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Transport · Portugal
Updated September 2026

🔧 My car failed the periodic inspection and I think it is wrong — can I contest it?

Direct answer

Yes: every inspection scheme has an appeal or re-inspection route, usually within days, often at another station or by the supervisory body — IMT — Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (211 158 500), the vehicle authority for Portugal. Ask for the written report with the defect codes first; a vague "fail" is contestable in itself. If the station also sold you the repair, or the fail looks like a way to sell work, Livro de Reclamações eletrónico — DGC (livroreclamacoes.pt) handles the consumer side; disputes about money go to Balcão do Arrendatário e do Senhorio (BAS) (justica.gov.pt).

Call firstIMT — Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes
Report toLivro de Reclamações eletrónico — DGC
If that failsBalcão do Arrendatário e do Senhorio (BAS)

🗣️ What to say

"My vehicle [plate] failed the inspection at [station] on [date] for [defect codes]. I dispute the finding because [reason / second opinion]. I ask for a re-inspection by [the authority / another station] and, if the fail is overturned, a refund of the fee."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Get the reportDefect codes, the measurements, the inspector's name. Photograph the defect yourself.
  2. Second opinionAnother garage or station, in writing. This is the evidence.
  3. Appeal: IMT — Instituto da Mobilidade e dos TransportesWithin the deadline (often a few days). The authority re-inspects or reviews.
  4. Do not repair firstA repair destroys the evidence; if you must drive, ask the authority how to proceed.
  5. Sales pressure: Livro de Reclamações eletrónico — DGCA station that fails cars to sell repairs is a consumer-protection case.

📇 All contacts

IMT — Instituto da Mobilidade e dos TransportesRegistration, inspection, driving licenceInspection appeals and vehicle data📞 211 158 500🔗 www.imt-ip.pt
Livro de Reclamações eletrónico — DGCComplaint with a mandatory answer within 15 working daysWhen the shop refuses🔗 www.livroreclamacoes.pt
Balcão do Arrendatário e do Senhorio (BAS)Special procedure for tenancy disputesIf the dispute involves rent or the return of the property🔗 www.justica.gov.pt/Servicos/Balcao-do-Arrendatario-e-do-Senhorio
Centro de Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo (CACC)Free arbitration up to €5,000, mandatory for the sellerAfter a written complaint without a solution🔗 www.consumidor.gov.pt/parceiros/sistema-de-defesa-do-consumidor/entidades-de-resolucao-alternativa-de-litigios-de-consumo

❓ Frequently asked

Can I drive with a failed inspection?

Only as the rules of your country allow — often to a garage and back within a set period, not for daily use. Check the report.

The fail was for something not on the checklist

Then it is not a valid fail; the appeal will overturn it. The checklist is public at IMT — Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes.

Can I go to a different station for the re-test?

Usually yes for the re-test after repair; for a contested result the authority decides where.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “contest vehicle inspection fail Portugal”
  • “mot failed wrongly appeal”
  • “inspection station complaint Portugal”
  • “vehicle inspection defect codes”
  • “re-inspection after fail”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🔩Garage dispute→🛞Car breakdown→🚗Hit and run→🚲Bike stolen→

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