CarCareGermany: HU/AU, Kfz-Steuer, and Umweltplakette Deadlines Explained
Updated 2026-07-28
Germany's car paperwork runs on a few fixed rhythms: the HU/AU roadworthiness test, an electronically tracked Kfz-Steuer, city Umweltzonen that require the right emissions sticker, and a seasonal tire rule. Missing any of them ranges from a Verwarnungsgeld to losing your Betriebserlaubnis — worth tracking deliberately rather than by memory.
Hauptuntersuchung (HU) / Abgasuntersuchung (AU)
The first HU is typically due three years after first registration, then every two years after that. The due date is shown on the vehicle registration document (Fahrzeugschein) or the round HU sticker on the license plate. Missing the deadline can mean a Verwarnungsgeld and, if it goes on long enough, losing the car's Betriebserlaubnis. CarCare's inspection card takes the last HU date and a yearly/two-yearly frequency and calculates the next due date — "Passed inspection today" resets it in one tap.
Kfz-Versicherung (insurance)
Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung (third-party liability) is legally required. Most contracts run annually; some are monthly or half-yearly. CarCare stores the insurer, contract number, and end date, and shows a status badge before the contract lapses.
Kfz-Steuer
There's no physical tax sticker anymore — Kfz-Steuer is collected electronically — but the payment interval and due date are still worth writing down. CarCare can hold the due date as a note or a separate service-history entry so it doesn't only live in your bank statement.
Umweltplakette
Many German cities have Umweltzonen (low-emission zones). A green, yellow, or red particulate sticker is required to enter, depending on the vehicle and the specific city zone. CarCare stores the sticker color and validity so you can check before a city trip instead of finding out at the zone boundary.
Winterreifen: "von O bis O"
The rule of thumb is October to Easter ("von O bis O") — winter tires are required by the Straßenverkehrsordnung whenever conditions are wintry, for cars and motorcycles alike. CarCare logs the summer/winter swap in service history with date and mileage, so you have a record of when the changeover actually happened, not just when you meant to do it.
Set Germany as your default once
With Germany set as your country, CarCare defaults new inspection records to a two-year frequency (matching the post-first-HU cadence) and new vignette-style records to an annual cycle — you can still change either field per record.
Frequently asked questions
How often is the HU in Germany?
Typically three years after first registration, then every two years. Confirm your car's exact due date on the Fahrzeugschein or the HU plate on your rear license plate.
What happens if I miss the HU deadline?
You risk a Verwarnungsgeld, and driving significantly overdue can put your Betriebserlaubnis at risk. CarCare reminds you before the date, it does not file anything on your behalf.
Does CarCare know which Umweltzone sticker I need?
No — it stores the sticker color and validity date you enter, it doesn't determine eligibility for a specific city zone. Check the city's own rules before you drive in.
Is Kfz-Steuer something CarCare pays for me?
No. CarCare only stores the due date and payment interval as a reminder — it does not process any tax payment.
CarCare does not provide legal, insurance, traffic, or mechanical advice. Always confirm deadlines and requirements with your owner's manual, a qualified mechanic, or your local authority.
Track this from one dashboard
CarCare shows what's due next across every car you own, with cloud sync so it's there on any device.