Car roadworthiness: The "§57a" Pickerl

Note this post assumes that you have a regular car, moped or small motorbike. For other vehicles check the link at the bottom.

Austria uses what it calls the 3-2-1 principle for testing the roadworthiness of cars and motor cycles:

• Your car needs its first test and Pickerl three years after it was first registered

• Your car then needs its second Pickerl two years after the first Pickerl

• Your car then needs a Pickerl every (one) year

What is the tolerance period for getting the Pickerl?

The due date is the month of first registration. The assessment can also be carried out from the beginning of the calendar month preceding the scheduled date to the end of the fourth following calendar month. The due date of your next Pickerl is unaffected, so if you get it done 4 months late your next Pickerl will still be due just 8 months later.

Going abroad

If you are driving your car outside Austria you should ensure that the Pickerl is up-to-date. Other countries might not accept the four month tolerance period stated above.

Links

• ÖAMTC: https://www.oeamtc.at/mitgliedschaft/pruefdienst-leistungen/57a-begutachtung-pickerl/

• Österreich.gv.at: https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/freizeit_und_strassenverkehr/kfz/Seite.060500.html

• Roadworthiness tests throughout the EU: https://road-safety.transport.ec.europa.eu/road-safety-member-states/roadworthiness-certificate-and-proof-test_en