Car roadworthiness test in Poland – when, 2026 price, and what if the car fails

1. 1

   New car: after 3 years

   First test before 3 years have passed since first registration.

2. 2

   Then: after 2 years

   Second test before another 2 years have passed.

3. 3

   After that: every year

   Every following test – once a year.

4. 4

   Car with LPG: always every year

   Regardless of the car’s age, because the gas system is tested too.

You’ll find the date of the next test in the mObywatel app, on historiapojazdu.gov.pl or on the certificate from the test station. You can go to any vehicle inspection station (stacja kontroli pojazdów) in Poland, not only in your town.

The test for a passenger car costs 149 zł, and with an LPG system 245 zł (149 zł plus 96 zł for checking the LPG). You pay before the test and don’t get the money back if the car fails. There’s no extra fee for a late test – the much-talked-about “double price” is still only a proposal.

1. 1

   The inspector records the faults

   You get information on what needs fixing. If a fault poses a serious danger, the inspector may forbid further driving.

2. 2

   Fix it and come back

   At the re-test you pay only for checking the repaired items (e.g. brakes, lights). These fees together won’t exceed the price of a full test.

• You risk a fine, and the police can retain the registration certificate – today usually electronically, by an entry in the system.
• If the car is a danger to safety, it can be towed away at the owner’s expense.
• Your AC (own-damage) insurer may reduce or refuse a payout if the fault contributed to the damage.
• The injured party will still be paid from OC – but with an obvious fault (e.g. brakes) things can get complicated.