When does my car need an STK?
A new car must go for its first STK within 4 years of registration and then every 2 years. Motorcycles within 6 years and then every 4 years; trucks, buses, large trailers, taxis and rental cars every year. The date of the next inspection is in the report from your last STK.
How often do I need an STK?
The deadlines are set by Section 40 of Czech Act No. 56/2001 Coll. The first deadline counts from the day the vehicle was entered in the register, each further one from the day of the previous regular inspection.
| Vehicle | First STK | Next STK |
|---|---|---|
| Car, van up to 3.5 t, trailer up to 3.5 t with brakes | within 4 years | every 2 years |
| Motorcycle, tricycle, quad, light trailer without brakes | within 6 years | every 4 years |
| Truck over 3.5 t, bus, trailer and semi-trailer over 3.5 t | within 1 year | every year |
| Taxi, rental car, scheduled transport, emergency vehicle | within 1 year | every year |
| Tractor and its trailer over 40 km/h | within 4 years | every 2 years |
| Tractor and its trailer up to 40 km/h | within 4 years | every 4 years |
You can calculate your date with the When is my STK due tool.
Where do I find out when my STK expires?
The exact date is in the report from your last inspection. The sticker on the rear number plate only shows the month and year. You can also find the date in the vehicle register via the Transport Portal (Portál dopravy). The state sends a reminder to your data box 60 days before the deadline; on the Transport Portal you can also set up e-mail or SMS reminders.
Can I go for an STK early?
Yes, but the next deadline counts from the day the inspection actually took place. If you go a month early, your next date will also be a month earlier. The law has no tolerance or “window” before the deadline.
What about an imported car?
For a vehicle from another EU country, the first deadline counts from the first registration in the country of origin and the next one from the last inspection there, or from the inspection before registration in the Czech Republic. For a vehicle from outside the EU, it counts from the inspection for registration: a car must then go for its first STK within 2 years, a motorcycle within 4 years.
What happens if my STK expires?
A vehicle without a valid inspection must not be used on public roads. The operator (a natural person) faces a fine of up to CZK 50,000 in administrative proceedings, or up to CZK 5,000 on the spot. No penalty points are given for an expired STK alone.
Find an STK near you
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to take a new car for an STK right after buying it?
No. A new passenger car goes for its first regular STK within 4 years of being entered in the vehicle register.
Is the STK valid until the end of the month shown on the sticker?
No. The sticker shows only the month and year. What counts is the exact date in the report from the last vehicle inspection.
Does a small moped need an STK too?
Mopeds up to 50 cm³ or with a design speed of up to 50 km/h that have pedals are not subject to regular vehicle inspections. Other motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles go for the first time within 6 years and then every 4 years.
Why does a taxi have an STK every year?
The law shortens the interval to one year for taxis, rental cars, scheduled-service vehicles and vehicles with priority right of way, because they drive more and carry other people.
Sources
- Act No. 56/2001 Coll. on the conditions of operating vehicles on roads (in Czech), Section 40 (deadlines), Section 79 (tractors), Section 83 (fines)
- Decree No. 211/2018 Coll. on vehicle inspections (in Czech)
- Transport Portal (Portál dopravy)
When is your STK due?
Calculate the date of your next inspection by vehicle type.