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Operating a privately-owned vehicle is a necessity for the majority of people stationed in Germany. If you register your POV in the U.S. Army in Europe registration system, it must be inspected by a USAREUR-approved inspection station.
In December 2006, USAREUR published new POV inspection criteria that combine requirements from a variety of sources and provide clearer inspection guidance to ensure POVs comply with host nation laws.
These new requirements, while more stringent than previous ones, should not cause an inspection failure of any automobile or motorcycle that has not been altered from original factory specifications.
For instance, one new requirement dictates that installed air bag systems must be operational and have no indication of faults.
POV inspection criteria can be found in appendix C of the Army in Europe Regulation 190-1/USAFE Instruction 31-202, Driver and Vehicle Requirements, and the Installation Traffic Code for the U.S. Forces in Germany. Information is also available at the USAREUR Registry of Motor Vehicles Web site at http://rmv.hqusareur.army.mil/.
In light of the new requirements, KMC POV inspection teams are offering “no fail” courtesy inspections that are designed to help identify vehicle discrepancies early, so needed adjustments can be made before vehicle inspection comes due.
The courtesy inspection will not result in a failure; it is only intended to prepare you for your official inspection when it comes due. Courtesy inspections can be requested at either the Ramstein or Kapaun POV inspection stations.
For more information on inspection requirements, call 480-6287 or 489-6400.
Vehicle inspections: major changes
• Aftermarket window film (clear or tinted) is not allowed on either front side windows or windshield.
• Exhaust system noise cannot exceed 90 decibels and the system must have a baffle (muffler) installed. Factory-installed equipment should pass without a problem; however, some aftermarket systems for motorcycles/automobiles are considerably louder than original factory systems and may have problems meeting the limit.
• Exhaust system repairs cannot be completed using tapes or pastes. They must be welded.
• Minimum vehicle ground clearance is 8 cm for soft body parts and 11 cm for hard body/suspension parts. These are measured from the lowest point under the vehicle.
• Maximum height of automobiles and light trucks is 2.5 meters measured from the highest point on top of the vehicle.
• Maximum headlight height is 137 cm measured from the ground to the center of the light.
• Minimum headlight height is 56 cm measured from the ground to the center of the light.
Common inspection failure items
• Missing forms
• Missing first aid kits
• Missing warning triangles
• Inoperative lights
• Worn tires
• Leaking exhaust systems
• Modified light systems on motorcycles without DOT or TÜV approval
• Cracked windshields
