What Is TÜV / HU and How Does It Work?
Everyone says "TÜV", but the test is legally called the Hauptuntersuchung (HU). TÜV is just one of several organisations allowed to carry it out. No valid HU means the car may not be driven on public roads.
Who can do it
TÜV (Süd, Nord, Rheinland, Hessen), DEKRA, GTÜ and KÜS are all state-recognised. Prices and standards are broadly comparable. Most workshops have an inspector visiting weekly, so you can book through your garage.
How often
| Vehicle | First HU | Then |
|---|---|---|
| New car (M1) | After 36 months | Every 24 months |
| Used car | — | Every 24 months |
| Motorcycle | After 24 months | Every 24 months |
| Taxi / driving school car | After 12 months | Every 12 months |
| Trailer over 750 kg | After 24 months | Every 24 months |
What it costs
Expect roughly €130–160 for HU plus AU (Abgasuntersuchung, the emissions part) for a normal car in 2026. The price varies by Bundesland and provider. That is the test only — repairs are extra.
Reading the sticker
The Prüfplakette on the rear plate shows the year the next HU is due in the centre. The month is the number positioned at the top (12 o'clock). Colours cycle on a six-year rotation so police can spot an expired car at a glance.
What actually fails cars
- Brakes — discs below minimum thickness, corroded lines, uneven performance
- Lights — aim, cracked lenses, non-approved LED retrofits
- Rust on load-bearing structure (sills, subframe mounts, suspension points)
- Tyres under 1.6 mm, or mixed types on one axle
- Oil leaks dripping onto the road
- Play in steering or suspension joints
- Faulty ABS/ESP warning lights
- AU failure — usually a worn lambda sensor, tired cat, or clogged DPF on a diesel
If you fail
You get a report listing the defects and one month to fix them and return for a Nachuntersuchung (partial re-test, usually €20–50). Miss that window and you pay for a full HU again. Driving with an expired HU risks a fine and points: over two months late is €15, over four months €25 plus a point in Flensburg, and over eight months €60 plus a point.