Ajoneuvotarkastus

Ajoneuvotarkastus, often referred to as katsastus in Finnish, is a mandatory periodic inspection for motor vehicles in Finland. Its primary purpose is to ensure that vehicles are safe to operate on public roads and meet environmental standards. This inspection process is crucial for road safety and pollution control.

The ajoneuvotarkastus covers various aspects of a vehicle's condition. Inspectors examine critical safety components such as brakes, steering, suspension, tires, and lighting systems. They also check for structural integrity, ensuring there are no significant rust or damage that could compromise safety. Emissions testing is another vital part of the inspection, verifying that the vehicle's exhaust system meets the required environmental regulations.

The frequency of ajoneuvotarkastus depends on the vehicle's type, age, and registration date. Typically, new passenger cars are inspected after four years, then biennially until they are ten years old, after which they require annual inspections. Other vehicle types, like motorcycles, heavy vehicles, and trailers, have different inspection schedules.

Failure to pass the ajoneuvotarkastus means the vehicle cannot be legally driven on public roads until the identified defects are rectified and the vehicle is re-inspected. The inspection is carried out by authorized inspection stations, and the results are recorded in a national database. The process is regulated by Finnish law to maintain high standards of vehicle safety and environmental protection.