MOT Testing and Certificates / Inspecção Periódica Obrigatória

IPO (Inspecção Periódica Obrigatória) testing is compulsory in Portugal for all vehicles over four years old. Cars aged 4-7 years must be tested every two years and thereafter every year. The test must be carried out at an approved garage. The garage is required to request the vehicle’s ownership document (Titulo de Registo de Propriedade), its logbook (Livrete) and the owner’s taxpayer’s identification card before carrying out the test.

What is inspected?

The tests carried out during the inspection assess the security of the vehicle to ensure that it is in a good enough condition to circulate on the public highway. The inspection starts by confirming the vehicle identity (model, registration number, motor and chassis numbers, and tyre sizes). There is then a series of tests that include:

level of noise, exhaust emissions, and oil leakage;
lights (intensity and orientation);
body work and interior (corrosion and other damage);
visibility (mirrors and wipers);
equipment (seat belts, warning triangle, horn, speedometer);
brakes and braking power;
steering and alignment;
excessive play in the suspension, steering and axles;
wheels and tyres.

Where to carry out the test:

Officially approved independent testing centres carry out the roadworthiness inspections. You can use any test centre. They are indicated by road signs marked “Centro de Inspecções Obrigatórias – IPO” and are listed in the yellow pages under “Automóveis – Inspecção” and on the www.dgv.pt. Tests usually need to be booked in advance, but some centres will accept casual callers.

Preparing for the inspection:

The test centre will need to see the vehicle registration document (livrete) and the vehicle ownership document (título de registo de propriedade), and will need your tax registration (fiscal) number (número de contribuinte). The charge is about €25. If the vehicle is in good condition, the only preparation needed may be a good clean to make the inspection easier to do and to allow the inspectors to confirm the identification numbers easily. Older vehicles may need more preparation. Many garages will prepare vehicles for the inspection and even deliver and collect them from the test centre. This can be a convenient time for the annual service.

Results of the inspection:

Vehicles with only minor deficiencies (maximum of 7) that need repairs before the next inspection date will be issued with a certificate but if stopped by the authorities can be fined.

If the car fails the test the owner will be issued with a red provisional certificate. There are two degrees of deficiencies:
1) 2nd degree (a maximum of 30 days is given to complete all necessary repairs,
2) 3rd degree (these vehicles can not be driven from the inspection centre, they must be towed to a garage until repairs have been completed). Should a further test be required this must be undertaken and the test date will be indicated on the certificate issued.

A stamp confirming that the vehicle has undergone (and passed) the test should be displayed below the insurance stamp, in the lower right-hand corner of the vehicle’s windscreen.