How often must a vehicle undergo the official inspection (MFK)?
Last verified: 2026-06-20
Under Art. 33 VTS, vehicles registered with licence plates are subject to the official periodic inspection; the admission authority summons the keepers for it. Among other things, identification, the braking system, steering, visibility conditions, lighting/electrics, the chassis/axles/wheels/tyres/suspension and the emission behaviour are checked.
| Vehicle category | Inspection interval |
|---|---|
| Passenger cars, motorcycles, light/small/three-wheeled vehicles | 1st time after 5 yrs (at the latest 6), then after 3 yrs, thereafter every 2 yrs |
| Delivery vans, minibuses, light trucks (≤ 45 km/h) | 1st time after 4 yrs, then after 3 yrs, thereafter every 2 yrs |
| Heavy trucks / semi-trailer tractors (> 45 km/h) | 1st time after 2 yrs, then after 2 yrs, thereafter annually |
| Professional passenger transport, coaches, dangerous goods | 1st time after 1 yr, thereafter annually |
| Commercial tractors, work machines | 1st time after 5 yrs, thereafter every 3 yrs |
The intervals are tied to the first entry into circulation. The summoning practice of the cantonal road traffic office is decisive.
Sources
- VTS (SR 741.41), Art. 33 – Periodic inspection obligation — Fedlex – Swiss Federal Law
- Motor vehicle inspection (MFK) — TCS – Touring Club Switzerland