You have left your registered caravan trailer for six months during the winter on a campground. What applies as far as the official inspection (Hauptuntersuchung) is concerned?

The official inspection (Hauptuntersuchung) for vehicles, including caravans, in Germany is regulated to ensure that all vehicles on the road are safe and comply with environmental standards. When a registered caravan is left stationary for an extended period, like six months on a campground, it does not automatically extend the validity of the inspection.

The correct regulation states that the date on the inspection stamp must be observed. This means that regardless of how long the caravan is parked and not in use, the original inspection date does not change. Therefore, it is crucial to have the caravan inspected by that date to avoid any legal penalties or issues when re-using the vehicle. Extensions do not apply to stationary periods unless explicitly stated under special circumstances for certain categories of vehicles.

Understanding this helps to ensure compliance with traffic laws and maintain road safety.