POV VEHICLE INSPECTION
A yearly vehicle inspection must be completed when you
REGISTER YOUR VEHICLE. Keep
in mind that the German vehicle inspection standards are much more
stringent than the standards in the US. It is quite typical that a
registered, inspected vehicle coming from the US does not pass the
German inspection.
If this happens, you will need to get these items fixed immediately.
This can be done on the local economy, or at the AAFES auto crafts
store, which employs mechanics. You may not be able to register
your vehicle and get your license plates until this is done. The
AAFES auto crafts store is usually booked with appointments, so this may
cause a considerable delay in your being able to drive your automobile.
Finally, parts are costly since they often have to be shipped from the
US and are not available on the local economy (if they are, these parts
typically cost an exorbitant amount of money due to tariffs), causing
yet more delays.
In some cases where a car does not pass inspection, but the faults found
are not life threatening, you will be able to register your vehicle and
receive your plates contingent on you having paid for (and have the
receipt for) replacement parts and installation of those parts for your
vehicle. It is up to the inspector as to whether this will be
acceptable.
If you purchase a brand new vehicle, your car does not have to be
inspected for the first two years after purchase. This certainly
shortens the registration process.
DAMAGED
SHIPMENT?
SEE OUR GUIDE TO
CLAIMS FOR LOSS/DAMAGE TO HOUSEHOLD GOODS/BAGGAGE
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