What if my car fails the STK?
With minor defects (A) the car passes and you just fix them. A major defect (B) means the vehicle is temporarily roadworthy: you may drive it for 30 days and must bring it for a repeat inspection within that time. With a dangerous defect (C) the vehicle is not roadworthy and must not be used on the road.
How are defects assessed at the STK?
| Defect | Result | What next |
|---|---|---|
| none or only minor (A) | roadworthy | Fix the defects; no repeat inspection is needed. |
| major (B) | temporarily roadworthy | You may drive for 30 days; within that time, a repeat inspection with the defect fixed. |
| dangerous (C) | not roadworthy | The vehicle must not be used; the operator arranges towing. |
The result is determined by the most serious defect found.
What is checked at a repeat inspection?
Within 30 days of the first inspection, the repeat inspection is partial: the items with a major or dangerous defect are checked, and the station also records any other obvious major or dangerous defects. After 30 days a full inspection is carried out.
What if I miss the 30-day deadline?
If you do not bring a vehicle with a major defect for the repeat inspection within 30 days, or the defect is found again at the repeat inspection, the vehicle is not roadworthy and you must not drive it.
What happens with a dangerous defect?
The vehicle must not be used any further and the station removes the inspection sticker from the number plate. Driving a vehicle that is not roadworthy because of a dangerous defect is an offence punished by 6 penalty points and a fine of CZK 4,000–10,000, or CZK 2,500–3,500 on the spot.
Find an STK near you
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to go to the same station for the repeat inspection?
Arrange it with the station. The advantage of the same station is that it has the result of the first inspection.
Can I drive the car after an STK with a serious defect?
Yes, but only for 30 days from the date of the report. Within that time you must repair the defect and bring the car for a repeat inspection.
How much does a repeat inspection cost?
It depends on the station; within 30 days it is usually cheaper because only part of the vehicle is checked. See the guide How much does an STK cost.
Sources
- Act No. 56/2001 Coll. on the conditions of operating vehicles on roads (in Czech), Sections 49–52 (defects and assessment)
- Decree No. 211/2018 Coll. on vehicle inspections (in Czech), Section 3(7) (repeat inspection), Section 6, Annex 1
- Act No. 361/2000 Coll. on road traffic (in Czech), Section 125c, annex (penalty points)
When is your STK due?
Calculate the date of your next inspection by vehicle type.