From June 19, owners of these vehicles must provide proof that the gas system in their recreational vehicle has been inspected by an independent professional.
Previously recommended but not required, this inspection will now be a legal obligation aimed at minimizing risks associated with liquid gas systems commonly used in such vehicles for cooking, heating and refrigeration. A malfunctioning or leaking gas installation can be extremely dangerous, posing risks of fire or explosion. For this reason, the gas inspection was once an integral part of the main vehicle inspection, known as the HU (Hauptuntersuchung) or colloquially as the TÜV. However, a revision of the HU guidelines removed the gas check from this procedure several years ago.
The obligation has now returned but as an independent requirement under the “Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung” (StVZO), separate from the HU. According to the new regulation, a gas inspection must be carried out before the first registration of a caravan or motorhome, after certain modifications to the gas system, and subsequently every two years. The check covers all permanently installed gas appliances such as refrigerators, heaters and stoves—any devices directly connected to the vehicle’s gas system. Portable devices like camping stoves or gas barbecues that are not fixed installations are exempt from this requirement.
Failure to present a valid gas inspection sticker from June 19 onwards may result in fines. The amount depends on how long the inspection has been overdue: a delay of more than two months incurs a €15 fine, more than four months costs €25, and a delay exceeding eight months results in a €60 fine. In addition, the insurance company Allianz has warned that if a vehicle’s gas system has not been properly inspected, insurance coverage may become void in the event of an incident. Owners who present a valid certificate in accordance with guideline G 607 are considered to be legally and financially protected.
The inspection itself costs approximately €60 at service providers such as Dekra, TÜV or ADAC. To avoid unpleasant surprises, vehicle owners are advised to prepare for the inspection in advance. This includes checking that all permanently connected appliances, such as the stove or refrigerator, function correctly. The gas bottle must also contain enough gas to allow the inspection to proceed properly.
Furthermore, pressure regulators, pre-pressure valves and hoses should be checked for wear and damage. Each of these components has a marked manufacturing date; if they are more than ten years old, they must be replaced without exception. Any inspection involving outdated parts is considered a failure. TÜV Nord has also pointed out that the regulation does not only apply to caravans and motorhomes but also to mobile homes and vehicles used for permanent camping.
Discussion around the new gas inspection requirement has been lively. According to an AI-based analysis, public debate has focused on three main topics: mobility and environmental impact, the cost and burden of the new obligation on campers, and questions of safety and necessity. Particularly controversial is whether the inspection costs are reasonable and whether they actually contribute to measurable safety improvements.
Latest Posts
