Emisná kontrola (shortened to EK) — this is a required check of your car's exhaust gases. It shows if the engine pollutes more than allowed. Without a valid EK, your car cannot be driven on the road, and your technical inspection (STK) will not be approved.
How it happens
- The check is done at an emisná kontrola station — often in the same building as the STK technical inspection.
- This applies to cars with gasoline and diesel engines; electric cars do not need an EK.
- Bring your osvedčenie o evidencii vozidla (vehicle registration document), and bring your car with a warmed-up engine.
The frequency usually matches the STK cycle and depends on the type and age of the car. After a successful check, you will receive a report and a sticker for your license plate. If the result is negative, you must fix the problem and come back for a re-check, so plan your visit in advance. The cost of the check depends on the fuel type and the station, so prices vary a little, and popular stations can have queues.
