Vehicle Technical Inspection
Learn how to complete the mandatory vehicle technical inspection in Poland. Find out when your inspection is due, how much it costs, and what to prepare before visiting a vehicle inspection station (SKP).
Variants
Periodic technical inspection
Regular inspection required by law — annually for passenger cars (first after 3 years from registration of new vehicle)
Inspection after structural modifications
The vehicle has been modified (e.g. LPG installation, body change, tow hook)
Inspection after accident or collision
The vehicle was involved in a road accident and needs confirmation of technical condition
How to handle it — step by step
The date of the next technical inspection can be found in the vehicle registration document (field 'Next technical inspection') or in the mObywatel app.
Inspection frequency — passenger cars
| Vehicle age | Frequency |
|---|---|
| New vehicle | First inspection after 3 years |
| Over 3 years | Every 12 months |
| Taxis, ambulances | Every 12 months (from new) |
You can have the inspection done up to 30 days before the expiry date — the new validity date is counted from the old expiry date (not from the inspection date).
Documents
- Vehicle registration documentRequiredCheck the next inspection date entry
Before visiting the vehicle inspection station, make sure the vehicle is technically roadworthy:
Check yourself
- Lights — all lights working (position, low beam, high beam, indicators, brake, reverse, rear plate)
- Tyres — minimum tread depth 1.6 mm, no visible damage
- Brakes — working correctly, handbrake holds
- Wipers and washers — working
- Horn — working
- Mirrors — complete and undamaged
- Fire extinguisher — valid (not mandatory, but recommended)
- Warning triangle — present
Cleanliness
The vehicle should be clean — a dirty body or undercarriage may hinder diagnosis.
Depending on the reason for the inspection, additional documents may be required:
After modification (structural change)
- Description of structural modifications prepared by a vehicle expert
- Installation invoice (e.g. LPG installation, tow hook)
- Installation certificate (e.g. LPG system type approval)
After an accident
- Police certificate or accident statement
- Repair documentation — repair invoices (recommended)
Additional technical inspection after modification results in changes being entered in the registration document.
Documents
- Vehicle registration documentRequired
- Third-party liability insurance policyRequired
- Expert description of structural modificationsOptionalRequired for structural modification (e.g. LPG installation)
- Police accident certificateOptionalRequired for post-accident inspection
You can have your technical inspection done at any vehicle inspection station (SKP) in Poland — there is no geographic restriction.
How to find an SKP?
- Search tool on gov.pl
- Google Maps — search 'stacja kontroli pojazdów' nearby
Booking
Most SKP stations accept walk-ins during opening hours. During busy periods (end of month, holidays) it is worth calling ahead.
At the station, hand your registration document to the technician.
Documents
- Vehicle registration documentRequired
- Third-party liability insurance policyRequiredThe technician checks insurance validity in the CEPiK system
Fees
| Payment method | Fee |
|---|---|
cash Exemptions: Passenger car — fee regulated by regulation | 98,00 PLN |
cash Exemptions: Heavy goods vehicle over 3.5 t — fee regulated by regulation | 162,00 PLN |
The technician carries out the inspection covering:
Scope of inspection
- Vehicle identification — checking VIN number, registration plates
- Braking system — braking efficiency on rollers
- Lighting — headlight alignment, all lights working
- Suspension and steering — play, shock absorbers
- Chassis and body — corrosion, technical condition
- Exhaust emissions — measurement using exhaust gas analyser
- Tyres — condition, tread depth
- Windows and mirrors — visibility, condition
Result
- Positive — vehicle is roadworthy, technician enters new validity date in registration document
- Negative — vehicle requires repair, you have 14 days to fix and re-test (only failed items)
After a positive inspection result the technician:
- Enters the new date of the next inspection in the registration document (stamp + entry)
- Attaches a control sticker to the windscreen
- Records the result in the central vehicle register (CEPiK)
Done — your vehicle has a valid technical inspection.
For structural modifications
Additionally, the technician issues a certificate of completed technical inspection, which you must take to the vehicle licensing office (wydział komunikacji) to update the registration document.
After completion
Add the date to your calendar — an overdue inspection results in a 500 PLN fine and confiscation of the registration document.
Make sure your third-party liability insurance is current. Lack of a valid technical inspection may be grounds for refusing to pay compensation.
If the inspection related to a structural modification (e.g. LPG), take the certificate to the vehicle licensing office to update the registration document.
More information