Car inspection in Slovakia (STK and EK) 2026 - price, validity, what is checked and fines
When does your STK expire, how much do the technical and emission inspections cost and what happens if you miss the date? Here is an overview for car owners in Slovakia: how often to go, indicative prices for 2026, how to check validity, what the inspector checks, the fines and what the new insurance (PZP) check from 1 October 2026 changes.
What changed in 2026
PZP insurance check at STK and EK (from 1. 10. 2026)
The inspector checks online in the register whether the car has valid compulsory motor insurance (PZP). If not, the vehicle is rated unfit for road use even if it is technically fine. This was introduced by Act No. 77/2026 Coll. and Decree No. 157/2026 Coll.
Automatic fines for uninsured cars (from 1. 10. 2026)
The state matches databases and can issue a fine for missing PZP without standard proceedings.
Motorcycles and quads every 4 years
Category L vehicles have a new interval: first inspection after 4 years, then every 4 years. Nothing changes for cars.
The windscreen sticker is optional
Since 1. 7. 2021 - the inspection is recorded electronically.
What STK and EK are and how often you need them
The technical inspection (TK, commonly called STK) checks that the car is safe - brakes, lights, steering, tyres, bodywork. The emission inspection (EK) measures exhaust gases and checks that the engine and catalytic converter stay within limits. Both are usually done together at the same station, but they are two separate checks with their own price.
| Vehicle | First inspection | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger car (M1) and van up to 3.5 t (N1) | 4 years after first registration | Every 2 years |
| Motorcycle, scooter, quad (L) | 4 years after first registration | Every 4 years |
| Taxi | 1 year | Every year |
| Electric car | TK like any car | No EK - no exhaust emissions |
Tip: you can have the inspection done in any town, not only where the car is registered.
How much STK and EK cost in 2026
The state doesn't set the price - each station has its own price list, so it pays to compare stations near you. Diesel cars and cars on LPG or CNG usually pay more for EK.
| Inspection | Indicative price (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Technical inspection (TK) - passenger car | €40-55 |
| Emission inspection (EK) - petrol | €35-45 |
| Emission inspection (EK) - diesel | €40-55 |
| EK - LPG, CNG, hybrid | €45-60 |
| STK + EK together | €75-100 |
| Re-inspection on the same day | from €6 |
| Re-inspection later | €15-35 |
| Originality check (kontrola originality) | about €110 |
Price examples: in Bratislava TK + EK cost for example €79-85, in central Slovakia about €90; stations sometimes run deals below €75.
How to check STK validity
You can find the next inspection date in a minute - all you need is the plate number.
Online by plate number (EČV)
Check TK and EK validity in the Unified Road Transport Information System (JISCD), section Moja zóna. You can also set a reminder before it expires.
In your documents
The next inspection date is in the report and the technical and emission inspection certificate you get at the station.
Sticker
If you still have one on the windscreen, it shows the month and year of the next inspection. Since 1. 7. 2021 it is optional - the electronic record is what counts.
Buying a used car?
Check STK and EK validity before the viewing - an expired inspection is a reason both for a discount and for caution.
How to get your STK done - step by step
The inspection is routine if you prepare. This way you get through without long waits or a second visit.
Find out the date
Online by plate number or in the report from your last inspection. You can also go earlier.
Check your PZP
From 1. 10. 2026 you won't pass without valid insurance.
Choose a station and book
Most stations have online booking - without it you may wait a long time.
Prepare the car
Lights, wipers, tyres, warning lights, brakes. Fix small things beforehand.
Bring your documents
ID, registration certificate (osvedčenie o evidencii) part I and II, and for LPG or CNG the equipment reports.
Arrive with a warm engine
It helps with the emission inspection, especially for diesels.
The inspection
TK and EK together usually take 30-60 minutes.
Collect the result
The report and certificate. If defects were found, check what to fix and by when.
What is checked at STK and why cars most often fail
The inspector checks vehicle identification (VIN, plate), brakes, steering, lights and their alignment, tyres and wheels, suspension and shock absorbers, bodywork and corrosion, glass and wipers, seat belts and airbags, exhaust and fluid leaks. At EK emissions are measured and data is read from the engine control unit.
Most common reasons for failing
- A bulb out or badly aligned headlights.
- Worn brakes or uneven braking.
- Worn or damaged tyres.
- Engine, airbag or ABS warning light on.
- Play in the steering and suspension, worn shock absorbers.
- Rust on load-bearing parts.
- A damaged windscreen in the driver's field of view.
- From 1. 10. 2026 also missing PZP insurance.
Hazy or yellowed headlights are dimmer and can be a problem at the inspection. See: Headlight polishing
Inspection result: what it means
Fit for use (spôsobilé)
- What it means
- The car is fine
- What to do
- Nothing - next inspection in 2 years
Temporarily fit (dočasne spôsobilé)
- What it means
- A serious defect that must be fixed
- What to do
- Fix it within 60 days and come back for a re-inspection; you can drive until then
Unfit (nespôsobilé)
- What it means
- A dangerous defect or no PZP
- What to do
- The car may not be driven until it passes a re-inspection
Fines for an expired STK and EK
The state now detects a missed date automatically - the fine arrives even if the police never stopped you.
Fine for the keeper: €165
For each missed inspection - €330 for TK and EK together. It is issued by the district office, road transport department (§ 148 of Act No. 106/2018 Coll.).
Reduced to a third: €55
If you pay a third of the fine within 15 days and have the inspection done within that time (or deregister the car), the fine is considered paid.
Fine for the driver: up to €100
For driving a car without a valid inspection the police can fine you up to €100, or up to €50 on the spot.
STK and selling a car
- You can sell a car without a valid STK - neither the sale nor the ownership transfer requires it.
- But the buyer will haggle - often for more than the inspection costs - and can't drive the car on public roads until it passes.
- Getting STK before selling pays off if it expires within a few months and the car is in good shape - a fresh STK is a strong point in the ad.
- If the car would need expensive repairs, say so honestly in the ad and adjust the price.
The whole selling process: How to sell a car in Slovakia fast
Do you offer servicing or a pre-STK check?
Add your service to OZNA.SK in the Technical maintenance category. Listing is free and drivers nearby find you before their inspection.
FAQ about STK and EK
How much do STK and EK cost in Slovakia in 2026?
The technical inspection of a passenger car usually costs €40-55, the emission inspection €35-55, together about €75-100. Prices are not regulated, each station has its own price list.
How do I check STK validity?
Online by plate number in the JISCD system (Moja zóna) or in the report and certificate from your last inspection. The windscreen sticker is no longer required.
How often do I need STK?
A passenger car first 4 years after first registration, then every 2 years. The same applies to the emission inspection.
Can I get STK done early?
Yes. The next date is counted from the date of the inspection you complete.
What is the fine for an expired STK?
The keeper gets €165 for each missed inspection. If they pay a third within 15 days and have the inspection done, €55 is enough. The police can fine the driver up to €100 on top.
Will a car pass STK without PZP insurance?
From 1. 10. 2026, no. The station checks the insurance in the register and without it rates the car unfit for road use.
What does "dočasne spôsobilé" (temporarily fit) mean?
The car has a serious defect. You have 60 days to repair it and pass a re-inspection, and you can drive until then.
Does an electric car need an emission inspection?
No, an electric car has no exhaust emissions. It still needs the technical inspection like any passenger car.
Do I have to go to STK where the car is registered?
No, you can use any inspection station in Slovakia.
Can I sell a car without a valid STK?
Yes, neither the sale nor the transfer requires a valid inspection. But the buyer will haggle and can't drive the car until it passes.
More car guides
How to sell a car in Slovakia fast →
The whole selling process from preparing the car to the ownership transfer.
Car polishing →
Paint and headlight polishing prices, wax or ceramic.
Car interior cleaning →
Prices, DIY steps and when to use a service.
Vehicle ownership transfer →
Procedure, documents and fees at the traffic inspectorate.
STK and the emission inspection aren't expensive - missing them is. Check the date online and set a reminder, check lights, brakes and tyres before the inspection, and from October 2026 also make sure your PZP is valid. And if you're selling, a fresh STK is one of the cheapest selling points in an ad.
Published 15.10.2026 · Updated 15.10.2026
Information only, not legal advice - check deadlines and prices before your inspection.
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