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about the new rules
Since 1 September 2026, Flanders has applied a renewed approach to technical vehicle inspections. This reform aims to better align Flemish regulations with European standards, ease the pressure on inspection centres and save motorists time. In practice, inspection intervals are becoming longer for many vehicle categories, and several administrative requirements have been dropped.
These changes are relevant for both private individuals and businesses with their own fleet, and may affect the planning of your inspections.
WHAT EXACTLY HAS CHANGED?
Longer inspection intervals for different vehicles
- Cars: inspection every 2 years instead of annually
- Vans and light commercial vehicles: gradual transition from an annual to a two-yearly inspection between 2026 and 2028:
» for vehicles up to 4 years old (since first registration), this already applies from 1 September 2026
» for vehicles up to 8 years old, this applies from 1 September 2027
» for vehicles older than 8 years, this applies from 1 September 2028 - Agricultural vehicles (category Tb), towed agricultural of forestry machinery (category Sb) and fairground vehicles: inspection every 2 years
- Trailers (category O2, MAM between 0.75 and 3.5 tonnes): inspection every 2 years
- Taxis, ambulances, driving school vehicles and buses: remain subject to annual inspection
These longer intervals only apply if your vehicle is inspected from 1 September 2026 onwards and the expiry date of your current inspection certificate falls on or after that date.
An existing certificate is therefore not automatically extended.
No seperate inspection for tow bars
Vehicles fitted with a tow bar now follow the same inspection interval as vehicles without one.
If you would still prefer to have your tow bar checked, this remains possible on a voluntary basis.
More time to fix a major defect
If the inspection centre identifies a major defect, you now have 2 months to have it repaired and present the vehicle again. This period was previously limited to 15 days.
Temporary certificate for administrative shortcomings scrapped
In the case of an administrative shortcoming, you previously received an inspection certificate valid for only 3 months. This system has been scrapped.
You now immediately receive a certificate with the normal, full period of validity.
