New inspection (Pickerl) from 2027: What is changing
As of September 2026. Legal basis: 42nd KFG amendment, BGBl. I No. 79/2026. All information provided without guarantee.
In July 2026, the Austrian National Council decided on longer intervals for the §57a vehicle inspection (Pickerl). Starting on 19 May 2027, the new 4-2-2-2-1 rule applies to passenger cars and motorcycles. Here is everything you need to know at a glance.
The new intervals
| Previously (until 18 May 2027) | New (from 19 May 2027) | |
|---|---|---|
| First MOT/inspection (Pickerl) | after 3 years | after 4 years |
| Subsequent inspections | after 2 years, annually thereafter | three times at 2-year intervals, annually thereafter |
| Inspections in the first 10 years | 7 | 4 |
A car first registered in 2027 will need its first periodic inspection in 2031, then in 2033, 2035, and 2037 – and annually from then on.
No more grace period – but earlier inspection possible
Previously, you were allowed to complete the inspection up to four months after the punched month on the sticker. This grace period is being eliminated as of 19 May 2027. In return, inspections can now be carried out up to four months prior to the due month (previously one month).
For inspections due between January and October 2027, there is a transitional rule: the previous grace period remains valid until the end of November 2027.
Which vehicles are affected?
- Passenger cars (Category M1) – petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric cars alike
- Motorcycles
- Not affected are light commercial vehicles in Category N1 – the previous rule continues to apply to them.
Do I need to replace my inspection sticker?
No. Your current sticker remains valid. If you would like to benefit from the extended intervals immediately, you can have your sticker exchanged for one with the new expiration date. A new vehicle inspection is not required for this. The easiest way is to have it done during your next workshop visit – just ask us.
Our tip
Longer intervals do not mean your car requires less care. Brakes, tyres, lights, and suspension wear out just as before. Therefore, continue having your vehicle checked regularly during routine servicing – we are happy to carry out your vehicle inspection (Pickerl) at the same time upon request.
Request an inspection appointment at Autohaus Bauer →
Sources: Parliamentary Correspondence PK0667/2026, oesterreich.gv.at – 42. KFG-Novelle, ÖAMTC.
