At what monthly interval must trucks with a permissible total mass exceeding 3.5 t be presented for official inspection (Hauptuntersuchung)?

For trucks with a permissible total mass of more than 3.5 tons, German law requires an official inspection (Hauptuntersuchung) every 12 months. This regular technical inspection ensures road safety and compliance with emissions and technical standards. It is mandatory to present these vehicles for inspection once a year; failure to do so can result in fines and the withdrawal of the vehicle’s registration. This annual requirement is stricter for heavy trucks compared to passenger cars, which usually require inspection every two years. Knowing this rule helps you remember the different intervals for various vehicle types in future questions.