With the entry into force of the 41st ordinance on the amendment of road traffic regulations (41. ÄndVStVR), the previous stipulations in §§ 29, 47a and 47b StVZO concerning the regular technical vehicle inspections, namely
- the main inspection
- the exhaust gas emissions test
- the safety inspection
have been re-formulated or partially withdrawn. This amendment ordinance, which was adopted by the Bundesrat on 10 February 2006 and published in the Federal Law Gazette on 08 March 2006 (BGL I page 470), came into force on 01 April 2006.
According to the amended regulations, the emissions performance test on vehicles with and without OBD systems can, like the previous exhaust emissions test, be carried out as a separate part of the main inspection by recognised vehicle workshops and subsequently certified.
Exhaust Emissions Test on Vehicles Without On-Board Diagnostic System (OBD)
From 01 April 2006, conducting the exhaust emission test as a sub-test on vehicles without an OBD system is regulated by the new § 47a StVZO, in combination with the exhaust emissions test Directive.
As before, the emissions performance test can be carried out separately by recognised emissions testing companies and certified. Up to 31 December 2009, the scope of the test extends to
- the visual inspection of emissions-related components
- the testing of the exhaust gases
Exhaust Emissions Test on Vehicles with On-Board Diagnostic System (OBD)
From 01 April 2006, the exhaust gas emissions test will be tied directly to the main inspection, in accordance with the stipulations of § 29 StVZO in conjunction with the emissions Directive. It will be possible for recognised emissions testing companies to carry out an emissions performance test on vehicles with an OBD system as a sub-test of the main inspection. With regard to the test procedure to be used by the emissions testing company, a distinction must still be made after 01 April 2006 between OBD vehicles requiring inspection and registered for the first time before 01 January 2006 and OBD vehicles requiring inspection and registered for the first time after 01 January 2006.
Verification
The exhaust emissions test on OBD vehicles may be carried out in the month immediately before the month when the next required main inspection is due, as indicated on the inspection disc, without the specified intervals for the next main inspection changing.
If the exhaust emissions test has been carried out by a recognised vehicle workshop, the workshop must
- issue a test certificate for vehicles without OBD systems, up to 31 December 2009
- issue a verification for vehicles without OBD systems, from 01 January 2010
- issue a verification for vehicles with OBD systems, from 01 April 2006
and give it to the vehicle keeper or his representative.