How often does a truck over 3.5 t need an HU in Germany?

Every 12 months (StVZO Annex VIII, points 2.1.4.2 to 2.1.4.4). Trucks up to 3.5 t need one every 24 months (point 2.1.4.1).

When does the safety check become mandatory?

For trucks and tractor units over 7.5 t up to 12 t after the first 36 months; for those over 12 t and for trailers over 10 t after the first 24 months. From then on every 6 months, counted from the last HU (point 2.1).

Does the HU replace the safety check?

No. An HU carried out at the time of an SP does not replace the SP (point 3.2.4). If a required SP cannot be shown at the HU, the HU is combined with a safety check (point 3.1.3).

Can the SP be done early?

Yes, in the month immediately before the month shown on the test mark. This does not change the intervals for the following safety checks (point 2.4).

DE · Expiry & renewal tracking

HU and safety check for trucks and trailers: never miss a deadline

Trucks, tractor units and trailers over 3.5 t need a main inspection (HU) every 12 months, and heavy vehicles also need a safety check (SP) every 6 months (StVZO Annex VIII, point 2.1). The keeper is responsible; without a valid sticker or test mark the authority can prohibit the vehicle's use (Section 29(7)).

Keepers of vehicles that require registration must have them inspected at regular intervals at their own expense (Section 29(1) of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations, StVZO). The intervals are set out in Annex VIII, point 2.1: trucks and tractor units with a permissible total mass over 3.5 t need a main inspection (Hauptuntersuchung, HU) every 12 months, and so do trailers over 3.5 t.

Heavy vehicles also need a safety check (Sicherheitsprüfung, SP) every 6 months: trucks and tractor units over 7.5 t up to 12 t after their first 36 months, those over 12 t and trailers over 10 t after their first 24 months, counted from when the vehicle was first put into service. The SP intervals are counted from the last HU (point 2.1). The check covers the chassis, running gear, coupling device, steering, tyres, wheels and brakes (point 1.3.1).

The HU period starts with the month and year of the last HU and ends at the end of the month shown on the inspection sticker (point 2.3). The same applies to the SP, using the test mark on the SP plate; the SP may be carried out in the month before without shifting the following dates (point 2.4).

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At a glance

Vehicle (permissible total mass)	HU	Safety check (SP)
Trucks and tractor units up to 3.5 t	every 24 months	none
Trucks and tractor units over 3.5 t up to 7.5 t	every 12 months	none
Trucks and tractor units over 7.5 t up to 12 t	every 12 months	every 6 months after the first 36 months
Trucks and tractor units over 12 t	every 12 months	every 6 months after the first 24 months
Trailers over 3.5 t up to 10 t	every 12 months	none
Trailers over 10 t	every 12 months	every 6 months after the first 24 months

StVZO Annex VIII, points 2.1.4 and 2.1.5. Motor vehicles with a design speed of no more than 40 km/h, and trailers marked accordingly, need an HU every 24 months.

Who is responsible?

The vehicle keeper. The keeper must present the vehicle for its HU to an officially recognised expert or examiner, or to an inspection engineer of a recognised inspection organisation, no later than the end of the month shown on the sticker (Annex VIII, points 3.1.1 and 3.1.2). For the SP, the vehicle goes to a recognised workshop or to such an expert, examiner or engineer (point 3.2.2). The keeper must keep the HU report at least until the next HU and the SP report at least until the next SP (Section 29(10)).

If the deadline passes

The inspection sticker and the test mark become invalid at the end of the month shown. If a vehicle has no valid sticker or test mark, the competent authority can prohibit or restrict its use on public roads (Section 29(7)). If the SP deadline is missed, an HU combined with a safety check is required. Only if the inspection body could not carry out the check in time despite an order placed in good time, and confirms this in the report, may the deadline be exceeded by up to one month (Annex VIII, point 2.4). Breaches of the rules on main inspections and safety checks are administrative offences (Section 69a(2) no. 14 StVZO).

Defects: one month for the re-check

If significant defects are found, no sticker is issued. The keeper must have the defects repaired without delay and present the vehicle for a re-check no later than one month after the HU; after that, a new HU is needed instead of a re-check (Annex VIII, point 3.1.4.3). After an SP with defects, the re-check deadline is also one month (point 3.2.3.2). If defects must be repaired before a new sticker or test mark is issued, the old one remains valid for one more month (Section 29(7)).

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add each vehicle and enter the HU with the month shown on the inspection sticker. Use the last day of that month as the date, because the sticker is valid until the month ends.
For vehicles that need a safety check, add a second entry for the SP with the month shown on the test mark on the SP plate.
Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each date and on the day itself.
Assign a responsible person to each vehicle, such as the fleet manager; emails arrive in each recipient's language. If a date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.

Frequently asked questions

How often does a truck over 3.5 t need an HU in Germany?: Every 12 months (StVZO Annex VIII, points 2.1.4.2 to 2.1.4.4). Trucks up to 3.5 t need one every 24 months (point 2.1.4.1).
When does the safety check become mandatory?: For trucks and tractor units over 7.5 t up to 12 t after the first 36 months; for those over 12 t and for trailers over 10 t after the first 24 months. From then on every 6 months, counted from the last HU (point 2.1).
Does the HU replace the safety check?: No. An HU carried out at the time of an SP does not replace the SP (point 3.2.4). If a required SP cannot be shown at the HU, the HU is combined with a safety check (point 3.1.3).
Can the SP be done early?: Yes, in the month immediately before the month shown on the test mark. This does not change the intervals for the following safety checks (point 2.4).

Sources

Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

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Reminders on time

Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each truck / trailer roadworthiness test (HU) (Germany) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

Assign an owner

Give each truck / trailer roadworthiness test (HU) (Germany) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.