STK (technická kontrola - technical inspection) is a mandatory periodic technical check of a car. It checks if the car is safe to drive. You do this at a technical inspection station (stanica technickej kontroly), which is where the abbreviation comes from.
How it works
- Passenger cars usually have their first inspection a few years after registration, and then periodically. This depends on the type of vehicle.
- Usually, the emisná kontrola (EK - emissions control) is done at the same time as the STK. This checks the exhaust gases.
For the inspection, you need to bring the car's documents (osvedčenie o evidencii - registration certificate) and the car itself in good working order. It is better to book an appointment in advance at popular stations. After passing successfully, a sticker (nálepka) with the expiration date is placed on the license plate. If the car does not pass, you are usually given time to fix the problems and come back. Please note: without a valid STK, the car is considered technically unfit, and driving it can result in a fine.
