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Austria’s motorists are set to experience a significant change this year as the government prepares to overhaul the country’s vehicle inspection system, commonly known as the Pickerl. The reform aims to reduce bureaucracy, cut costs, and modernize the inspection process with longer intervals and a fully digital sticker.
Later First Inspection and Longer Intervals
Under the new plan, the first mandatory inspection for new cars will be postponed. Instead of the current three-year deadline, the first Pickerl will only be required after four years. Following that, vehicles will need to undergo inspection every two years—up until they reach ten years of age. Only after the ten-year mark will annual checks become mandatory again.
The government intends to implement the reform as part of a broader deregulation package. Mobility Minister Peter Hanke is currently coordinating the legislative changes with coalition partners, with the goal of bringing the new rules into force by late autumn or winter.
“Less Bureaucracy, More Time”
Minister Hanke emphasized the benefits for both drivers and businesses.
“With the new inspection intervals, we are eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy and saving people and companies in Austria a great deal of money,” he told Heute. “We are investing directly in the lifetime of Austrians—time is money, and we are handling it responsibly.”
Hanke also dismissed concerns about road safety. Modern vehicles, he argued, are far more reliable than those of past decades.
“Cars today are not as prone to defects as they were in the 1980s. Assistance systems alert drivers early to safety issues—from tire pressure to oil levels and technical warnings. That’s why we can safely extend the inspection intervals.”
Digital Sticker to Replace Windshield Plakette
In addition to the new timing rules, the traditional physical Pickerl sticker will be phased out. The inspection certificate will become fully digital, eliminating the need to attach a sticker to the windshield. This shift is expected to reduce administrative work, particularly for workshops.
Applies to All Vehicles
The reform will apply to all vehicles in Austria, with the decisive factor being the date of first registration.
As the government finalizes the legislative details, Austria’s drivers can expect a more streamlined, modernized inspection system—one that promises less paperwork, fewer appointments, and a smoother experience overall.
- source: heute.at/picture: pixabay.com
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