate (Typenschein).
• If the vehicle is fitted with a tachograph or monitoring device (Fahrtschreiber, Kontrollgerät), proof of the result of its most recent inspection.

How much does the special inspection cost?

Authorised private companies, such as workshops, charge their own fees. There is no uniform price.

At a provincial inspection centre, a fee is payable only if:

1. the inspection identifies serious defects; or
2. you fail to attend the agreed appointment and did not cancel it at least three working days beforehand.

The reimbursement amount depends on the vehicle category:

• Invalidenfahrzeug: 3 euros
• Motorcycle, trailer up to 3500 kg: 20 euros
• Trailer over 3500 kg, special trailer, tractor with a design speed of up to 40 km/h: 40 euros
• Motor vehicle or trailer generally, for example a passenger car: 60 euros
• Taxi, rental car, lorry up to 3500 kg and certain special vehicles, tractor with a speed over 40 km/h: 65 euros
• Lorry and similar vehicles over 3500 kg and up to 18,000 kg: 95 euros
• Lorry and similar vehicles over 18,000 kg and up to 26,000 kg, articulated vehicle: 105 euros
• Bus (Omnibus): 105 euros
• Lorry and similar vehicles over 26,000 kg: 121 euros

For the 40, 95, 105 and 121 euro categories, the amount increases by 18 euros if the vehicle has an externally powered braking system (Fremdkraftbremsanlage). The weight limits refer to the maximum permitted gross weight.

Installing a tow bar afterwards

If you install a tow bar (Anhängevorrichtung), it does not always have to be entered in the documents. Registration is not required if:

• the tow bar’s make and type are already listed in the vehicle approval document; or
• you have proof that the tow bar is approved in accordance with UNECE Regulation No. 55 and is suitable for your vehicle type.

You receive this proof when buying an approved tow bar and must keep it in the vehicle at all times.

If neither condition applies, the tow bar requires approval. This is carried out by the Technical Inspection Office (Technische Prüfstelle) of the provincial government in your place of residence. You must make an appointment in advance and present the vehicle. For vehicles approved after 8 September 1999, only a tow bar with UNECE approval may be installed.

• Type inspection (Typisierung): approximately 30 euros
• Entry in the vehicle approval document: 21 euros

Engine replacement: when must it be reported?

If you replace the engine, the change must be entered in the registration certificate (Zulassungsbescheinigung) if the engine number is recorded there. If only the engine type is listed, no entry is required.

• With an identical engine type, the change must be reported within one week.
• Installing a different engine type must be reported without delay, and a type inspection is also required before the entry can be made.

The entry is made by the registration office authorised for your place of residence (Zulassungsstelle). Entering the change in the registration certificate is free of charge.

Frequently asked questions

Is a besondere Überprüfung the same as the Pickerl?

No. A besondere Überprüfung is ordered through an individual summons, for example because of doubts, a report or because the vehicle is more than 12 years old.

How much time do I have to present the vehicle?

The deadline is specified individually in the summons.

Do I have to pay if my vehicle is in good condition?

At a provincial inspection centre, no fee is due if there are no serious defects and you have not missed an appointment without cancelling it. Authorised workshops charge their own fees.

Can someone represent me in a tow-bar or engine-replacement matter?

Yes. You may be represented with written authorisation (Vollmacht).

Practical steps

1. Read the summons carefully and note the individually specified deadline.
2. Contact the relevant Landesprüfstelle or an authorised Kfz-Werkstätte and arrange an appointment.
3. Take the Fahrzeug-Genehmigungsdokument and, where applicable, proof of the most recent Fahrtschreiber or Kontrollgerät inspection.
4. If you have installed a tow bar, keep its UNECE Regulation No. 55 approval proof in the vehicle.
5. If you have replaced the engine, check whether the engine number is recorded in the Zulassungsbescheinigung and report the change within the applicable deadline.
6. If you cannot attend, cancel the appointment at least three working days beforehand to avoid the applicable fee at a provincial inspection centre.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at