Since last week, new changes have come into force for annual technical inspections. Many drivers are not yet familiar with them, but this has happened with an amendment to the Regulation No. H-32. The Ordinance concerns the conditions and procedure for periodic inspections to check the roadworthiness of road vehicles.

One of the more significant changes for drivers is in Article 43a, which concerns a change in the sticking of the so-called "periodic examination sign". It is issued on successful completion of the test and was previously placed in the bottom left-hand corner of the windscreen. Since last week, however, the Regulation specifies that the sign must be placed in the middle of the top of the windscreen. 

Of course, some drivers are surprised as they think it will interfere with their visibility. It should be known that the change has been in force since 12 November this year and should be applied in all periodic technical inspection centres in the country. 

The purpose of the change, however, is that the sign will contain a chip that can be read by the cameras installed on the roads, including those of the toll system. There is currently no clarity on when the new signs will be ready.

The new texts also state that a duplicate periodic inspection mark shall not be issued. However, it is possible to issue a duplicate of the roadworthiness certificate, as the owner of the vehicle must submit an application to a regional unit of the Executive Agency "Road Administration". 

Another more important change solves the controversial issue of the inspection of a car with a gas system. Until recently, there was no text in the Regulation that explicitly stated the maximum service life of a gas cylinder when this was not specified by the manufacturer (and stamped on the cylinder). With the amendment, it is now considered that the vehicle is faultywhen:

• in case the lifetime of the CNG or LPG tank has expired*provided by the manufacturer
• if more than 10 years from the date of manufacture of the LPG tank (where no time limit is specified by the manufacturer)
• if more than 20 years from the date of manufacture of the CNG tank** (where no time limit is specified by the manufacturer)

For example, if your bottle has not been given a service life and was manufactured more than 10 years ago - it must be replaced. Once the bottle is replaced, it must also go through a specialist service to check the new bottle and issue a so-called pink slip. 

Another innovation provides, when the vehicle is dual fuel, at the annual inspection emissions are now measured on both fuel types. 

* LPG - liquefied petroleum gas
**CNG - compressed natural gas



Sources.