Vehicle testing at TÜV is a matter of trust. TÜV Saarland is divided into two divisions: the technical inspection body – TÜV Saarland e.V. – and the officially recognised inspection organisation – TÜV Saarland automobil GmbH. The latter is part of the TÜV Rheinland Group.
In Germany, TÜV is almost synonymous with the regular general inspection (HU). At ten TÜV Saarland e.V. technical inspection centres and 13 TÜV Saarland automobil GmbH inspection centres, experts test vehicles for road safety, environmental compatibility and compliance with relevant regulations. Both the locations and the responsible experts fulfil strict quality criteria.
However, the main and emissions test is only one part of the broad service portfolio. TÜV Saarland offers, among other things:
The legal regulations in Germany stipulate that technical inspection centres such as TÜV Saarland e.V. and TÜV Saarland automobil GmbH are authorised to inspect vehicles. In addition to the main inspection, lighting systems, chassis, tyres, brakes and safety and exhaust systems are checked. After passing the test, the vehicle receives the familiar inspection sticker, which is usually valid for 24 months for passenger cars.
The work of TÜV Saarland’s test engineers and experts is subject to supervision by the competent authority in Saarland. In addition to a degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering or electrical engineering, they complete several months of specialised training, which is concluded with an examination. In order to guarantee permanently independent and high-quality results, the experts undergo regular training and covert quality tests.
The main inspection (HU) ensures the technical safety and environmental compatibility of vehicles. All safety-relevant components such as brakes, seat belts and chassis as well as the exhaust system are tested. In addition, the engine management and exhaust gas purification system (UMA) is inspected using modern diagnostic equipment. From January 2018, the general exhaust gas measurement on the exhaust pipe was reintroduced for all vehicles.
The inspection badge is the visible sign that the vehicle has passed the inspection. Its colour and year indicate when the next inspection is due. For cars, the badger is valid for 24 months. If it is overdue by more than two months, a supplementary inspection is due, which incurs additional costs. There is also a risk of fines and points on the driving licence register.
Is the next MOT due? Take a look at the registration certificate or the inspection badge on the rear licence plate to find out when it is due. The staff at the test centres and the free hotline are available to arrange appointments: 0800 8838 8838.
HU vehicle inspection online appointment | DE | TÜV Rheinland (tuv.com)
The following table shows a small excerpt from the comprehensive overview of the HU deadlines.
| Vehicle type | Description of the | Time interval between the examinations |
| Motorbikes | – | 24 months |
| Car | after the first authorisation | 36 months |
| afterwards | 24 months | |
| Motorhomes | with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to 3.5 tonnes after the first registration | 36 months |
| afterwards | 24 months | |
| Motorhomes | with a GVW of over 3.5 tonnes and up to 7.5 tonnes in the first 72 months after initial registration | 24 months |
| afterwards | 12 months | |
| Motorhomes | with a GVW over 7.5 tonnes | 12 months |
| Trailer | with a maximum tare weight of up to 0.75 tonnes or without their own braking system, after the first registration | 36 months |
| afterwards | 24 months | |
| Trailer | which are labelled in accordance with § 58 StVZO for a maximum permissible speed of no more than 40 km/h or a maximum tare weight of more than 0.75 t to 3.5 t | 24 months |
| Trailer | with a gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 tonnes | 12 months |
The opinion of customers is important to TÜV Saarland. Feedback on a service provided or praise can be communicated in various ways. This applies to concerns relating to invoices, services, test results or the behaviour of employees.
Feedback can be submitted in the following ways:
The receipt of a complaint is confirmed in writing by TÜV Saarland. In order to avoid conflicts of interest in the processing of complaints or appeals, decisions are made exclusively by independent personnel.
After analysing and processing an objection or complaint, the responsible body will issue a statement. This contains the reasons for the decision or, if necessary, a revision of the decision. Further measures are initiated depending on the situation.
Once processing has been completed, the customer receives a final response.