For some drivers, 2026 began with concern: stricter requirements for diesel vehicles came into effect on January 1.
Last year, when new measurements for solid particles (soot) were introduced, owners were given a whole year to rectify defects, but now the grace period has ended. In the future, if excessive emissions are detected in the exhaust gases, the owner will have only one month to fix the engine's exhaust system and undergo the technical inspection again, reports 360TV Ziņas.
Experience from last year at inspection stations shows that, on average, about one in ten vehicles fails the new inspection. Although exceeding the concentration of solid particles is not among the most common defects, it still affects a noticeable part of the vehicle fleet. Many drivers admit that the news of stricter controls has made them pay closer attention to the technical condition of their vehicles, especially the functionality of the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Ainars Abolins, head of the technical inspection supervision department at the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD), emphasizes that the new measurements are not unachievable. In his assessment, the situation is not critical, and most vehicles that are maintained in proper technical condition pass the inspection without issues. The main difficulties arise for those vehicles whose exhaust systems have been illegally modified or for cars with worn-out engines.
Additionally, drivers are encouraged to use the new infrastructure to avoid queues. Observations show that at the new inspection station in Riga on Latgales Street, even in the middle of the day, the flow of vehicles is low. This significantly saves time compared to other stations, where historically longer queues form, especially on the first and last days of the month.
