Swiss Vehicle Inspection (MFK)

Complete guide to the periodic vehicle inspection in Switzerland — Motorfahrzeugkontrolle

What is the vehicle inspection (MFK)?

The MFK (Motorfahrzeugkontrolle), also called periodic inspection or roadworthiness test, is the mandatory technical inspection of vehicles in Switzerland. It is carried out by the cantonal road traffic authority (Strassenverkehrsamt) and aims to ensure road safety.

This inspection checks the technical condition of the vehicle: brakes, steering, lighting, emissions, tyres, and many other safety points.

Legal basis: Art. 33 of the Ordinance on Technical Requirements for Road Vehicles (OETV / VTS, SR 741.41).

The "5-3-2" rule (cars & motorcycles)

5 years
3 years
2 years

1st inspection 5 years after first registration (at the latest 6 years), then 3 years later, then every 2 years.

Intervals by vehicle type

According to Art. 33 para. 2 OETV/VTS (SR 741.41)

Vehicle type 1st inspection 2nd inspection Then
Passenger cars 5 years + 3 years Every 2 years
Motorcycles 5 years + 3 years Every 2 years
Motorhomes / camper vans 4 years + 3 years Every 2 years
Trucks (> 3.5 t, Vmax > 45 km/h) 2 years + 2 years Annual
Professional passenger transport (buses, taxis) 1 year — Annual
Dangerous goods transport 1 year — Annual
Trailers > 0.75 t (transport) 5 years — Every 2 years
Veteran vehicles (Code 180) Every 6 years
Good to know: A change of owner has no effect on the due date of the next inspection. Even a vehicle over 10 years old does not require an additional inspection upon transfer.

Inspection process

1. Notification

You receive a letter from your cantonal road traffic authority when the inspection is due.

2. Appointment

Book an appointment at the cantonal testing centre or at an authorised garage (depending on the canton).

3. Inspection

Present the vehicle clean (including the underside). The inspection takes approx. 30 minutes.

Points checked during the MFK

According to Art. 33 para. 1bis OETV/VTS — 8 inspection categories

Brakes

  • Service brake efficiency
  • Handbrake / parking brake
  • Discs, pads, drums
  • Hoses and lines
  • Brake fluid

Lighting & electrical

  • Headlights (dipped, main beam, alignment)
  • Position lights and rear lights
  • Indicators and hazard lights
  • Brake lights and reverse lights
  • Horn, windscreen wipers

Steering & suspension

  • Steering play
  • Ball joints and tie rods
  • Shock absorbers
  • Springs and silent blocks
  • Wheel bearings

Emissions

  • OBD test (recent vehicles)
  • Diesel opacity / petrol CO-HC
  • Functional catalytic converter
  • Diesel particulate filter (DPF)
  • Diesel particle counting (since 2023)
  • Emission booklet (AWD) if no OBD

Tyres & wheels

  • Tread depth (min. 1.6 mm)
  • General condition and wear
  • Dimensions compliant with type approval
  • Load and speed index
  • Wheel condition

Body & safety

  • Structural corrosion
  • Seat belts
  • Windscreen (cracks)
  • Mirrors
  • VIN and plates legible

Emission testing: emission booklet (AWD) vs OBD

According to Art. 59a OAC (SR 741.11) and Art. 35 OETV (SR 741.41)

Emission booklet (AWD)

The exhaust gas maintenance document (Abgaswartungsdokument, AWD) is a mandatory document for vehicles without a recognised OBD system. It contains the manufacturer's target emission values and the emission maintenance history.

Maintenance intervals:

  • Petrol without catalytic converter: every 12 months
  • Petrol with catalytic converter: every 24 months
  • Diesel (Vmax > 30 km/h): every 24 months

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)

Since 1 January 2013, vehicles equipped with a recognised OBD system are exempt from periodic exhaust gas maintenance and no longer need the AWD booklet.

If the engine warning light (MIL) comes on, the owner must visit a garage within one month.

During the MFK, the inspector checks the MIL indicator function and reads the OBD fault memory.

Does my vehicle need the emission booklet (AWD)?

The emission code (field 72 of the vehicle registration) determines whether your vehicle requires an AWD booklet or benefits from the OBD exemption:

Emission code Euro standard Petrol / Gas Diesel
B00 Pre-Euro AWD required AWD required
B01 Euro 1 AWD required AWD required
B02 Euro 2 AWD required AWD required
B03 Euro 3 OBD recognised AWD required
B04 Euro 4 OBD recognised OBD recognised
B5a / B5b Euro 5 OBD recognised OBD recognised
B6a – B6d Euro 6 OBD recognised OBD recognised
In summary: Petrol/gas with code B03 or higher = no AWD needed. Diesel with code B04 or higher = no AWD needed. For codes B01, B02 (and B03 diesel), the emission booklet remains mandatory and must be up to date at the MFK.
AWD fines: Booklet missing from vehicle: CHF 20. Overdue maintenance: CHF 40 (up to 1 month), CHF 100 (up to 3 months), CHF 200 (up to 6 months). Beyond 6 months: criminal prosecution.

New: diesel particle counting (since 2023)

Since 1 January 2023, a particle number count (Partikelanzahlmessung / PN) is performed during the MFK for recent diesel vehicles equipped with a factory diesel particulate filter (DPF).

Affected vehicles:

  • Diesel cars from Euro 5b standard onwards (code B5b and above)
  • Diesel heavy goods vehicles from Euro VI standard onwards

What does this test involve?

Unlike the old opacity test (black smoke), the particle count measures the exact number of fine particles emitted from the exhaust. This test is much more accurate and can detect a defective, perforated, or removed particulate filter.

Warning: A removed or damaged particulate filter results in an automatic failure at the MFK. Repairing or replacing the DPF can cost several thousand francs.

Preparing your vehicle for the MFK

Checklist before your appointment

  • Check all lights (headlights, indicators, brake lights)
  • Check tyre tread depth (min. 1.6 mm)
  • Check fluid levels (oil, brake fluid, washer fluid)
  • Test windscreen wipers and washers
  • Check seat belts
  • Test the horn
  • Professional chassis wash at a garage (not a car wash tunnel!)
  • Clean the vehicle exterior and engine compartment

Common causes of failure

  • Burnt-out bulbs (cause #1)
  • Worn or non-compliant tyres
  • Worn brake pads / corroded discs
  • Cracked windscreen
  • Excessive play in steering
  • Non-compliant emissions (DPF, catalytic converter)
  • Dirty vehicle (inspection refused)
Chassis wash: essential before the MFK

The vehicle must be presented clean, including the underside and engine compartment. A dirty vehicle may be refused and a new appointment will be required.

Have a proper chassis wash done by a mechanic — not a simple car wash tunnel. A car wash tunnel only cleans the surface and does not remove built-up grime, salt, rust, and mud under the vehicle. Only a professional wash using a high-pressure cleaner on a lift provides thorough underbody cleaning.

  • A clean chassis allows the inspector to see the actual condition of corrosion, brake lines, hoses, and underbody components
  • Expect approximately CHF 60 – 120 for a professional chassis wash at a garage
  • Do not apply fresh underbody protection before the inspection (it hides defects)

Tip: Regular chassis washing (1-2 times per year, especially after winter) also extends your vehicle's lifespan by limiting corrosion from road salt.

SwissCarInfo tip: Verify that your wheels and tyres comply with your type approval sheet before the MFK. Check your technical data sheet to find the authorised dimensions.

Required documents

Mandatory documents
  • Vehicle registration (Fahrzeugausweis)
  • MFK notification letter (received by post)
  • Emission booklet (AWD) — if emission code B01, B02, or B03 diesel (see details)
  • Vehicle key
Recommended / If applicable
  • Previous MFK reports
  • Approval certificates for accessories (wheels, suspension, etc.)
  • Certificate of Conformity (COC)
  • Any vehicle-related documents (type approval, DTC/FAKT reports, etc.)

What happens if you fail?

Minor defects

A written confirmation from the garage that performed the repair is sufficient. No need to return to the testing centre. The garage sends the certificate to the road traffic authority.

Major defects

You receive a detailed report. You generally have 30 days to repair and present the vehicle for a re-inspection (Nachkontrolle). Depending on the canton, the deadline may be 14 days.

Serious defects

The vehicle may be immediately taken off the road (plates confiscated). It can only be driven again after repair and passing a new inspection.

Indicative costs

Car / Motorcycle

50 – 70 CHF

Official fees, varying by canton. E.g.: Zurich ~56 CHF, Aargau ~50 CHF.

Pre-inspection (optional)

~137 CHF

Preventive check at a garage or TCS. Recommended for older vehicles.

Fees vary by canton and vehicle type. The re-inspection (Nachkontrolle) incurs additional charges at your expense. Contact your cantonal road traffic authority for details.

Frequently asked questions about the MFK

Driving with an expired MFK can result in a fine of up to CHF 500. The vehicle may be taken off the road (plates confiscated). In the event of an accident, your insurance could also reduce or refuse certain benefits.

Yes, upon the owner's request, a vehicle can be inspected at any time, even outside the prescribed intervals. This is recommended if you plan to sell the vehicle.

No. Since the revision of Art. 33 VTS, a change of owner no longer affects the inspection due date. Even a vehicle over 10 years old no longer requires an additional inspection upon transfer of ownership.

Yes. The dimensions and specifications of tyres and wheels are checked. They must comply with the type approval sheet of your vehicle or have a specific approval certificate (DTC or FAKT report). Check your technical data sheet on SwissCarInfo.

Yes. The mileage is recorded and registered at each inspection, which helps detect odometer tampering. A mileage lower than the previous inspection without valid reason will be flagged.

It depends on the emission code (field 72 of the vehicle registration) and fuel type. Petrol/gas: the AWD booklet is mandatory for codes B00, B01 and B02 (Euro 0, 1 and 2). From code B03 (Euro 3) onwards, the OBD system is recognised and the AWD is no longer required. Diesel: the AWD booklet is mandatory up to code B03 (Euro 3) inclusive. Only from code B04 (Euro 4) is diesel exempt thanks to OBD. This distinction applies since 1 January 2013 (Art. 59a OAC). See the full table.

Yes, electric vehicles follow the same inspection intervals as combustion vehicles. The emission test is logically omitted. Note: brake discs on electric vehicles may corrode more (reduced use due to regenerative braking), which is a frequent inspection point.

Since 1 January 2023, diesel vehicles from the Euro 5b standard (code B5b) onwards are subject to a particle number count (Partikelanzahlmessung) during the MFK. This test replaces the old opacity test and reliably detects a defective or removed particulate filter (DPF). A missing or perforated DPF results in an automatic failure. Learn more.

A dirty vehicle may be refused for inspection. A simple car wash tunnel is not sufficient: only a professional chassis wash performed by a mechanic on a lift with a high-pressure cleaner can thoroughly clean the underside. The inspector must be able to visually inspect the condition of corrosion, brake lines, and all components under the vehicle.

Check your type approval sheet

View the official data for your vehicle to prepare for your MFK: authorised tyre dimensions, weight, approved wheels...

Search my vehicle Type approval

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