A TVDE car does not follow the same inspection calendar as a private car. If you drive with Uber or Bolt, you have to pass the IPO earlier and more often — and an expired inspection can mean a fine and a suspended account.
The good news is that the process is simple and cheap once you know what to expect. In this guide we explain what changes with the IPO for TVDE, when you should do it, what to bring to the inspection centre, and how to avoid surprises that take you off the road.
What the IPO for TVDE is
The IPO (Inspeção Periódica Obrigatória, the mandatory periodic inspection) is the technical check every vehicle must pass at inspection centres accredited by IPAC. It confirms that the car is in a safe condition to circulate.
What changes for TVDE is not the type of inspection, but the frequency and when it starts. Because your car carries passengers, the law treats it more strictly than a private-use car. A TVDE vehicle is normally inspected every year, and that obligation begins earlier in the car's life.
Private car IPO vs. TVDE IPO
The most important difference is the calendar. A private light car only does its first IPO after 4 years. A passenger-transport vehicle like yours is inspected annually and starts much sooner.
| Situation | Private light car | TVDE / passenger-transport vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| First inspection | About 4 years after registration | Much sooner — within the first years |
| Frequency | Every 1 to 2 years, depending on age | Normally every year |
| Level of scrutiny | Private use | Stricter (passenger transport) |
| Consequence of failing | Fine | Fine + risk of platform suspension |
In practice, what you need to remember is simple: count on one IPO per year and do not let the date pass. Platforms check the inspection's validity and can block your account if the certificate has expired.
What gets checked in the inspection
The inspection centre assesses the points that guarantee the safety of the vehicle and its passengers. The following are normally checked:
- Brakes — braking efficiency and balance
- Lights and signalling — dipped and main beams, indicators, brake lights
- Tyres — wear, tread depth and general condition
- Emissions — exhaust gases within legal limits
- Vehicle identification — number plate and chassis number matching the documents
What to bring to the inspection centre
So you do not waste the trip, bring with you:
- DUA or DAV — the vehicle's single registration document (or the customs declaration, in the case of imports)
- Previous IPO certificate — if it is not the car's first inspection
- Valid insurance — the policy in force, ideally already with TVDE cover
At the end, the inspection result can be one of three:
| Result | What it means |
|---|---|
| Approved | The vehicle is compliant and can circulate |
| Approved with defects | There are minor faults to fix; requires a re-inspection within the stated deadline |
| Failed | Serious faults; the car cannot circulate until they are fixed and re-inspected |
The cost of the IPO is normally a few dozen euros — a small expense compared with the fine and the lost working days that an expired inspection causes.
Pronto para começar?
A Arterian oferece o slot TVDE completo por apenas 25€/semana. Ativação em cerca de 48 horas, sem fidelização e suporte 24/7.
Get Your Slot for €25/weekThe IPO is not enough on its own
Having a valid IPO is essential, but it is only one of the pieces. Your car must also meet the platform requirements — namely the age limit and good general condition — which are independent of the inspection. A car can pass the IPO and still be too old for Uber or Bolt. See how the TVDE car age limit works.
The IPO therefore fits into the set of documents you have to gather to work compliantly. See the complete checklist of everything you need after the CMTVDE.
If your car no longer meets the age limit or keeps giving you trouble at the inspection, it may pay off to switch to a vehicle already prepared for TVDE. See the used cars available for TVDE.
Don't let the inspection expire
An expired IPO is one of the easiest mistakes to make and one of the most costly: on top of the fine, you risk being unable to work while you sort it out. Book your next inspection in advance and always keep the certificate accessible.
At Arterian we help drivers keep all their vehicle documentation up to date — IPO, insurance and platform requirements — so you can focus on the road. Get in touch and we'll show you what to check before your next inspection.
Have questions about your TVDE car's IPO? Contact us on WhatsApp or by email and we'll help you keep everything compliant.
