Vehicle inspection in 2026: what's changing (and how to be ready)
Is your car due for its inspection soon? Then now is a good time to read up. In 2026 a lot has changed in the technical inspection in Flanders, and on 1 January 2027 another important change follows for anyone selling a used car. At XCS Automotive in Merchtem, Quinten and Jorne get questions about it every day. That's why we've set everything out clearly for you, based on official information from the Flemish government.
Passenger cars: now inspected every 2 years
The biggest change has applied since 1 September 2026. All passenger cars are now inspected every 2 years, regardless of age or mileage. Previously, a car had to be inspected every year again once it was 10 years old or had 160,000 km on the clock. That limit has been scrapped. The first inspection still takes place when your car turns 4.
Good to know: your current inspection certificate is not extended automatically. The expiry date on it still applies. You only get the longer term at an inspection from 1 September 2026 onwards, and only if your vehicle still has a valid inspection certificate with normal validity at that point. Deliberately letting your inspection lapse to get a longer term therefore doesn't work.
For vans and light trucks, the switch from annual to two-yearly inspection is happening step by step. Since 1 September 2026 it applies to vehicles up to 4 years old, from 1 September 2027 to vehicles up to 8 years old and from 1 September 2028 to older vehicles. The terms have also been extended for taxis, buses and trailers between 0.75 and 3.5 tonnes, among others.
Less paperwork and more time after a red card
Besides the longer inspection term, there are a few practical improvements. You no longer need to show proof of insurance at the inspection. After fitting a tow bar, a separate inspection is no longer needed, although a voluntary inspection is still possible. And the temporary 3 month certificate for administrative shortcomings disappears: in that case you immediately receive a certificate with normal validity.
Does your car still get a red card for a major defect? You now have 2 months instead of 15 days to have the defect repaired and return. Driving a car that has failed is of course still not a good idea, so get it repaired as soon as possible.
Used car inspection: mandatory until the end of 2026
You may already have seen it: the used car inspection is changing. From 1 January 2027, the mandatory inspection when selling a car or motorcycle within Belgium disappears. The abolition was originally planned for 1 September, but was postponed because the federal IT systems weren't ready in time. Selling your car in 2026? Then the current rules apply and the used car inspection remains mandatory.
Rules remain even after 1 January 2027. Vehicles imported from abroad still have to undergo a used car inspection. If, as a seller, you'd still like an inspection, for example to reassure the buyer, you can do so through a voluntary, early periodic inspection. And the Car-Pass, with its overview of mileage readings, remains mandatory when selling to a private buyer. Exactly how you'll obtain it from 2027 has yet to be communicated in detail by the government. We're keeping an eye on it for you.
What stays the same?
The inspection itself remains just as thorough: brakes, lights, tyres, suspension, rust, emissions and particulate filter are still checked. You can have your car inspected up to 2 months before the expiry date without losing that date. Do come on time though, as late arrivals pay a surcharge. Rates are indexed every year. In 2026, according to GOCA Vlaanderen, you pay 46.10 euros for a periodic inspection of a petrol car, 56.50 euros for a diesel and 40.90 euros for an electric car. A technical re-inspection costs 16.40 euros.
The Flemish government is still working on further reforms. For example, it is looking into whether inspections could also take place at garages in the future. For now that is only an option and nothing has been decided.
How to get ready for the inspection
A few simple things already make a big difference. Check that all your lights work, including the indicators in the mirrors, and have the alignment of your dipped headlights checked. Make sure your tyre pressure is right and the tread is sufficient, and bear in mind that winter tyres are not allowed between 1 May and 30 September. Clean your number plates, tidy the car and don't forget your vehicle documents: registration certificate, certificate of conformity and your latest inspection certificate. Did that last certificate list a defect to be repaired? Then be sure to have it sorted beforehand.
Want to be sure? At XCS Automotive we carry out a full pre-inspection check. We put your car on the lift and check brakes, suspension, lights, tyres and exhaust, measuring your tyres and brakes with a laser, and you receive a report. At every check and every service we also test your battery, alternator and starter motor, and you get a clear overview of that too. Whatever is needed, we repair straight away, so you can drive to the inspection station with peace of mind, whether it's a routine inspection or you want to sell your car.
Book your check in Merchtem
Book an appointment easily via Book an appointment or call us directly: Quinten on 0470 56 61 21 or Jorne on 0471 46 40 17. We're happy to help you get through the inspection without worries.
Sources: Vlaanderen.be, new technical inspection rules, frequently asked questions, VRT NWS and GOCA Vlaanderen rates (sources in Dutch). Status as of 15 October 2026.