How often do I need a roadworthiness test?
A new car after 4 years, then every 2 — and the fine is €330. A new vehicle takes its first roadworthiness test 4 years after it is first entered in the register. After that, it repeats every 2 years. The same rhythm applies to the emissions test — these are two separate tests and they are fined separately. Driving with an invalid test carries a standard fine of €330, made up of €165 for roadworthiness and €165 for emissions. Careful about delay: the district transport office has up to 5 years to serve the fine, so "I got away with it" may not hold. If, however, you pay the reduced sum within 15 days and complete both tests, the fine is treated as paid in full.
📋 The rules
- A new vehicle: first test after 4 years from registration
- After that, it repeats every 2 years
- Roadworthiness and emissions are two separate tests
- Fine: €330 — €165 roadworthiness + €165 emissions
- The office has up to 5 years to serve the fine
🔓 Exceptions
- Pay the reduced sum within 15 days and complete both tests, and the fine counts as paid in full
- The fine can arrive at a roadside check or automatically, by post
- Some vehicle categories run to different, shorter intervals
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The standard fine is €330 — €165 for an invalid roadworthiness test and €165 for an invalid emissions test; the two are assessed separately and add up. The fine can reach you at a roadside check, but also automatically by post — and the district transport office has up to 5 years to serve it, so delay does not solve the problem, it only defers it. The good news: if within 15 days of service you pay the reduced amount stated in the notice and complete both tests, the fine counts as paid in full — the balance is written off. Go by the figure stated in the notice you receive.
📎 Official sources
- slovensko.sk · Emissions and roadworthiness tests →
- Slov-Lex · Act on the operation of vehicles in road traffic →
- Ministry of Transport of the Slovak Republic →
❓ Frequently asked
When does a new car take its first test?
Four years after the vehicle is first entered in the register. After that first test, it repeats every two years. The same rhythm applies to the emissions test.
What is the fine for an invalid test?
Standardly €330, made up of €165 for an invalid roadworthiness test and €165 for an invalid emissions test. The two are assessed separately, so they add together.
How long do they have to serve the fine?
The district transport office has up to five years to serve it. So "it went unnoticed" often does not hold — the decision can arrive by post years after the fact.
Can the fine be reduced?
Yes. If within 15 days of service you pay the reduced sum stated in the notice and also complete both tests, the fine counts as paid in full and the balance is written off.
Are the two tests the same thing?
No, they are two separate tests, each with its own interval and its own €165 fine. They are usually done together at the same station, but legally they are distinct.
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