Overview of roadworthiness test

The roadworthiness test is obligatory in Sweden. A technician will examine your vehicle. The technician will make sure the vehicle has proper identification by checking its Vehicle Identity Number (VIN) and any other identity features. Below is a list of checks likely to be carried out on your vehicle:

  • Registration plate - (condition, security, legibility and format of letters/numbers)
  • Lights -(function, tilt angle, correct color)
  • steering and suspension - (Condition and safety)
  • Windscreen wipers - (Condition, can it properly clean a window)
  • Windscreen - (Cracks, dents, overall condition such as darkspots due to UV light coloring)
  • Horn - (Condition, and correct type)
  • Seatbelts - (Condition, operation and security)
  • Fuel system - (No leaks, fuel cap fastens correctly and seals securely)
  • Exhaust emissions - (vehicle meets the requirements for exhaust emissions, CO2 levels for the car category)
  • Vehicle structure - (Does not show signs of corrosion, large damaged areas, or loose components eg: bonnet that cant close properly)
  • Doors - (Opening and closing mechanism, latch security in closed position)
  • Mirrors - (Condition, functioning and correct distance / angle reflection)
  • Wheels and tyres - (Condition, thread dept, wheel nuts tighten, no damage to the wheel or tyre, correct inflation)
  • Brakes - (Condition, operation and performance (effectiveness testing) by both physical and visual inspection)
  • Drive system - (electrical, exhaust and drive system)
  • Other - (Towbar, addtional accesories .)

When should you take your car for roadworthiness inspection

  • The vehicle registration is determined by the age of the vehicle
  • Its your responsibility : You will usually receive a number of emails from roadworthiness testing companies when it is time to do your roadworthiness test, However the main responsibility is yours .
  • Follow the new inspection rules : On 20 May 2018, the old system with the last digit in the registration number was discontinued.

New inspection rules as of 20 May 2018

  • 3 years (New car):You must inspect your car if it was bought new no later than 3 years (36 months) after the month when it was first used.
  • 2 years (After 1st inspection):You must inspect your car the 2nd time no later than 2 years (24 months) after the month when the first inspection was made.
  • 14 months (After 2nd inspection or most recent inspection):You must inspect your car the 3rd+ time no later than 14 months after the month when the most recent inspection was made.
  • Use the two months as a grace period :If your car is older then 5 years you have to inspect it each year (12 months + 2 months safety period) = 14 months Please note that the last day for inspection is always the last day of the month. This is because you start counting the month after the most recent inspection.
  • Last day of inspection is last day of the month: The next inspection date is always the last day of the month, Reason for this is that you count the month after the most recent inspection. Example: 12 Feb 2022 most recent inspection => Last day inspection 31 April 2023 (12 months + 2 months)

Examples of registration dates

Consider the following examples. When is the last date the the car can be taken for roadworthiness test

Car Condition Inspection Date Next Inspection Date
New car 1st registered on 2 October 2021 NA 31st October 2024
Used car First time on 5 May 2021 No later than 31 May2023
Used car Last inspection was on 8 July 2021 No later than 31 September 2022
Used car Last inspection was on 8 December 2021 No later than 31 February 2023
New car 1st registered on 15 July 2020 NA 31st July 2023
Car is 5 years old and 1st registered on 03 Feb 2020 NA 31 April 2026 (Note 5 years + 14 months)

Aditional Rules

Consider the following additional vehicle inspection criteria that you should consider

  • Automatic driving ban: If inspection was not completed in the time allocated an automatic driving ban is placed on your vehicle. Untill its inspected. Note the a police officer will be able to see this ban and can fine you
  • Fix vehicle faults found during an inspection: The nessesary fixeses need to be made else a driving ban can be imposed
  • police officer or vehicle inspector: A vehicle spot inspection can be preformed by a police officer or vehicle inspector at any time
  • Major vehicle changes & vehicle registration inspection: If you change any major component on the vehicle you need to have the vehcile inspected again. Example (Engine modification, gear box upgrade, turbo booster instalation, etc). The inspection need to be done within 1 month after changes were made.