sõidukõlblust

Sõidukõlblust refers to the state of a vehicle being fit for driving on public roads. This concept is central to road safety regulations in many countries, including Estonia. A vehicle is considered sõidukõlblik if it meets specific technical requirements and is in a safe operating condition.

The assessment of sõidukõlblust is typically carried out through periodic technical inspections, often called tehnoülevaatus. During these inspections, trained personnel examine various components of the vehicle. Key areas of inspection include the braking system, steering mechanism, lighting equipment, tires, exhaust emissions, and structural integrity. Any significant defects or malfunctions that could compromise the safe operation of the vehicle or pose a risk to other road users will result in the vehicle failing the inspection.

Vehicles that do not meet the standards of sõidukõlblust are not permitted to be driven legally. Owners are usually given a timeframe to rectify the identified issues and present the vehicle for a re-inspection. The purpose of these regulations is to minimize the number of accidents caused by vehicle malfunctions and to ensure a generally safer road environment for everyone. Maintaining sõidukõlblust is therefore a legal obligation for all vehicle owners.