HU/TÜV Deadlines 2026 – When Is It Due?

In Germany the first technical inspection (HU, colloquially TÜV) is due 36 months after first registration, then every 24 months. Berta knows these intervals and calculates your first inspection date automatically from first registration and registration country – for Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom and other countries (as of 2026).

The key facts

• Germany (HU/TÜV): first inspection after 36 months, then every 24 months.
• Austria (§57a, Pickerl): 3-2-1 rule – after 36, then after 24, then yearly.
• UK (MOT): first inspection after 3 years, then annually.
• Other countries: generic schedule – first after 36 months, then yearly.
• Fine for overdue HU (DE, as of 2026): more than 2 months – €15, €25, up to €60 plus 1 point.

When does my car need its inspection in Germany?

HU due dates follow §29 StVZO. For a new car that means: first HU 36 months after first registration, then on a 24-month cycle. The decisive marker is the inspection badge on the rear plate, which shows the next date by month and year. Berta derives this first date automatically from the first-registration date, so you don't have to calculate it yourself.

What does it cost if I let the HU lapse?

Driving with an overdue HU risks a fine once you're more than two months late. As of 2026: 2 to 4 months €15, 4 to 8 months €25, over 8 months €60 plus 1 point on your record. A late HU also often means a more expensive, extended inspection. Going in early saves not just hassle but money too.

How does the Pickerl work in Austria?

In Austria, §57a governs the recurring inspection, colloquially the Pickerl. For passenger cars the 3-2-1 rule applies: the first inspection is due after 36 months, the second after another 24 months, and yearly after that. Berta stores this rhythm when you choose Austria as the registration country.

When is the MOT due in the United Kingdom?

In the United Kingdom the MOT test is first due after three years and must then be repeated annually. Berta treats the input "UK" as GB, so the deadlines are calculated correctly. If you pick a country without a stored special schedule, a generic rhythm applies: first inspection after 36 months, then yearly.

How does Berta help me not miss a deadline?

Berta reminds you in good time about HU/TÜV, so you never get near the fine range in the first place. The app calculates the first inspection date automatically from your first registration and registration country; if you later correct the registration date, the date adjusts to the corrected date and the country interval. Besides the inspection, you can also set reminders for service intervals, tire swaps and custom dates.

How does Berta know when my inspection is due?

When you add your car, Berta takes the first registration straight from the photographed registration document – along with make, model, year, country, plate and VIN. From the first-registration date and the registration country, the app then derives the first inspection date using the matching country interval. If you don't pick the country from the quick choices (DE, AT, CH, GB, FR, IT, NL, PL), any ISO country is accepted; "UK" is treated as GB.

If a VIN looks implausible, Berta shows a warning but never blocks saving. What matters most is the correct first registration, because your inspection date hangs on it.

Can I keep other dates in view besides the inspection?

Yes. Berta knows four reminder types: HU/TÜV, service interval, tire swap and custom reminders. For km-based services, the app predicts a due date from your learned daily driving – drive a lot and the date moves closer. So you bundle all your important vehicle dates in one place, instead of spreading them across calendars and sticky notes.

Why is planning ahead worth it?

A planned inspection is calmer than a last-minute scramble: minor defects can be fixed beforehand, you avoid the pricier re-inspection, and you stay legally on the road. Enter your first registration carefully in Berta, and your next inspection date is correct in the app from the start – and you'll be reminded in good time before the badge expires.