Failed the vehicle inspection: what now?
You come back from the vehicle inspection and instead of a green certificate you receive a red one. Annoying, but no reason to panic. What matters is knowing what it means, what you may still do and how to get your car back in order. In this article, XCS Automotive in Merchtem explains it, based on information from the Flemish government and GOCA Vlaanderen.
Green or red: what does it mean?
After the inspection you receive an inspection certificate. A green certificate means your car has passed. It may still list remarks or minor defects that are best repaired, even though you do not have to return to the inspection for them.
A red certificate means the inspection centre found a major defect. Your car must be repaired and presented again for a re-inspection.
How long do you have?
With a major defect, since 1 September 2026 you receive a red certificate valid for 2 months (previously 15 days). Within those 2 months you have the defect repaired and present your car again for the re-inspection. With a dangerous defect too, the re-inspection must take place no later than 2 months after the failure. The re-inspection takes place at the same inspection centre; if you go to another centre, a full inspection is carried out. Do not wait until the last day. That leaves time to order a part if needed.
Can you still drive?
That depends on what your certificate says. With a red certificate valid for 2 months (major defect), you may drive on public roads again within those 2 months once the defect has been repaired. If it says "prohibited from traffic" (dangerous defect), you may no longer drive the car. In that case, and also without a valid certificate, you may only take the shortest route between your home, the repair shop and the inspection centre. Always follow what is stated on your certificate and, if in doubt, ask the inspection centre.
If you would rather not drive yourself, we collect your car free of charge anywhere in Merchtem and bring it back.
Common reasons for a red certificate
Brakes
Worn brake discs or pads, uneven braking left and right, or a problem with the handbrake.
Lighting
A faulty bulb, a misaligned headlight or a damaged lens. Also read our article on checking your car lights.
Tyres
Too little tread, damage to the sidewalls or different tyres on the same axle.
Suspension and steering
Play in the joints, worn bushes or leaking shock absorbers.
Emissions
Emissions that are too high or a problem with the exhaust after-treatment, such as the particulate filter.
Leaks and rust
Oil leaks, leaking brake lines or rust on load-bearing parts.
What does XCS do for you?
- Review your certificate: bring it along or send us a photo. It states exactly what was rejected.
- Diagnosis and price: we check the defect and give you a clear price in advance.
- Repair: we only start after you agree.
- Re-inspection: on request we drive your car to the test centre and back.
We charge €75 excl. VAT per labour hour for maintenance and repairs, and €83 excl. VAT per hour for diagnosis. You get a 1-year warranty on our work.
Tips for the re-inspection
- Take your red certificate and the car's documents to the re-inspection.
- Keep the repair invoice. That way you know exactly what was done.
- Also have the remarks on the certificate repaired, if that can be done at the same time. That way you avoid problems at the next inspection.
- Schedule the re-inspection well within the deadline, so you are not pressed for time.
Prevention is better
The best way to avoid a red certificate is to have your car checked beforehand. During a pre-inspection check we look at the points the inspection centre also examines, such as the brakes, lighting, tyres, suspension and emissions. That way you can have any defects repaired in advance. More on our page pre-inspection check.
The new inspection rules
Since 1 September 2026, new rules for the vehicle inspection apply in Flanders. A passenger car goes for its first inspection when it is 4 years old, counted from first registration. For inspections from 1 September 2026, a period of 2 years then applies. You can go for the inspection up to 2 months before the due date without losing that date. Read more in our article on the vehicle inspection in 2026. If in doubt, the official information from the authorities and GOCA Vlaanderen applies.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to get my car repaired?
With a major defect you have 2 months to have it repaired and present your car again, at the same inspection centre.
Can I still drive my car?
With a major defect you may drive again within the 2 months of validity once the defect has been repaired. With "prohibited from traffic" or without a valid certificate, only the shortest route between your home, the repair shop and the inspection centre.
Will you take my car to the re-inspection?
Yes. On request we drive your car to the test centre and back.
What about the remarks on a green certificate?
You do not have to return for them, but it is best to have them repaired. What is a remark today can become a bigger problem at the next inspection.
Failed? We will look at it with you
Book your appointment online via make an appointment or call Jorne on 0471 46 40 17 or Quinten on 0470 56 61 21. You will find us at Stoofstraat 43 in Merchtem, open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Anywhere in Merchtem, we collect your car and bring it back free of charge.