Post Tagged with: "MOT"

In Germany, every vehicle requiring registration and every trailer must undergo a regular MOT inspection. Generally, the intervals for motor vehicles are every two years. The rules are slightly different for trailers.

When does the trailer have to undergo a MOT inspection?

For trailers, the MOT inspection interval depends on the trailer’s weight. Large trailers weighing over 3,500 kg to 10,000 kg must undergo an initial inspection after 12 months and then every 12 months thereafter. Trailers weighing between 750 kg and 3,500 kg must undergo an initial inspection after 24 months and then every 24 months thereafter.

The first inspection for trailers up to 750 kg is due after 36 months, with subsequent ongoing inspections scheduled every 24 months. These intervals also apply to unbraked trailers.

The table summarizes the MOT inspection intervals for trailers:

 

from 3.500 kg to 10.000 kg	after 12 months	every 12 months
from 750 kg to 3.500 kg	after 24 months	every 24 months
up to 750 kg	after 36 months	every 24 months
unrestrained	after 36 months	every 24 months

 

If you have a new trailer, it’s best to check your vehicle registration document or your vehicle registration certificate. This should indicate when you need to have your next MOT or initial inspection. The MOT sticker on the rear license plate, similar to a car, also provides reliable information about when your trailer needs to be inspected again.

What do you need to bring to the MOT?

You should prepare well for your MOT appointment to keep it as short as possible. It’s best to check yourself beforehand whether the trailer’s tires and lights are in good condition and whether the trailer has any defects. Be sure to have important documents with you. These include your vehicle registration document or vehicle registration certificate, as well as the most recent MOT report (if available) and your ID.

If your trailer is due for a general or initial inspection, or subsequent MOT inspections, you can best prepare for the upcoming appointment with your local MOT and often ensure that your trailer remains roadworthy.

What to look out for at your MOT appointment

A good way to start your MOT appointment is to have all the necessary documents with you. This includes your ID, the most recent MOT report (if available), and your vehicle registration document or vehicle registration certificate.

Also, make sure your trailer’s lights are undamaged and fully functional. Working lights are essential for a trailer and road safety. It’s best to check the lights and indicators, the brake lights, the license plate light, and the reversing light beforehand.

You should also check the tires on your trailer beforehand. The tire tread must be at least 1.6 mm, and they must not be older than six years. You can check the age of the tires yourself in advance; the markings on the sidewalls will tell you this. There you will find a four-digit inscription: the last two digits indicate the year, and the first two digits represent the calendar week of that year. You can also check the tire tread in advance using a 1 euro coin: If you insert it into the tread, you should no longer be able to see the gold edge of the coin. Only then is the tread still sufficient.

Wheel chocks are also important for trailers weighing over 750 kg. The TÜV (German Technical Inspection Agency) checks whether these are undamaged and fit the tires.