Vehicle Inspection: The Defects That Require a Reinspection

A burnt-out bulb, a distorted tire, or uneven braking can be enough to make a vehicle fail the roadworthiness inspection. But a reinspection is not automatic for every fault: it depends on how serious the defect is and how the inspector classifies it. Minor defects are recorded without requiring a second check, while major and critical defects call for repairs and an additional inspection.

For drivers, the distinction matters. A major defect generally allows the vehicle to remain on the road until the deadline for the reinspection, within the legal time limit. A critical defect, by contrast, points to an immediate danger and limits the validity of the inspection to the day it was carried out. The inspection report sets out the problems found, their category, and the points that will later be checked again. Reading it carefully makes it easier to understand what needs to be done, by when, and whether the vehicle can still be driven.

The problems most often encountered involve parts that can be checked before the appointment: tires, lighting, wipers, seat belts, or the license plate. Other issues, such as faulty steering, chassis corrosion, or mechanical defects affecting braking, require a professional diagnosis. Here is how to tell the difference between the reasons for a reinspection, understand the consequences, and prepare the car to avoid an unnecessary second visit.

In brief

• Minor defects do not require a reinspection, although preventive repairs may still be advisable.
• Major defects require repairs and a reinspection within two months of the initial inspection.
• Critical defects present an immediate danger: the inspection remains valid only until midnight on the day of the test.
• Braking, tires, steering, lighting, visibility, chassis, and emissions are among the most frequently checked areas.
• The inspection center does not carry out repairs: the owner is free to choose any garage.

Reinspection after the roadworthiness test: understanding the three levels of defect

The inspector classifies each fault according to its impact on safety, the environment, or the vehicle’s compliance. That classification determines whether the inspection is passed, whether a reinspection is required, and whether the car may continue to circulate. A single category of problem can appear at different levels of severity: the condition of a tire, for example, is assessed according to the extent of its wear or damage.

Minor defects: an issue to watch

A minor defect does not trigger a reinspection. The vehicle can still receive a favorable result, but the fault is listed in the report so the owner is aware of it. A slight deterioration of a component or an irregularity with no significant effect may fall into this category. That does not mean it should be ignored: a part that continues to deteriorate can eventually compromise safety and be treated more severely at the next inspection.

Take Claire, who notices that one interior light bulb is no longer working, even though the road-facing lights are fine. The inspector does not treat it like a failed headlight, because the effect on visibility and on signaling to other road users is not the same. The example shows that a defect is assessed according to its actual function, not just its appearance.

Major defects: mandatory repair and a two-month deadline

Major defects affect safety or compliance, without necessarily creating an immediate danger at the moment of inspection. They lead to an unfavorable result and a reinspection after repair. The maximum period is two months from the date of the initial inspection: the repairs must be completed and the vehicle returned to the center within that timeframe. The inspection report identifies the defects concerned and serves as the reference for the second examination.

Uneven braking, worn or damaged tires, excessive play in the steering, or non-compliant lighting can all fall into this category. While the inspection remains valid, the vehicle can generally be driven during the applicable period, but that does not make it safe in every situation. If the vehicle behaves in a dangerous way — for example, an abnormal brake pedal, a wheel that vibrates heavily, or unstable steering — it is better not to drive it and to seek advice from a professional.

Critical defects: an immediate danger

Critical defects correspond to direct risks for occupants or other road users. Severely defective braking, a major leak likely to affect an essential component, or serious damage to the vehicle’s structure can lead to this classification. In that case, the roadworthiness test is valid only until midnight on the day of the inspection. After that, the vehicle must not be driven on public roads; it should be transported to a garage rather than driven there.

The difference between major and critical is therefore not simply about the size of the repair bill. It is mainly about urgency and danger. The inspection report is the document to consult in order to see exactly which category applies to each defect and what rules follow for the vehicle.

Which major defects lead to a reinspection after the roadworthiness test?

The areas checked cover the vehicle’s main functions. The presence of even one major defect is enough to produce an unfavorable result, even if the rest of the car appears to be in good condition. This is not an exhaustive list of every regulatory case: the classification depends on the inspector’s assessment and the applicable technical criteria. The examples below do, however, help identify the most common categories of defects.

Defective braking and faulty steering

Braking is checked for efficiency, balance, and the condition of accessible components. Cracked discs, badly worn pads, or brake fluid that is too low are warning signs that should be taken seriously. A braking problem may show up in everyday use as a pedal that sinks too far, a car that pulls to one side, or persistent noises, but only a diagnosis can identify the exact cause.

Steering deserves the same attention. Excessive play at the wheel or worn mechanical connections can make lane changes and direction changes imprecise. If Karim hears a knocking sound when turning the wheel and notices that his car drifts, simply replacing a part at random is not the answer: the garage should check ball joints, linkages, mountings, and other relevant components before the reinspection.

Tires, lighting, and visibility

Tires must be examined across their full surface, not only in the center of the tread. A bulge on the sidewall, a cut, or excessive wear may lead to a failure; the tread depth must meet the legal minimum of 1.6 mm. Incorrect inflation does not necessarily lead to a reinspection on its own, but it accelerates wear and may reveal a problem that needs to be corrected.

As for lighting, the position lights, dipped beams, main beams, indicators, brake lights, and hazard warning lights should all be tested. A headlamp that is badly aimed, a non-compliant color, or a light that does not work can all be noted. A cracked windshield in the driver’s line of sight and wipers that no longer clear water properly also deserve attention, because they reduce visibility precisely when it matters most.

Chassis, pollution, and other equipment

Chassis corrosion becomes particularly worrying when it reaches the structure or causes perforation. Exhaust emissions are also checked: a major leak, excessive smoke opacity on a diesel, or emissions above the applicable limits can lead to a reinspection. Finally, a seat belt that no longer retracts, an unreadable plate, or inconsistent identification documents may also be among the defects noted. The priority is to address the defect exactly as described in the report rather than relying on a general checklist.

Reinspection deadline and driving: what to do after an unfavorable result

At the end of the inspection, the report brings together the defects found and their level of seriousness. In the event of a major or critical defect, the result is unfavorable and the issues subject to reinspection must be corrected. The document may include technical codes, but it should also allow the owner to identify the elements that need repairing. If the wording is unclear, asking the inspector for an explanation avoids unnecessary or incomplete work.

The two-month legal deadline

For defects requiring a reinspection, the deadline is two months from the initial inspection. It is better not to wait until the last day to make an appointment: the garage may need to order a part, and the center’s availability can vary. If the deadline passes, the initial inspection can no longer be used to justify the vehicle’s validity; a new full inspection may be required instead of a targeted check.

A reinspection is not a full new examination of the car. The inspector checks that the defects that led to the unfavorable result have been corrected, as well as related items where the procedure requires it. If the repairs are incomplete or a relevant defect remains, the result may still be unfavorable. It is therefore useful to keep the garage invoice and, before the appointment, to make sure that every point listed in the report has been addressed.

Can you drive with a major or critical defect?

With a major defect, driving is generally still possible during the applicable validity period, provided the vehicle is otherwise roadworthy and the inspection is still valid. That possibility does not remove the need for prompt repair. It does not make it wise to take a long journey with a safety-related fault: the owner should judge the risk and follow the professional’s advice, especially if the problem concerns the brakes, tires, or steering.

In the presence of a critical defect, the situation is different: the inspection remains valid only until midnight on the day of the test. After that, the vehicle must not be used on public roads. A transport solution or towing to the garage must be arranged, followed by a reinspection after the repair. Do not confuse this rule with the two-month period granted for major defects: the category shown on the report completely changes the course of action.

A roadworthiness defect can also lead to a penalty during a roadside check if the vehicle is being driven when its inspection is no longer valid or when it is subject to a driving ban. The standard fixed fine for no valid roadworthiness test is generally €135, with possible immobilization in some situations. The best way to avoid these complications is to respect the deadline, keep the documents, and avoid driving with a critical issue.

Who chooses the garage and the reinspection center?

The inspection center does not carry out repairs. You are free to entrust the work to your usual mechanic, an independent repair shop, or a workshop from a network of your choice. The reinspection can be arranged according to the procedures of the center that performed the initial inspection; check with that center about booking and pricing conditions. The garage and the inspection center have separate roles: one repairs, the other checks that the flagged items comply.

For a vehicle with several defects, a detailed estimate helps separate urgent repairs from additional work. For example, replacing tires does not fix play in a steering joint: each defect listed must be dealt with separately. Once the repairs have been done, presenting the inspection report to the inspector makes targeted checking easier and reduces misunderstandings.

Avoiding a reinspection: useful checks before the appointment

A personal inspection does not replace the roadworthiness test, but it can help you spot several simple defects before arriving at the center. The aim is not to dismantle the car or diagnose complex mechanical problems. It is about checking visible equipment, correcting obvious oversights, and consulting a professional when the vehicle’s behavior or condition calls for it.

A practical checklist at home

1. Test all lights: ask someone else to check the position lights, dipped beams, main beams, indicators, brake lights, and hazard lights. Clean the lenses and replace any faulty bulbs before the appointment.
2. Inspect the tires: check the wear indicators, sidewalls, and pressure. A bulge, deep cut, or very uneven wear deserves professional attention; do not limit yourself to the easiest wheel to see.
3. Check the wipers and windshield: the blades should not leave large uncleared areas. A crack that affects the field of vision or a significant impact should be assessed before the inspection.
4. Try the seat belts and horn: each belt should pull out, buckle, and retract properly. Also make sure the horn works.
5. Prepare the documents and identification: bring the required registration document and check that the plate is readable, properly attached, and compliant.

This quick check takes little time and can prevent an unpleasant surprise linked to a simple piece of equipment. It does not, however, allow you to certify the condition of the brakes, suspension, or steering components. If you hear knocking, feel vibrations, or notice a leak, report it to the garage instead of waiting for the inspector to find the problem.

Anticipating mechanical faults

Some signs appear gradually. A car that brakes less effectively, a pedal that vibrates, a steering wheel with play, or unusual noises in corners may reveal mechanical faults. These symptoms do not automatically identify the part at fault: vibration under braking can have several causes, and a diagnosis is needed before replacing components.

Lucie, for example, notices more pronounced wear on the inner edge of her tires. Checking tire pressure is not enough to explain the problem; a professional can inspect wheel alignment, suspension, and the chassis links. By dealing with the cause of the wear before the inspection, she avoids replacing a pair of tires without correcting the underlying issue that could damage the next set as well.

Emissions, exhaust, and routine maintenance

Excessive pollution or an exhaust leak may be detected during the measurements and the visual inspection of the vehicle. Regular maintenance helps spot a problem, but it does not guarantee a favorable result on its own: the actual condition of the engine and emission-control system matters at the time of the inspection. A warning light on the dashboard, unusual smoke, or a persistent smell calls for a diagnosis before trying to mask the symptom.

Visible fluid levels may also be checked according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially brake fluid. Do not top up a fluid without understanding why the level has dropped: a leak should be identified and repaired. Effective preparation therefore combines simple checks, regular maintenance, and a garage visit as soon as a safety-related symptom appears.

After the repairs: passing the reinspection

Once the vehicle has been repaired, reread the initial report and go through the listed defects one by one. The reinspection focuses on the faults identified: arriving with an invoice is not enough if the inspector sees that the repair did not actually solve the problem. The intervention must restore proper function, not merely make a noise or warning light disappear temporarily.

Matching the work to the defects listed

Give the garage the inspection report before the quote is prepared. This allows the mechanic to connect the observations to the relevant components and explain the planned work. If several items are involved, ask for each line of the report to be matched to a repair or check that has been carried out. For example, a brake repair must address the actual measured or visual defect that was found.

The same logic applies to tires and steering. Replacing a damaged tire does not necessarily correct faulty wheel alignment, while a new ball joint will not make an end-of-life tire compliant. The reinspection checks the relevant items as a whole; a related defect discovered during the repair may therefore require additional work.

What if the result is still unfavorable?

If a defect has not been corrected, or if the repair is insufficient, the inspector notes it on the reinspection result. You then need to contact the garage again to understand the cause and act before the deadline linked to the initial inspection expires. An unfavorable reinspection should not be interpreted as permission to drive away without checking the validity of the inspection and the category of defect mentioned.

If a new defect appears, ask the center how it is classified and what consequences apply. A minor, major, or critical problem does not create the same obligations. Keeping successive reports, invoices, and exchanges with the repairer helps track the file clearly, especially when several interventions are needed.

An unfavorable inspection when selling a vehicle

Selling a car with an unfavorable inspection is subject to specific rules that depend in particular on the vehicle’s age and the buyer’s situation. The seller must provide the relevant information and hand over the required inspection documents; defects listed in the report must never be concealed. Before completing the sale, check the rules that apply to the vehicle with an official administrative source or an automotive professional.

For the buyer, the inspection report is a practical basis for discussion: it details the defects and helps estimate the repairs that will be needed. An independent check can be useful when the defects concern the chassis, braking, or steering, because their cost and seriousness are not always obvious from the wording alone. In all cases, the stated condition must match the documents provided and the repairs actually carried out.

Preparing for the reinspection therefore means linking the inspector’s findings to a verifiable repair, within the required deadline and without overlooking immediate safety. The report guides the process, the garage repairs the faults, and the approved center confirms that they have been corrected.

How long do I have to pass the reinspection?

The maximum period is two months from the date of the initial roadworthiness test. Repairs and presentation of the vehicle must take place within that period; after that, a full inspection may be required.

Can I drive after a major defect?

In general, the vehicle may be driven during the validity period that applies to a major defect, but the faults should be repaired quickly. If the car shows a clear safety risk, especially dangerous braking or steering, avoid driving it and seek advice from a professional.

What does a critical defect mean?

It signals an immediate danger. The roadworthiness test remains valid only until midnight on the day of the inspection; after that, the vehicle must not be driven on public roads and should be transported to the garage.

Do I have to repair the car at the inspection center?

No. The inspection center does not carry out repairs. You may choose any garage you like, then present the vehicle for the reinspection according to the center’s procedures.