Too late to check the car? No more fines from June 15 | car

Research conducted by HLN earlier this year made it clear: Those waiting for the invitation letter for a vehicle inspection can no longer get an appointment during the pre-determined inspection period in many places. At the same time, the queues for a “free examination” (without an appointment) were getting longer and longer. There was even a consultation with the police, because the cars reached the public road at some checkpoints.

Anyone who takes their car for inspection too late will be fined. This is a minimum of 9.7 euros and then rises to a maximum of 34.7 euros. Minister Peters is now rescinding this fine for late inspection: “We continue to receive signals from citizens who have to pay a fine because they were unable to make an appointment in time due to waiting times. This is totally unacceptable.”

Anyone who has been fined recently can also claim a refund. This can be done by requesting a refund through the Department of Mobility and Public Works (MOW) due to force majeure.

On May 1 of this year, the Minister introduced a number of changes for the first time. Then it was decided to rehabilitate a number of defects that previously led to re-examination. You don’t get a red card anymore. In the future, a number of re-examinations will take place in the garages (which are not yet recognized). Management is working on regulations that will make this possible.

The removal of fines for late inspections is a temporary measure. “When the problems in the inspection sector are resolved, there will be no fines anymore and no exemption should be granted.” Meanwhile, the Department for Mobility and Public Works and GOCA Vlaanderen (Overall Union of Inspection Center Operators) are once again undertaking to improve and develop measures, including addressing waiting times. But in practice, it seems that the effect of this is not yet apparent.