The motorcycle inspection: Luxembourg plays by its own rules
Luxembourg’s compulsory motorcycle inspection marks it out as an exception among its neighbours. However, this periodic check will soon be compulsory throughout Europe. A useful guide.
When must a motorcycle inspection be carried out?
The motorcycle inspection has been compulsory in Luxembourg since 1955. This check is carried out on motorcycles over 50 cc from the 4th year, then in the 6th year, then every year.
Caroline arrived in Luxembourg four years ago. The fact that it is compulsory to carry out an annual motorcycle inspection in Luxembourg hasn’t really changed her habits. "Every year I went to the garage at the beginning of the season to check the battery and the oil levels. I had my first motorcycle inspection in Luxembourg last year when my bike was four years old. I was expecting to have it done again this year but I found out that the next inspection wasn’t due until the 6th year."
For Michel Turk, who served as president of the Luxembourg Motorcycle Federation for eight years, the motorcycle inspection is also an administrative formality. In fact, "most motorcyclists in Luxembourg take great care of their bikes", he notes. This explains why no less than 91% of motorbikes passed the inspection without any problems, according to figures from the SNCT (Luxembourg’s National Society for Technical Control), which carries out more than 10,000 motorcycle inspections per year.
What points are checked during a motorcycle inspection?
- The paperwork is the first thing to come under scrutiny: insurance, tax sticker, vehicle registration document, certificate of conformity (if available).
- Then, the following aspects are checked: brakes, exhaust, lights, visibility, steering, suspension, chain tension, tyres, wheels, etc.
We asked the SNCT which points are most often overlooked by motorcycle owners. Answer: the reflector! The reflective rectangle which, at night, allows you to signal your presence to vehicles following you. Worth thinking about.
Another point that could make you fail the inspection: any modification made to the motorcycle after its original approval that is not indicated on the registration document.
Beware of customisation
Before her first motorcycle inspection in the Grand Duchy, Caroline went to her motorcycle dealer to have her 106 horsepower checked. "They put back all the original parts. Because the previous owner had chosen to install a different exhaust system and different types of headlight bulbs. But the technicians told me that these initiatives systematically lead to a failed inspection.”
For Michel Turk, this is something owners need to watch out for before any motorcycle inspection. Caroline knows this from experience. Her brother failed the inspection twice because of non-compliant brake levers. "Even if they comply with European standards it doesn’t matter, the motorcycle must only have original parts as indicated on the registration document, ” she explains.
To be entitled to take some liberties with the original model, these changes must be indicated on the registration certificate. This is a process called approval, which is carried out by the National Society of Automobile Traffic (SNCA). It’s worth noting that you will be charged separately each time a change is validated. According to Michel Turk, motorcyclists in Luxembourg are quite keen on this type of equipment, whether special headlights, wider handlebars or footrests... Especially owners of legendary motorbikes such as Harleys.
Where to get your motorcycle inspection and how much does it cost?
SNCT
Cost: € 41 for the inspection, € 30 for the follow-up inspection
Location: On the two sites, in Esch or Sandweiller, for the moment you have to wait on your motorcycle, in the same queue as all the other vehicles: cars, taxis, tractors... A bit of patience can be called for before it’s your turn. Remember to take precautions in case of rain or high temperatures.
- Esch
22-28 Rue Jos Kieffer
4176 Esch-sur-Alzette - Sandweiller
11 Rue de Luxembourg
5230 Sandweiler
Visit this site to book an inspection slot: https://snct.lu/rendez-vous
SNCT partner garages
The inspection is carried out by technical inspectors approved by the SNCT
Cost: € 66 for the inspection, € 40 for the follow-up inspection
Location:
Garage Michels
18, Route de Bastogne
9706 Clervaux
DEKRA
Cost: €45 for the inspection, €19 for the follow-up inspection
Location:
Zone d' Activité Bourmicht,
4 Rue du puits Romain
8070 Bertrange
https://kalender-calendrier.lu/index.php/kalender/index/lux.lux01/10
At Dekra there is a dedicated line for motorcyclists, so just follow the signposts and hand your motorcycle over to the technician before taking a seat in the waiting room for around twenty minutes.
LU KS
Costs: € 44 the inspection, € 27 for the second inspection
Location:
- In Lorentzweiler : 30, route de Luxembourg
- In Gasperich : 5, rue Robert Stumper
Appointments and more information on https://www.luks.lu
Where to make the most of your motorcycle in Luxembourg?
The motorcycle is often only a second mode of transport, brought out for weekend rides. Caroline, though, has only been riding her motorcycle since she moved to the Grand Duchy. "I no longer have a car! Luxembourg's roads are in perfect condition. The country seems to have been designed for great rides because once you leave the capital, you are very quickly in the countryside," she enthuses.
There’s no doubt about it, the Grand Duchy has no shortage of rides when the sun comes out. Head off to Vianden and its castle, the abbey of Clervaux, the blast furnaces of Belval or the lake at Esch-sur-Sûre.
Discover our motorcycle insurance solutions to make sure you’re well protected on your ride.
Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast or see yourself as a bit of an easy rider, we want you to make the most of Luxembourg's roads!