Whoever drives a vehicle in Portugal must have it undergo regular inspections. This article explains how the process works, which deadlines apply, and what you should keep in mind during the inspection.
Every vehicle registered in Portugal must undergo the “Inspeção Periódica Obrigatória” (IPO). The first inspection takes place four years after the initial registration, then every two years. From the vehicle’s tenth year onward, the check is required annually.
The inspection is carried out at a so-called Centro de Inspeção. These are testing centers certified by the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT).
If you want to avoid long waiting times, you can schedule an appointment online or by phone at the inspection center of your choice.
Brakes, lighting, emissions, steering, tires, and bodywork, as well as the presence of safety vests and a warning triangle are examined. The costs are usually between 30€ and 50€, depending on the vehicle type.
After passing the inspection, the vehicle receives a green certificate. You can detach the green Veículo Inspecionado” slip and stick it visibly to the windshield. If you choose not to do this, you must keep the document in the vehicle at all times.
If the vehicle does not pass, you will receive a red slip along with a defect report. You have 14 days to fix all issues before returning to the Centro de Inspeção for a follow-up inspection.
Vehicle registration document (Documento Único Automóvel)
The most recent inspection report
Anyone who misses the inspection deadlines risks fines and, in the worst case, the immobilization of the vehicle.
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