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Car maintenance: costs, deadlines and updates
In recent years, the vehicle inspection system has undergone strong modernization: today the procedure is more digital, transparent and with more accurate controls on vehicle safety. Inspection is indeed an obligation provided for by the Road Code and serves to ensure that every car in circulation complies with standards of mechanical and environmental efficiency.
In 2025, some important innovations have been introduced, which are worth keeping in mind:
- Complete digitalization of booking and payment, with electronic receipts and automatic reminders for the next expiration date.
- Expansion of authorized centers, also through multi-service workshops certified by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
- Possibility of reimbursement for those who respect inspection deadlines and maintain virtuous driving behavior, according to the "Safe Inspection" bonus.
Car inspection: what it is and when to do it
Car inspection is the mandatory periodic technical check established by article 80 of the Road Code, with the aim of verifying vehicle safety, emission levels, and compliance with environmental and mechanical regulations.
It is an essential requirement to legally drive on the road, just like insurance and proper registration.
Frequency of inspection
- First inspection: must be carried out within 4 years from the date of first registration (e.g., a car registered in March 2021 must be inspected by March 2025).
- Subsequent inspections: must be repeated every 2 years.
Special cases
- Taxis, NCC and rental vehicles: are subject to annual inspection, given the high mileage and professional use of the vehicle.
- Historic or vintage cars: may be subject to specific checks, provided they are carried out at authorized and recognized centers.
- Imported or modified vehicles: inspection may be required in advance to verify homologation or the safety of modifications.
The date of the last inspection and the expiration date of the next one are reported in the Single Circulation Document (field V.9) or on the ACI portal, where you can verify them online using the license plate number.
For further technical details and regulatory updates, the official page of the General Directorate for Motorization is available on the MIT (Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport) portal, which represents the authoritative source for all procedures and forms regarding inspection.
How much does car inspection cost in 2025
In 2025, the cost of car inspection remains in line with previous years, but with some variations due to regional tariffs and administrative fees.
The price is set by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and differs slightly depending on whether the inspection is carried out at the Civil Motorization office or at an authorized private center.
Costs updated to 2025
- 79.02 € at authorized private centers, including VAT and vehicle registration fees.
- 66.88 € at provincial Civil Motor Authority offices, with payment via pagoPA.
Price differences depend on:
- Management costs and administrative fees (higher at private centers).
- VAT rate variations and local tariffs set by each province.
2025 News: the "Safe Inspection" bonus has been confirmed again this year. Those who complete the inspection within the scheduled timeframe can obtain a refund of up to 9.95 €, paid via bank transfer or digital platforms of the Ministry. The bonus is recognized only once per vehicle.
Type of inspection | Where it is performed | Average price 2025 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard inspection | Authorized private centers | 79.02 € | Standard fee with VAT and fees included |
Inspection at the Motor Authority | Provincial offices | 66.88 € | Payment via pagoPA slip |
Late inspection | After expiration | + 10-15 € | Standard fee with VAT and fees included |
Expired car inspection: what happens
Driving with an expired vehicle inspection is a violation of the Road Code (art. 80) and entails economic and administrative penalties.
Those stopped without an updated inspection risk:
- A fine ranging from 173 to 694 euros, variable based on the delay and type of vehicle.
- Suspension of the vehicle from circulation until the inspection is completed.
- Aggravated penalties and administrative impounding in case of repeat offenses or accidents with an uninspected vehicle.
Beyond direct penalties, driving without a valid inspection can have insurance consequences.
In case of accident, the insurance company can reduce or refuse compensation, if it is proven that the lack of inspection affected the vehicle's safety or the accident dynamics.
To avoid risks and keep coverage always active, it is essential to verify that your RCA policy is valid and up to date. You can learn more about how motor liability insurance works and discover all the protections provided in case of accident.
Violation | Economic Penalty (€) | Administrative Consequence | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Expired Inspection (first violation) | 173 - 694 | Suspension of vehicle circulation until inspection is completed | The amount varies based on vehicle type and delay |
Repeat Offense (multiple violations over time) | 345 - 1.388 | Administrative impoundment of vehicle | In case of reiteration within two years |
Driving with vehicle suspended for failed inspection | 1.998 - 7.993 | Vehicle confiscation | Provided for serious violations or accidents |
Accident with expired inspection | No specific fine | Recourse or refusal of insurance compensation | The insurance company may limit coverage if the vehicle was not fit for circulation |
Inspection and insurance coverage are checked together: in this guide we explain how to verify if a vehicle is insured, even starting from just the license plate.
The penalties related to the vehicle don't end there: here you'll find a guide on how fines and speed cameras work, with notification times and ways to contest them.
How to book a car inspection
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At an authorized inspection center: you can book an appointment at one of the auto repair shops authorized by the Civil Aviation Authority. These centers have approved equipment and immediately provide the inspection result (pass or fail).
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At the Civil Aviation Authority offices: you can book the inspection at the provincial offices of the MIT through the online portal or by going directly to the counter. This method is preferred for special vehicles, classic cars, or when an extraordinary technical inspection is needed.
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Online with Telepass Inspection Service:
- Book directly from the Telepass app, choosing date, time, and authorized center.
- Pay for the inspection in a few seconds with Telepass Pay X, without queues or bureaucracy.
- Receive automatic reminders for future expiration dates, so you don't forget periodic inspections.
- The service is also available for company vehicles or leased vehicles, with centralized management of expiration dates.
Vehicle inspection for new cars and after accidents
Car inspection is not only about periodic checks required by law, but also special situations that can affect vehicle safety.
New cars
For first-registered vehicles, the first mandatory inspection must be carried out within 4 years from the date shown on the Unique Circulation Document (e.g., if registered on March 10, 2021, the inspection must be completed by March 31, 2025). Subsequently, the inspection must be repeated every 2 years.
After serious accident
If a vehicle is involved in a major accident that has damaged structural or safety components (such as frame, suspension, or braking system), the Civil Motorization Authority can impose an extraordinary inspection.
The purpose is to verify that the vehicle is still fit for road use before it can return to the road.
Technical modifications or special installations
An early mandatory inspection is also required in the following cases:
- Replacement of the chassis or engine.
- Installation of LPG or methane systems, which modify the vehicle's characteristics.
- Structural or functional updates that require new homologation.
Carrying out the inspection promptly in these cases is essential to avoid penalties and ensure that insurance coverage, such as that offered by Telepass Auto Insurance, remains valid in case of a claim.
Frequently asked questions about vehicle inspection
How often should you get your car inspected?
How often should you get your car inspected?
The inspection must be carried out 4 years after the first registration and subsequently every 2 years. The expiration date is always calculated based on the month of first registration indicated in the Unified Circulation Document. Some special categories (such as taxis, NCC and rental cars) must instead undergo annual inspection.
How much does car inspection cost in 2025?
How much does car inspection cost in 2025?
In 2025 the average cost ranges between 66.88 € and 79.02 €, depending on the location chosen:
- 66.88 € at Civil Motor Authority offices.
- 79.02 € at authorized private centers by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
Can I get the vehicle inspection done at a different center than where I bought the car?
Can I get the vehicle inspection done at a different center than where I bought the car?
Yes. You can carry out the inspection at any center authorized by the Ministry of Transport, regardless of the concessionaire or the province of registration. What matters is that the center is accredited with the Civil Aviation Authority: you can verify this on the portal of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT).
What happens if I drive with an expired inspection?
What happens if I drive with an expired inspection?
Those who drive with an expired inspection risk:
- A fine from 173 to 694 euros, increased in case of repeat offense.
- Suspension from circulation until the inspection passes.
- Administrative impounding of the vehicle in the most serious cases.
Do you need insurance to get a vehicle inspection?
Do you need insurance to get a vehicle inspection?
Yes. The vehicle must have an active RCA insurance policy in order to drive to the inspection center or to the Motor Vehicle Department. Without insurance, the car cannot be driven on the road, not even for the journey to the inspection point.
Can I book a car inspection online?
Can I book a car inspection online?
Certo. Con il servizio Revisione Telepass puoi prenotare, pagare e ricevere promemoria automatici direttamente dall’app Telepass. Il sistema consente di scegliere il centro convenzionato più vicino, visualizzare i costi in anticipo e tenere sotto controllo tutte le scadenze future, anche per flotte aziendali o veicoli in leasing. È una soluzione comoda e sicura per non dimenticare mai la revisione e restare sempre in regola con il Codice della Strada.