defect loop
New rules for TÜV testing planned: In the future, even minor defects could be expensive
Apparently there are changes to the TÜV general inspections that could hit drivers of older vehicles particularly hard.
© TÜV Süd
General vehicle inspections, often referred to as TÜV inspections, actually follow a simple principle: If a vehicle has a defect, there is no sticker. An exception is the so-called defect loop. It allows minor problems to be resolved without a second appointment. But that is exactly what is at stake.
The defect loop has so far allowed for prompt remediation without re-presentation
But there is one exception: the so-called defect loop allows the coveted inspection sticker to be issued if a defect identified can be remedied as quickly as possible, ideally on site. However, this only applies to minor defects.
A minor defect includes defective lights, damage to mirrors or too little air in the tires. In short: These are “StVZO-relevant defects that are not expected to pose a immediate danger to traffic.” However, you shouldn’t have an infinite number of these construction sites, because in total, depending on the inspector’s discretion, this can be a significant defect.
But issuing a sticker “with a blind eye” could be abolished in the future: How “Car Motor Sport” reports that the North Rhine-Westphalia Motor Vehicle Trade Association has received a letter outlining the elimination of the defect loop. This proposal, it goes on to say, is currently being examined by the Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ) for its legality.
If it happens that it is no longer possible to rectify a minor defect immediately, this could mean additional costs, especially for drivers of older vehicles, if they drive for inspection without a thorough preliminary check.
Check even for minor defects
The elimination of the defect loop would mean a so-called re-inspection if the inspector notices something that is no longer seen as a mere indication, but as a minor defect. This would mean that in addition to the costs for the main inspection and emissions test, which together are around 150 euros, another around 30 euros would be added.
Minor defects are anything but rare. Documents from the Federal Motor Transport Authority show that over 2.7 million such deficits were reported in 2022 – the equivalent of more than 12 percent of all inspections. It is not clear from the documents how often the defect loop was used. A request from star at the Federal Office remained without result.
According to TÜV, a follow-up inspection must take place “no later than one month after the failed general inspection.” It goes on to say: “If this deadline is not met, there is a risk of a warning fine according to the catalog of fines (approx. 40 euros). In addition, a new general inspection must be carried out in its entirety.”