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Technical inspection for motorcycles
Starting from 2023, the technical inspection of motorcycles is mandatory. What can you expect?
From when does the mandatory technical inspection for motorcycles begin?
From January 1, 2023, the technical inspection of motorcycles will be mandatory. It has been discussed for years that the technical inspection of motorcycles would be introduced. This has now been definitively approved by the Flemish Government. RAD investigated what’s already known about the upcoming inspection.
When should you have a motorcycle inspected?
A motorcycle will have to be inspected if you want to sell it second-hand as a private individual or after you have had an accident with the motorcycle. This is not a periodic inspection, as we know it for passenger cars.
It is expected that annually about 30,000 inspections for sale and about 200 inspections after accidents will take place.
Why should we have engines inspected?
The new Flemish Traffic Safety Plan aims to have no traffic fatalities by 2050. It is in line with this objective that motorcycles will soon be subject to a technical inspection.
For which motorcycles?
Motorcycles with an internal combustion engine:
Motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles with a combustion engine with a cylinder capacity of more than 125 cc.
Motorcycles with an electric or hybrid engine:
Electric or hybrid motorcycles with a maximum power greater than 11 kilowatt and a maximum speed higher than 45 kilometers per hour.
Not all motorcycles are required to undergo this inspection. Lighter motorcycles that require a license A1 or license AM are exempt from this.
Where should you get the motor inspected?
A limited number of inspection centers throughout Flanders will be equipped with a separate line for the inspection of motorcycles. In the coming months, the recognized inspection institutions will make the necessary investments and train their staff. This way, you can confidently hand over your motorcycle keys for a while.
What does the technical inspection involve?
The focus of the motorcycle inspection is on traffic safety and environmental and consumer protection. Not on originality, because they know that personalizing and customizing the motorcycle is part of the existence of motorcyclists.
There are 9 areas where the motorcycle will be checked. It is not yet entirely clear what this will all entail. This will be clarified in the run-up to January 1, 2023. We already know that brakes, steering, windows, and lights are included. Not every motorcycle is equipped with a window, this will also be clarified.
What to do with vintage cars, customized engines and DIY projects?
The Flemish Government announces that there are no exemptions for private individuals. These engines also need to be inspected when sold. If it’s a non-running motorcycle, the buyer will need to have it inspected after completing the necessary work before hitting the road.
What is the price?
The motorcycle inspection will cost you € 48.10 each time.
Is everything completely clear?
Not everything about this new inspection is clear yet. We expect more information in the coming months about the 9 areas that will be checked. Further consultation will take place with the Brussels-Capital Region and the Walloon Region. There will also be coordination with interest groups to ensure everything is clear by January 1, 2023.
Should we worry as motorcyclists?
No, it has been made clear that the focus is on road safety. It is also in our own interest that we ride motorcycles that are safe. Aftermarket parts should not cause any problems. So don’t hold back in making your motorcycle your own, so that it becomes as unique as you are. This inspection can work in favor of some of us, who are, for example, looking for a new motorcycle. People who do not want to store their motorcycle for the winter break, will most likely sell it before the winter or before the inspection starts.
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Nathan is our webshop employee who is ready with advice and assistance to help customers. When he is not answering customer questions, he writes helpful texts and blogs for the RAD site.