Millions of vehicle owners are affected by an expected increase in vehicle inspection fees, anticipated to rise by 9–11%. At the same time, a new option will soon allow payment of inspection fees by credit card, enabling card payments at inspection stations.
Vehicle Inspection Fees Will Increase
An important development has occurred for those who need to have their vehicles inspected. Work to enable payment of inspection fees by credit or debit card has reached its final stages. According to the plan, from next month vehicle inspection fees can be paid by card. Banks that provide payment services are also expected to offer installment plans, allowing owners to pay in installments. In addition, inspection fees are projected to rise by approximately 9–11% in the new year.
Vehicle inspection services are operated by TÜVTÜRK, a company that provides inspections through various regional operators. Inspection fees are adjusted annually in line with revaluation rates. For example, following a 22.58% revaluation adjustment in 2020, the car inspection fee rose to 342 TL and the exhaust emissions check to 80 TL. For 2021 the revaluation rate was set at 9.11%, and inspection prices were adjusted accordingly at the start of that year. The upcoming adjustment is expected to follow the new revaluation percentage and take effect from the beginning of the new year.
Payments by Credit Card Will Be Possible
Currently, vehicle inspection fees are paid only in cash at most stations. However, plans to accept credit and debit cards have progressed and should be implemented next month or, at the latest, in the new year. With card payments enabled, many vehicle owners are wondering whether installment payments will also be available. Banks that process these payments are likely to introduce installment options for cardholders, so when card payments begin, paying in installments should be possible. Payments will be made at the inspection station, and once the system is completed both cash and card payments will be accepted.
How Is a Vehicle Inspection Conducted?
To have a vehicle inspected, you must first make an appointment. Appointments reduce long waiting lines and save time. They can be booked free of charge through TÜVTÜRK’s official website or its call center. In large cities, where demand is high, appointment dates may be scheduled further out. If possible, choosing an inspection station in a district outside a major city can shorten waiting times. For inspections conducted in big cities, you should allow at least two hours for the process.
The inspection process typically takes around one hour. Considering vehicle checks, customer processing and verification steps, you should plan for approximately two hours if you have an appointment. Regulations require that outstanding debts are checked before and during the appointment process. If a vehicle has unpaid traffic fines, motor vehicle tax, or toll debts, the inspection will not be performed. Even if an appointment is made, the inspection will be canceled if any outstanding debts are detected, so it is essential to settle obligations before the appointment. The inspection also includes an exhaust emissions measurement. Make sure to bring the vehicle registration document, your ID, and proof of compulsory traffic insurance. Having the required documents ready ensures the inspection proceeds smoothly.