Can you drive with an expired roadworthiness inspection?
Not for ordinary journeys — but one narrow exception exists. Where the vehicle has no extremely dangerous defect preventing self-propelled travel, it may be driven by the shortest suitable route to the nearest repair shop, inspection station or Transport Administration facility. That is not a general grace period for driving to work or the shops. The inspection rhythm is 4–2–1: a new passenger car (M1) must undergo its first periodic inspection within 48 months of first registration, then every 24 months, and once the car is more than 10 years old — every 12 months. Driving without a valid inspection carries up to 100 fine units, €800; for buses and trucks over 3,500 kg it reaches €2,400 or detention.
📋 The rules
- New M1: first inspection within 48 months
- Then every 24 months
- Car over 10 years old: every 12 months
- Driving uninspected: up to €800
- Buses and heavy trucks: up to €2,400
🔓 Exceptions
- Without an extremely dangerous defect you may drive the shortest route to repair or inspection
- N1 goods vehicle: first inspection within 24 months, then every 12 months
- A recognised historic vehicle is generally inspected every 48 months
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The fine is up to €800 — but it is not the only consequence. A vehicle with a dangerous defect may be prohibited from continuing under its own power, which means the owner must arrange towing or repair on the spot rather than simply driving to an inspection station. The exception is narrower than people hope: what is permitted is the shortest suitable route to the nearest repair location or inspection station — not a detour across town, and not “I'll go tomorrow”. And beware the old fine tables: many sources still show €400, because they rest on the former €4 fine unit. Since 1 January 2025 the unit is €8, so the same 100 units now means €800. The unit count did not change — the euros doubled.
📎 Official sources
- Riigi Teataja · Traffic Act →
- Riigi Teataja · Technical inspection regulation →
- Transport Administration · Vehicle inspection →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I drive with an expired inspection?
Not for ordinary journeys. Where the vehicle has no extremely dangerous defect, it may be driven by the shortest suitable route to the nearest repair shop, inspection station or Transport Administration facility.
How often must a passenger car be inspected?
A new car within 48 months of first registration, then every 24 months. Once the car is more than ten years old, the interval becomes 12 months.
What is the fine?
Up to 100 fine units, which is €800. For buses and trucks over 3,500 kg and their trailers the maximum reaches 300 units, €2,400, or detention.
Why do some tables say €400?
Because they rest on the former €4 fine unit. Since 1 January 2025 the unit is €8, so the maximum under the same provision is now €800, even though the number of units did not change.
Does a van follow the same rhythm?
It does not. An N1 goods vehicle has its first inspection within 24 months of first registration and then every 12 months, rather than the passenger-car 48-24-12 sequence.
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