Määräaikaistarkastus

Määräaikaistarkastus, often translated as periodic inspection or mandatory inspection, refers to a legally required examination of a vehicle to ensure it meets safety and environmental standards. In Finland, these inspections are a crucial part of vehicle ownership and are overseen by the Finnish Transport Safety Agency (Traficom).

The primary purpose of a määräaikaistarkastus is to verify that a vehicle is roadworthy and does not pose a danger to its occupants or other road users. Inspectors check various components, including brakes, steering, suspension, lights, tires, exhaust emissions, and structural integrity. If a vehicle fails to meet the required standards, it must be repaired and re-inspected.

The frequency of these inspections depends on the vehicle's age and type. Newer vehicles typically undergo their first periodic inspection after a few years, with subsequent inspections becoming more frequent as the vehicle ages. For example, passenger cars usually require an inspection every two years after their initial mandatory inspection. Commercial vehicles and motorcycles may have different inspection schedules.

Failure to present a valid määräaikaistarkastus certificate can result in fines and prohibitions on using the vehicle. The inspection process aims to contribute to road safety and reduce environmental pollution by ensuring that vehicles are maintained in good working order.