Technical inspection for a car from the USA: what is checked and how to prepare

What is checked

• The car must be complete, in good technical order and ready for use.
• The noise level must not exceed the set limits.
• The emission requirements in force at the first registration: under EU directives, UN ECE regulations or US federal standards.
• Wheel alignment (toe, camber, caster) must match the manufacturer's values.
• Lighting: all mandatory lights, their placement and colours. Headlights must carry EU, SAE or DOT marks.
• The manufacturer's identification plate on the car.
• The speedometer must show the speed at least in kilometres per hour.

How to prepare

• The rear turn signals must shine amber, and the rear fog light must be certified, with a switch and a warning lamp (see Adaptation to EU requirements).
• Do not put LED bulbs into lights made for filament bulbs.
• Have the wheel alignment measured and get a certificate with the report: agree in advance with the inspection company where to measure.
• Come with a full tank (at least 90 %), as the car is weighed.

Documents you need

• The car's documents: the US ownership document (title), the customs documents, the purchase document.
• A document confirming the emission requirements for model year 2002 and newer: for cars made for the US market the experts help find it.
• The wheel alignment certificate and report.

After the inspection

With the inspection certificate you still need the separate compulsory roadworthiness test, insurance, the registration (pollution) tax and registration at Regitra. The whole way – Registering in Lithuania. We do not provide inspection services ourselves, but we advise.