MFK Switzerland 2026 — Vehicle Inspection Guide (Motorfahrzeugkontrolle)
The MFK (Motorfahrzeugkontrolle) is Switzerland’s mandatory vehicle inspection — equivalent to Germany’s TUV or the UK’s MOT. Every car registered in Switzerland must pass a periodic MFK inspection to remain road-legal. This guide covers what the MFK checks, how often it’s required, how much it costs, and how to prepare.
What is the MFK in Switzerland?
The MFK is carried out by the cantonal road office (Strassenverkehrsamt) or at officially approved private inspection centres. Inspectors check your vehicle’s safety, roadworthiness, and compliance with Swiss exhaust emissions standards. A passed MFK results in a new inspection sticker (Kontrollschild-Plakette) on your number plate.
How Often is MFK Required in Switzerland?
| Vehicle type | First MFK | Subsequent inspections |
|---|---|---|
| New passenger car | After 4 years | Every 2 years |
| Used car import | Before first Swiss registration | Every 2 years |
| Taxi / hire car | Annually | Annually |
| Motorbike | After 4 years | Every 2 years |
| Heavy goods vehicle | After 1 year | Annually |
| Classic car (30+ years) | At registration | Every 2 years |
What Does the MFK Check?
The MFK inspection covers approximately 150 individual checkpoints, grouped into these main areas:
- Brakes: brake pad thickness, disc condition, brake fluid, handbrake effectiveness
- Lights: headlights (beam alignment), indicators, brake lights, reversing lights, fog lamps
- Tyres: tread depth (min. 1.6mm), condition, correct size, no sidewall damage
- Emissions: exhaust emissions test (OBD diagnostics for cars from 2000+)
- Steering and suspension: play, wear, shock absorbers
- Bodywork and undercarriage: rust, structural damage, chassis integrity
- Windscreen and wipers: no cracks in driver’s field of vision, wiper effectiveness
- Seatbelts: all belts must lock and release correctly
- Horn, speedometer, odometer
How Much Does the MFK Cost in Switzerland?
MFK fees vary by canton but are regulated. Typical costs for a passenger car:
| Canton | Approximate MFK fee |
|---|---|
| Zurich (ZH) | CHF 60 – 80 |
| Bern (BE) | CHF 55 – 75 |
| Geneva (GE) | CHF 70 – 90 |
| Vaud (VD) | CHF 65 – 85 |
| Valais (VS) | CHF 60 – 80 |
If your vehicle fails, re-inspection fees (for the failed items only) are typically CHF 30 – 50. Major failures may require a full re-inspection at full cost.
How to Prepare for the MFK — Pre-MFK Checklist
Most garages offer a pre-MFK check (Vor-MFK Kontrolle) to identify issues before the official inspection. Recommended checks to do yourself before booking:
- Check all lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators) — bulbs are the most common failure
- Check tyre tread depth on all four tyres (legal minimum: 1.6mm; recommended: 3mm+)
- Check windscreen for cracks — a crack in the driver’s field of vision is an automatic failure
- Check wiper blades — streaking or chattering wipers often fail
- Check brake fluid level and colour
- Check that the horn works
- Remove any illegal modifications (tinted windows beyond legal limits, non-approved lighting)
What Happens if You Fail the MFK?
MFK failures fall into two categories:
- Minor defect (leichte Mangel): you can continue driving, but must fix the issue and return for re-inspection within a set deadline (usually 30 days)
- Major defect (schwere Mangel / Sofortmassnahme): the vehicle is grounded immediately — you cannot drive it until the defect is repaired and a re-inspection is passed. The number plates may be confiscated.
MFK for Imported Vehicles
Importing a car to Switzerland requires an MFK before the vehicle can be registered. Common import scenarios:
- EU import: most EU vehicles pass Swiss MFK without major issues, but headlight beam direction may need adjustment
- Non-EU import (USA, Japan): speedometer must show km/h, seatbelts must meet ECE standards, lights must be converted
- The MFK for an import is more thorough than a routine periodic inspection
Find a Garage for Pre-MFK Check
- Garages in Zurich — MFK-certified workshops
- Garages in Geneva — pre-MFK inspection centres
- Garages in Chur Graubunden
- Garages in Biel/Bienne
- Full Swiss Garage Directory — 1,000+ garages