The essentials first
The defect category in the report determines what happens next.
Major and dangerous defects require reinspection within one month.
Unsafe for road use means no further driving on public roads.
What the inspection report tells you
The report lists individual defects and their classification. Read both: a familiar term such as “brakes” does not by itself tell you whether the issue is wear or an immediate danger. Ask the inspector to explain any unclear findings.
Minor defects do not necessarily prevent a sticker being issued. They must still be repaired without delay and within one month at the latest. Receiving a sticker therefore does not mean you can leave these points until the next HU.
Major, dangerous and unsafe are different categories
Major defects mean no new sticker and a required reinspection of the repairs. Dangerous defects present a direct and immediate road-safety risk or environmental impact, but this classification does not yet justify an immediate prohibition on operating the vehicle. No sticker is issued in this case either.
“Unsafe for road use” is the next level: the danger justifies an immediate operating prohibition. The existing sticker is removed and the registration authority is notified. You must not drive a vehicle in this category to a workshop yourself. Arrange suitable transport.
A closer look
Minor defects
A sticker may be issued; repair is still required within one month at the latest.
Major or dangerous defects
No sticker; repair without delay and obtain reinspection on time.
Unsafe for road use
No further driving on public roads; the existing sticker is removed.
The month runs from the inspection date
Record the HU date and reinspection deadline immediately. For major or dangerous defects, the deadline is one month from the day of the HU, rather than automatically the end of the following calendar month. Leave a margin for both repairs and reinspection.
An unsuccessful reinspection does not start a new month. If repairs remain incomplete or further defects are found, the original deadline still applies. Avoid leaving the visit until the last day, since obtaining parts or completing additional work may take time.
Agree a complete repair order
Give the workshop the entire inspection report. Clarify which work is required to remedy the recorded defects and which work is an additional recommendation. A clear repair order helps ensure that every reported item is considered.
For safety-related findings, establish how the vehicle can safely reach the workshop before the next journey. The reinspection period is not blanket permission to use a defective car for another month. Its condition, the report and any imposed restrictions determine the next step.
Bring the documents to the reinspection
Take the HU report and vehicle registration certificate Part I. Have any relevant documents for repaired or modified components available. Check simple functions such as lights, indicators and windscreen washers beforehand so that newly developed problems are noticed.
If you do not present the inspection report, or return more than one month after the HU, a complete new HU is required instead of the limited reinspection. A repair invoice replaces neither the technical reinspection nor the original HU report.
- Read the full HU report and ask about unclear findings.
- Record the deadline calculated from the HU date.
- Agree repairs for every listed defect.
- Arrange suitable transport if safe driving is in doubt.
- Bring the report and registration certificate to reinspection.
Still have a question?
Can I still drive after failing the HU?
The words “failed HU” alone do not answer this. A vehicle classified as unsafe must not be operated on public roads. For other findings, defects must be repaired without delay and the actual safety of further journeys must be clarified.
What happens if I miss the reinspection deadline?
More than one month after the HU date, a complete new main inspection is required. Booking a repair in time does not extend that deadline.
Do minor defects also need repairing?
Yes. Even if a sticker was issued, minor defects must be remedied without delay and within one month at the latest.