German technical control: T all Knowing Tüv

Unlike French technical control, the German Tüv first performs an antipollution inspection of the vehicle. The density of exhaust gases and their degree of pollution are measured using a calibrated device, and thereafter, and only if this test is conclusive, the general technical control of the vehicle can be executed. If the antipollution test is not satisfactory, the vehicle is necessarily designated as defaulting and is obliged to go to the garage in order to rectify its anomalies.

German TUV

German technical control recognized in the prefecture

Since May 1, 2014, the registration in France of a second -hand car having passed technical control in a member country of the European Union will be possible. And reciprocally.

To date, for the registration of vehicles (1) over 4 years on French territory, only French technical control reports, dating from less than 6 months, are accepted in the prefecture. Clearly, a consumer who buys a used vehicle in Germany, for example, with a valid German technical control, is therefore obliged to iron the vehicle in a French technical control center to be able to obtain their gray card.Since May 1, this will no longer be the case. It will then be possible to register in France a vehicle purchased in a country of the European Union by providing proof of a French technical control or emanating from another EU Member State. The reverse is also true: if you move to another country of the European Union, you can register your vehicle by presenting your French technical control.

Technical control (specificities for registration in Germany)

Technical control (“Tüv” in German) has been characterized since 1960 by a brochure stuck on the vehicle.

At the beginning these plates were white, before a chromatic scheme was introduced in 1974 with 6

distinct colors, another each year according to a predefined rhythm.

In December, plates have black segments, using which we can determine,

even from a distance, and reading it as the dial of a clock, when the next control must be done

technical. In fact, the month in which it must be carried out is at the top on the “12h” position. If he must be

Passed in June, it is the figure “6” which is above and the black segments are at “6h”. The middle of the

Plate indicates the year of the next technical control.

Since January 1, 2010, the exhaust jar inspection has been part of the technical control so that the

Plate at the front of the vehicle has disappeared.

German technical control: T all Knowing Tüv !

Tüv is the equivalent of German technical control. What are the eligibility criteria for this technical control ? What is the regulation about Tüv ?

The TUV in Germany: what is it ?

The history of Tüv

The German Tüv has a long story behind him. The organism arises in the 19th century, in the midst of an industrial revolution. At that time, the machines used in factories were not patented and operated more or less according to their wishes. One day, at the Mannheimer-Aktienbrauerei brewery, a boiler that provided energy to feed the heating circuit exploded, killing a man and making four seriously injured.

The reason for this drama ? A lack of water in the cooling circuit, a non-respected maintenance and a pressure far beyond the limits recommended by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, this accident was not the only decree in 19th century Germany. Given the events, the manufacturers of boilers had an idea: to create a technical control body to ensure the manufacture, use, maintenance and safety of boilers. It was a success, and since this episode, industrial boilers have continued to be improved, both in their operation and for the profitability due to them.

But what is the relationship between a boiler and the technical control of a vehicle ?

It’s quite simple: a century later, in 1966, the control and insurance company for boilers (Gesellschaft Zur Ueberwachung und verseicherung von Dampfkesseln) was founded so that industrial machines and their mechanisms are even more secure. It was applied by the affixing of patents for machines, the training of specialized workers and compulsory maintenance periods for equipment.

Subsequently, this same company became the association of technical inspection (Technischer überwachungsverein), whose name is synonymous with “hauptuntersuchung” (abbreviated HU) which aims for the technical control of vehicles as we know it today. Today the Tüv is a must when you import your Germany car in order to register it and have it rolled in France.

Regulations around Tüv

The Tüv is known to be the strictest and most picky automotive technical control in Europe. What is more, its reliability is counted among the most serious technical inspections in the history of the automotive industry.

Unlike French technical control, the German Tüv first performs an antipollution inspection of the vehicle. The density of exhaust gases and their degree of pollution are measured using a calibrated device, and thereafter, and only if this test is conclusive, the general technical control of the vehicle can be executed. If the antipollution test is not satisfactory, the vehicle is necessarily designated as defaulting and is obliged to go to the garage in order to rectify its anomalies.

It is for this reason that a few years ago, many owners of German vehicles did not hesitate to cross the border to pass their technical visit to France.

Something that offers only few advantages today because the Tüv has been regulated since 2018 by a European standard which aims to meet the same criteria in each European technical control center. As a result, vehicle assessment standards are exactly the same throughout the European Union.

Where can we realize the German Tüv ?

German technical control can be carried out in automobile centers of different commercial brands such as Intetek, Dekra or Küs.

Since 1989, the German Tüv has also been established in France, and there are currently no less than 34 German technical control centers distributed to the four corners of the country (mainly with the Autosur group).

Tüv, how it works ?

As we understood, the German Tüv is more strict and restrictive than its French equivalent, especially for the antipollution test which precedes each general inspection of the vehicle.

• Braking and safety systems
• Steering, tires
• Lighting lights and systems
• Bodywork
• The car engine

There is a global regulation governing automotive technical control standards. This standard must be applied by the automotive technician and has 150 security points.

Technical checks of Tüv

Like any good technical control, the Tüv has demanding safety standards that each vehicle must respect to be empowered to circulate. Through different criteria studied so that each vehicle is secure and secure, the inspection which lasts between 1 h and 1 h 30 will authorize or not, the vehicle to have its certificate of compliance with European standards.

The different points addressed are classified under five main categories:

Safety: verification of vehicle braking systems, belts, airbags, ABS systems and anti-shock devices.

Rounding: control of rolling strips, suspension, cardan and stability systems.

Visibility: Inspection of fires, Catadiopters, front and rear wipers.

Pollution: measurement of CO2 levels emitted by exhaust gases, possible liquid leaks.

The structure: At this stage, it is the appearance and the holding of the vehicle in general that has reviewed. The technician will check if rust has penetrated the body, or if shocks or damage is present on the vehicle.

Once these tests have been passed and validated, the vehicle license plate will be decorated with a colored lozeng which will indicate the period of validity of the technical control. And the date of the next technical control will be indicated on the gray card. If the vehicle does not pass the technical tests, it will be, as in France, presented to a countertise visit which will judge whether or not it must be presented to a garage to make repairs or modifications.

Is the Tüv valid in France ?

Since 2014, a technical control carried out abroad has not been valid in France. However, there is an exception to this rule, and it depends on the country of registration of your vehicle.

If the vehicle has a registration certificate of French origin, European technical control (apart from France) is not valid in France.

Conversely, if you have a European registration certificate (excluding France), foreign technical control will be valid on French territory only if it is less than six months old. So if you plan to buy a vehicle abroad and it is over four years old, your technical control must be dated less than six months. Note that this same technical inspection can be issued in the country of origin of your vehicle (only in Europe).

If your technical control is more than six months old, you will have to go back to the technical control of your car in France if you want to be able to move there legally.

Automotive expert