The Hungarian vehicle technical inspection, known locally as muszaki vizsga, is a mandatory roadworthiness test that every registered vehicle must pass periodically. If you are driving in Hungary, understanding this process is essential. This guide covers everything from inspection intervals to what the testers actually check, so you can walk in prepared and walk out with a valid sticker.
What Is the Muszaki Vizsga
The muszaki vizsga is Hungary's equivalent of the MOT test in the United Kingdom or the TUV inspection in Germany. It is designed to ensure that vehicles on Hungarian roads meet minimum safety and environmental standards. The inspection is regulated by the Hungarian Transport Authority (NKH) and is conducted at authorized testing stations across the country.
New cars in Hungary are exempt from inspection for the first four years after registration. After that, the inspection is required every two years for passenger vehicles. Commercial vehicles and vehicles older than eight years may need annual inspections, depending on their category.
Inspection Intervals
- New passenger vehicles: first inspection after 4 years, then every 2 years
- Passenger vehicles over 8 years old: every year in some categories
- Commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes: annually
- Taxis and rental cars: annually
- Motorcycles: first inspection after 4 years, then every 2 years
What Inspectors Check
The inspection covers a comprehensive list of vehicle systems. Knowing what the testers look for allows you to address problems before your appointment rather than failing and needing a re-test.
Braking System
This is one of the most common reasons for failure. Inspectors test your brakes on a roller dynamometer to measure braking force and balance between the left and right sides. They also check brake lines for leaks, pad and disc thickness, and the handbrake's holding capacity. If your brake warning light is on, fix the issue before your appointment.
Steering and Suspension
The inspector checks for excessive play in the steering system, worn ball joints, damaged tie rods, and leaking shock absorbers. On the lift, they shake each wheel to detect looseness. Worn suspension bushings are another common failure point, particularly on older vehicles that have dealt with Hungary's pothole-prone secondary roads.
Lights and Electrical
Every light on your vehicle must work correctly. This includes headlights on both low and high beam, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights, fog lights if fitted, and license plate illumination. Headlight alignment is tested with a specialized beam tester. Misaligned headlights are a common and easily fixable failure reason.
Emissions Testing
Petrol cars undergo a tailpipe emissions test measuring carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon levels. Diesel vehicles are tested with an opacity meter that measures the density of exhaust smoke. Vehicles with catalytic converters must show that the catalyst is functioning within acceptable parameters. According to the European Environment Agency, properly maintained vehicles produce significantly fewer harmful emissions.
Body and Structure
Inspectors look for corrosion that has compromised structural integrity, particularly on the chassis, sills, floor pan, and suspension mounting points. Surface rust is usually not a failure point, but rust that has eaten through load-bearing metal will result in a fail. They also check that doors open and close securely, mirrors are intact, and windshield damage is not in the driver's direct line of sight.
Tires and Wheels
All tires must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimeters, though inspectors may fail a vehicle with tires showing uneven wear patterns that indicate alignment or suspension problems. Tires must be the correct size for the vehicle and must match on each axle. Mixing radial and cross-ply tires on the same axle is prohibited.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle
The best approach is to perform your own pre-inspection check a week before your appointment. Walk around the car and test every light. Check your tire tread depth with a gauge. Look under the car for obvious leaks. Test your horn, wipers, and washers. Make sure your seatbelts retract and latch properly.
If you find problems, most repairs can be done at a local garage within a day or two. Common pre-inspection fixes include replacing a burned-out bulb, topping off washer fluid, adjusting headlight aim, and addressing minor brake issues.
Costs and Booking
The inspection fee for a standard passenger vehicle is set by regulation and typically costs between 16,000 and 22,000 Hungarian forints as of 2026. The exact price depends on the vehicle category and the testing station. You can book your appointment online through the testing station's website or by phone. Popular stations in Budapest can have wait times of one to two weeks, so plan ahead.
What Happens If You Fail
If your vehicle fails the inspection, you receive a detailed report listing the specific faults. You have 30 days to repair the issues and present the vehicle for a re-test. The re-test fee is lower than the full inspection fee and only covers the items that originally failed. If you exceed the 30-day window, you must pay for a full inspection again.
Driving a vehicle without a valid inspection sticker in Hungary can result in a fine of up to 300,000 Hungarian forints. Police officers can check your sticker during routine traffic stops, so keeping your inspection current is both a legal requirement and a financial necessity.