The inspection schedule for an ordinary privately used passenger car or van is: the first periodic inspection no later than 4 years after entering service, then at intervals of no more than 2 years, and annually once the vehicle is over 10 years old. Always check the official due date in the vehicle’s own records. The same basic schedule also applies to special-purpose vehicles weighing no more than 3.5 tonnes.
The first inspection
An M1 passenger car must be inspected for the first time no later than four years after its date of entry into service. The date of entry into service, not just the model year, determines the schedule.
After that, at intervals of no more than two years
After the first passed periodic inspection, the next inspection is due no later than two years afterwards. Between 8 and 10 years of age, the vehicle’s age threshold can shorten this interval: if the car is inspected at 8–9 years old, the next inspection must take place by the time it is 10 years old.
An inspection carried out when the vehicle is over 9 years old gives an inspection interval of no more than one year. For example, a car inspected at 9 years and 4 months old is due for its next inspection no later than one year afterwards, even though the simple 4–2–1 rule of thumb might suggest a longer interval. So check the due date on the inspection certificate even when the car is approaching the age threshold.
Annually after 10 years
When more than 10 years have passed since the vehicle entered service, the next periodic inspection is due no later than one year after the previous inspection.
Traficom points out that if a car is inspected at 8–9 years old, the next inspection must be carried out by the time it is 10 years old. It is therefore worth checking your own date in the system rather than just calculating it in your head.
When does the basic schedule not apply?
A car used as a taxi has a shorter inspection interval: its first inspection is due no later than one year after entering service, and annually after that. Older privately used cars and historic vehicles also have their own rules. Once 40 years have passed since the end of the year in which it entered service, a privately used passenger car or van is inspected every two years. A historic vehicle not used in transport subject to a licence has a four-year inspection interval.
How to check the date for your own car
- Open Traficom’s My e-Services (Oma asiointi) and check the next inspection date in the vehicle details. The date can also be found on the inspection certificate and in the technical part of the registration certificate.
- Compare the date with your own calendar. Do not calculate the deadline from the registration number, model year or last year’s reminder.
- Book your visit so that there is time for any repairs. After passing the inspection, check the new due date on the certificate.
If the vehicle’s use has changed or different documents show different dates, ask the inspection station to check before booking an appointment. Give the vehicle’s registration number and say which date you have been looking at. This will allow the uncertainty to be resolved using the vehicle’s own records.
Traficom: Inspection dates by vehicle category. The practical preparation advice has been compiled by the editorial team.
Information checked on 8 October 2026.
