The UVV inspection is an important aspect of the vehicle fleet. As part of the accident prevention regulations, or UVV for short, no fleet manager can avoid it. The UVV vehicle inspection is required by law and is one of the central owner liability obligations in fleet management. In this article, you will find out what the UVV inspection is all about, who carries it out and what is checked.
What is a UVV inspection for cars?
A UVV inspection of company cars is a legally required safety inspection to ensure the safety and operational readiness of the vehicles. The vehicle inspection is part of the occupational safety measures and serves to prevent accidents at work and occupational illnesses.
The UVV test should not be confused with the main inspection (HU) or the exhaust emissions test (AU), which are also required by law. While the HU and AU primarily assess road safety and environmental compatibility, the UVV test focuses on the working and operational safety of the vehicle.
Who carries out the vehicle inspection?
The UVV inspection must be carried out byqualified, competent specialistsbe carried out. These are people who have the appropriate specialist training and professional experience in the field of vehicle technology. In addition, these specialists must have sufficient knowledge of all relevant accident prevention regulations and rules in order to carry out the vehicle inspection successfully.
Organizations such as the
TÜV
or the
DEKRA
have the necessary expertise and approval for proper vehicle testing in accordance with UVV.In addition, every authorized vehicle workshop is authorized to carry out the tests. Qualified fleet management companies, independent garages and tire dealers also offer the UVV inspection of company cars.
Many companies carry out the vehicle inspection as part of the main inspection. However, changing tires or other maintenance work is also a good time to carry out the test. In this case, it must be marked separately as such on the invoice.
What is the legal basis?
The obligation to implement the UVV inspection is regulated by theDGUV regulation 70regulated. Section 57 (1) of DGUV Regulation 70 also stipulates that the inspection must be carried out at least once a year.
(1) The operator shall have vehicles inspected by an expert as required, but at least once a year, to ensure that they are safe to operate.
(2) The results of the examination in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be recorded in writing and kept at least until the next examination.
Whether the checks are carried out more frequently depends on the type and frequency of vehicle use and the specific regulations of the relevant trade association. The results of the UVV inspections must always be documented and stored in a traceable manner, as this serves as proof of the inspections carried out.
Which vehicles are subject to the UVV inspection?
The UVV test are generally subject to all vehicles used in the course of operational activities. These include:
- Passenger cars, such as company cars and pool vehicles used by employees for business purposes
- Commercial vehicles, such as delivery vans, vans and panel vans
- Heavy vehicles, such as trucks, construction vehicles, tractor units and other heavy commercial vehicles
- Special vehicles, such as forklift trucks, construction machinery, agricultural vehicles, fire engines, ambulances or municipal vehicles
Single-track motor vehicles
such as motorcycles, mopeds and scooters.
It should be noted that e-bikes that reach a speed of over 25 km/h are also considered motor vehicles and are therefore subject to the UVV test.
Work machines and their technical vehicle components, such as chassis, lighting or braking and steering systems, may also be subject to testing. The prerequisite is that they either drive themselves or are used as trailers.
However, there are also a number of vehicles that are exempt from DGUV Regulation 70. This includes, for example, private vehicles that are used for business purposes but are the property of employees. Special machinery used in earthworks (e.g. soil compactors or excavators), aviation ground support equipment and agricultural and forestry vehicles are also not covered by the provisions of Regulation 70.
What is checked during the UVV vehicle inspection?
As part of the UVV vehicle inspectioninspection various components and aspects of the vehicle are checked to ensure that it is safe and operational. These include, among others:
- Brakes: functionality and condition of the brake system, including brake pads, brake discs, brake fluid and handbrake
- Lighting and electrics: headlights, tail lights, indicators, brake lights and other electrical systems such as wiring, starter and battery
- Tires: Tire condition, including tread depth, air pressure and possible damage
- Steering: play, strength and general functionality
- Vehicle fluids: Engine oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid
- Safety equipment: presence and functionality of safety equipment such as first aid kit, warning triangle and safety vest as well as functionality and condition of seat belts
- Bodywork: Inspection for corrosion, damage and defects
- Exhaust system: check for leaks, damage or excessive exhaust emissions
- Visual inspection: Check the windshield, windows and mirrors for cracks, damage and clear visibility.
How much does the UVV test cost?
The duration and cost of a vehicle inspection vary depending on the type of vehicle. Prices also vary from location to location. It is therefore difficult to precisely quantify the costs for the UVV inspection. The following prices give an overview of the approximate costs, depending on the size and type of vehicle:
Motor vehicles:
15 to 110 euros
Stacker:
10 to 90 Euro
Lifting and working platforms:
50 to 70 euros
Cranes:
35 to 115 euros
Construction machinery:
45 to 80 euros
What obligations do drivers have during the UVV vehicle inspection?
In addition to the annual vehicle inspection by a competent person, drivers are also obliged to carry out regular vehicle inspections. This is regulated by Section 36 (1) of DGUV Regulation 70:
(1) The driver must check the effectiveness of the operating and safety devices before the start of each work shift and observe the condition of the vehicle for obvious defects during the work shift.
(2) The vehicle driver must report any defects found to the responsible supervisor, and in the case of a change of vehicle driver also to the replacement. In the event of defects that jeopardize operational safety, the vehicle driver must cease operation.
This is intended to detect defects and damage at an early stage and minimize the risk of accidents . The daily vehicle inspection includes a check of the lights, indicators and brakes, tire tread depth and tire pressure.air pressure and the fluid levels.
The legibility of the license plate must also be checked and any load must be properly secured. If the driver discovers any defects, these should be reported immediately. The fleet management must then order the repair as quickly as possible or initially take the vehicle out of service.
What penalties apply if the UVV inspection is not carried out?
It is important to carry out the UVV inspection regularly and properly. Anyone who only completes the vehicle inspection irregularly or not at all is committing an offense according to § Section 209 (3) SGB VII is an administrative offense and risks a fine of 2,500 euros to 10,000 euros.
In the event of a claim, proof must also be provided that the tests have been carried out, otherwise the insurance company may refuse to pay. In addition, a lack of UVV vehicle inspection can have legal consequences in the event of an accident.
Digital support for the UVV inspection
Companies are responsible for the UVV inspection dependent on external experts. The organization of the controls is therefore usually associated with higher costs. OneFleet Softwaresupport you with deadline management and automatically remind you of upcoming and overdue deadlines, such as for the UVV inspectionHU or AU. All documents and vehicle documents such as Test reports can be assigned to the corresponding vehicle and saved in the digital vehicle file.
Fleet+ fleet software
In addition to the digital vehicle file, our fleet software Fleet+ offers automated appointment management so that important appointments such as the UVV inspection are not forgotten.
