To All Research What’s Wrong with Vehicle Inspections?
What’s Wrong with Vehicle Inspections?
To answer this question, we decided to conduct our own investigation. We visited eight vehicle inspection stations in Almaty, pretending to be customers. But before sharing our findings and the expert opinion…
What is a vehicle inspection, and who needs to do it?
Vehicle technical inspection (techosmotr) is a procedure to verify that a vehicle meets safety and environmental standards.
In Kazakhstan, annual inspections are mandatory for 7+ year-old vehicles, and every 6 months for vehicles used in commercial transportation.
During this procedure, vehicle owners can ensure their cars are in working condition. Inspections not only guarantee proper functioning but also help reduce harmful emissions, since exhaust gas toxicity is assessed.
Vehicles remain a major contributor to air pollution, and diligent inspections could help mitigate their impact on air quality.
How should the inspection be done?
Inspections are regulated by rules approved on March 26, 2015, and the national standard ST RK 1811-2018.
They should be conducted in two stages:
- Preliminary: Cross-checking registration data.
- Main: Assessing mechanical components, brakes, steering, visibility, lights, tires, suspension, chassis, and environmental impact such as fuel/gas leaks and exhaust toxicity.
All data are entered into a unified information system. A diagnostic card is then issued.
Stations must be equipped with brake test stands, headlight testers, gas and smoke analyzers, play detectors for suspension and steering, and noise meters.
How is it done in practice?
In recent years, inspections in Kazakhstan have become a formality. Cards are issued without any actual checks. This was confirmed by our investigation and by Dmitry Katuntsev, Executive Director of the Republican Association of Vehicle Inspection Centers.
“In around 80% of stations, the equipment doesn’t actually work,” says Dmitry.
Our findings:
Our team was offered inspections in just 3–5 minutes instead of the required 20.
Of the eight stations visited, equipment was present in seven, but often non-functional. In one case, the brake stand was broken. In others, the equipment was gathering dust, and staff didn’t even leave their booth to inspect the car.
At one station, standard equipment was completely absent, and the brake stand was a DIY structure of pipes and metal sheets.
Most procedures consisted only of taking a photo of the vehicle on a brake stand to upload to the database. If the windshield, mirrors, bumper, and headlights looked fine, that was enough.
Operators are willing to do a full inspection if specifically requested by the client, but rarely do it otherwise. Many drivers prefer to get the document quickly or fear their car won’t pass.
“Some operators are honest. We tell them to upgrade their facilities, and they are ready to serve customer after doing so. Those operators have the experience and motivation,” says Dmitry. “But dishonest ones focus only on profit.”
How are fake inspections regulated?
Violators, such as fake inspection operators, can either be fined or shut down fully. Drivers may have their inspection card annulled and will be notified via a 1414 SMS.
What should responsible drivers do?
If you are a responsible driver, avoid stations with broken or missing equipment. Demand a full inspection. Ask questions at every step. It’s in your interest to catch issues early.
Your vehicle’s condition directly affects your safety, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. A proper inspection saves money in the long-term, prevents unexpected breakdowns, and helps reduce air pollution in the city.
What changes are coming?
Hundreds of dishonest operators have been shut down. Suspicious diagnostic cards are investigated using video proof – if unavailable, stations are blocked and disqualified, and cards are annulled.
“We’ve cleaned the market of operators who were ‘photoshopping’ inspections,” says Dmitry.
That means inserting images of the car into the system without real inspection.
Previously, stations only had to notify authorities to open. Now, they must get certified in advance. Existing centers also have to go through recertification.
Control over the system is being transferred from the National Information Technologies JSC to KazAvtoZhol. Monitoring work has temporarily paused during this transition.
New fines are planned to being implemented: 5 MCI (17,700 KZT) for drivers and up to 150 MCI (517,500 KZT) for operators.
Vehicle technical inspections play an important role in ensuring road safety and protecting the environment. They not only confirm the proper functioning of vehicles but also monitor the amount of harmful emissions released into the atmosphere.
When choosing a technical inspection station, it’s important to be especially diligent. Demand a high-quality inspection to avoid the need for a repeat procedure. This will not only ensure your safety but also contribute to maintaining a healthy environmental situation in the city.