Germany launches 70th annual Licht-Sicht-Test for vehicle safety

The 70th annual Licht-Sicht-Test (Light-Sight Test) will take place across Germany throughout October 2026. This joint initiative by the Deutsche Verkehrswacht, the Zentralverband Deutsches Kraftfahrzeuggewerbe (ZDK), and the Bundesinnungsverband des Kraftfahrzeughandwerks (BIV-Kfz) aims to improve road safety as daylight hours decrease.

Participating master automotive workshops will offer free inspections of vehicle lighting systems, including headlights, indicators, and brake lights. To mark the 70th anniversary, the scope of the service has been expanded; drivers can now also request checks on windshields, wiper blades, and tires. While minor adjustments and inspections are free, costs apply for replacement parts or extensive repairs.

Organizers expect approximately four million vehicle checks during the month. The campaign follows a trend of increasing defects, with 2025 data showing that 27.8% of passenger cars had faulty lighting, up from 25.3% in 2024.