Car inspection in Georgia: what has changed in 2023?

Technical inspection of any category of cars registered in Georgia has been made mandatory since January 2019 (before that it was canceled in 2004). New passenger cars (category M1) must be delivered to the technikal inspection center in the fourth year after production. Cars from 4 to 8 years old are tested every two years. Cars over 8 years old - once a year.

Inspection center specialists are check:

• compliance with the documents of the type, brand, model and color of the machine, whether there have been changes in the design;
• working condition of headlights and reflectors;
• technical condition of the braking system;
• the presence of rear-view mirrors, wipers and washers;
• axle, wheels, tires, suspension;
• steering play, steering column lock;
• chassis and its components;
• noise and emissions levels.

Technical inspection is carried out using technical diagnostic tools, as well as visual and organoleptic control methods. During the repeated MOT, only a visual inspection of the vehicle and an inspection of the items to which there were complaints are carried out.

The TI procedure is quite simple: all you need is a car passport, an identity card and a receipt for payment for services. You need to come to one of the PTI stations (the full list is on the PTI website | ტექდათვალიერება), pay the fee (the tariff depends on the category of the vehicle, for passenger cars - 60 GEL), and give the car to the tester. The specialist himself will drive it along the obstacle course. On the specified site, you can also find out the date of the mandatory technical inspection, see the FAQ and register online or by phone by selecting the nearest TI point.

From January 1, 2023, changes in the technical regulations for scheduled maintenance in Georgia came into force. Stricter emission standards have been introduced: the emission factor for cars with a gasoline engine is now 0.55% CO (instead of 0.6% before). Also, an Employee of the center will more carefully assess the noise level. Repeated technical inspection after the elimination of deficiencies (a month is given for this) has become paid since February — 20 GEL for passenger cars.

What will they pay attention to when servicing a car during an exhaust level check:

• On visual inspection, there is visible excess of exhaust gases (smoke color is black or grey).
• The manufacturer’s emission control device is missing or clearly defective.
• There are leaks that can have a significant impact on emissions calculations.

During the inspection, the maximum noise level and the health of the noise reduction system are also measured. This parameter should not deviate from the manufacturer’s specification by more than 10 decibels. If there is no information on the maximum noise level for a particular car model, the following indicators are taken by default:

1. For vehicles with diesel engine:

• category M1 and N1 (cars with a capacity of 4 to 8 seats, pickups and trucks with a total weight of up to 3.5 tons) — 100−110 dB;
• category M2, N2 (vehicles for the carriage of passengers with a capacity of more than 8 seats, but up to 5 tons, trucks with a total weight of more than 3.5 tons) — 105−115 dB;
• category M3, N3 (vehicles for passenger traffic with a capacity of more than 8 seats and more than 5 tons, trucks over 12 tons) — 110−120 dB.

2. For vehicles with a gasoline engine:

• category M1 and N1 — 95−105 dB;
• category M2, N2 — 100−110 dB;
• category M3, N3 — 105−115 dB

Driving a motor vehicle that has not passed a periodic technical inspection in accordance with the established procedure is punishable by a fine (Code of Administrative Offenses) in the amount of 50 GEL

Transferring the vehicle to another person who has not passed TI in the prescribed manner entails a fine of 50 GEL for an individual and 200 GEL for a legal entity or individual entrepreneur.

The fine must be paid within 30 days. Failure to do so will result in a double fine. After another 30 days, in case of delay, you can lose your driver’s license for six months. If the violation is recorded by cameras, you can save money. If you pay the fine within 10 days, you can count on a 20% discount.

In case of re-delivery of the fine receipt by mail and after 60 days from the moment of committing the offense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia shall ensure the public publication of the fine receipt on the official website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

You can check the expiration date of the technical inspection and the date of the next mandatory maintenance by vehicle category and license plate on the website.

It is important to remember that the technical inspection rules apply to all vehicles registered in Georgia, including cars with temporary Georgian numbers, even if you have undergone MOT in the country where the "historical" numbers for the car were obtained. The nationality of the owner himself does not matter.