Transport Committee Passes Vehicle Inspection Reform: Intervals to Become Significantly Longer

Transport Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) described the decisions as evidence of the federal government's work in the mobility sector: "Wir zeigen mit diesen vielen wichtigen Beschlüssen: Die Bundesregierung arbeitet unermüdlich an Verbesserungen im Mobilitätsbereich", he said.

Fast-Charging Network and Drone Rules

Another central element of the amendment concerns the expansion of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Going forward, a fast-charging option should be available at least every 25 kilometers. The government is thereby responding to the growing need for publicly accessible charging points along the road network.

In addition, the amendment establishes "klare Rahmenbedingungen für die Errichtung von Bodeneinrichtungen auf Flugplätzen, moderne Regelungen für den Drohnenbetrieb einschließlich der Einrichtung sogenannter 'U-Spaces' sowie Klarstellungen bei Pauschalversicherungen für Drohnenbetreiber", as stated in the committee's explanatory text.

The reform also brings relief in the area of construction site vehicles: Certain construction site vehicles with tipping bodies or loading cranes may henceforth exceed the maximum permissible total weight within a 75-kilometer radius by the empty weight of these attachments. This is intended to make their use on regional construction sites more flexible.

Next Steps in Parliament

In advance, representatives of several parliamentary groups had responded to the draft. ÖAMTC experts had repeatedly advocated for relief for motorists regarding inspection intervals. The deliberations in the committee took place with a broad majority of the represented parties.

With the committee's passage, however, the legislative package is not yet in force. The amendment must now be dealt with in the plenary of the National Council. Only after a corresponding vote in the plenary and the subsequent consideration in the Federal Council (Bundesrat) will the reform enter into force.

What Owners Need to Bear in Mind

Experts point out that with the extended intervals, the personal responsibility of vehicle owners increases. Those who detect defects on their vehicle between the prescribed dates remain obligated to have them rectified without delay or to take the vehicle out of service.

Overall, the amendment comprises several dozen individual provisions. It ranges from detailed technical regulations for type approval to adjustments in the registration of trailers to innovations in cross-border traffic. The Transport Ministry intends to publish an overview of all changes in the coming weeks.

For the approximately 4.9 million registered passenger cars in Austria, the reform primarily means fewer workshop visits and lower costs due to the inspection. The average fee for the "Pickerl" is currently around 50 euros, plus possible repair costs if defects are identified.