Exhaust Emissions Card
Guide to the Exhaust Emissions Control Card (K.E.K.), the inspection carried out, the validity period, its relationship with the KTEO, the penalties and the relevant legislation.
What is the Exhaust Emissions Control Card
The Exhaust Emissions Control Card (K.E.K.) certifies that, during the special emissions test, the vehicle meets the prescribed criteria. The institution of the special exhaust emissions test is based on Law 2052/1992 and continues to apply with its subsequent amendments.
Since 2010 it has also been provided that, when the periodic KTEO technical inspection includes an exhaust emissions test, the Technical Inspection Certificate (D.T.E.) serves as a K.E.K. for a period equal to the validity of the card.
When is it needed and how long is it valid
Private passenger vehicles and trucks up to 3.5 tons: the Exhaust Emissions Control Card has annual validity. The next card must be issued within the validity period of the previous one.
Public passenger vehicles, heavy trucks and buses: for the categories provided for by the relevant decision, the Exhaust Emissions Control Card has six-month validity.
New private vehicle: the first obligation for an Exhaust Emissions Control Card arises after one year has elapsed since the vehicle was first put into circulation.
Year of periodic roadworthiness inspection: provided that an exhaust emissions test was also carried out during the technical inspection, the Technical Inspection Certificate covers the Exhaust Emissions Control Card only for the period for which the card itself would be valid.
Example: for a private passenger vehicle the roadworthiness inspection may be valid for a longer period, but its coverage as an Exhaust Emissions Control Card is annual. If the next periodic roadworthiness inspection is later, a new exhaust emissions test is required in the meantime.
Where is the K.E.K. issued
Private Vehicle Technical Inspection Centers: in accordance with the applicable operating and inspection requirements.
Specially authorized vehicle repair shops: provided that they have the legal authorization to carry out the inspection and issue a K.E.K.
What is checked in the exhaust gases
Gasoline-powered / LPG-powered vehicles: the exhaust gas analyzer measures, among other things, CO, HC, CO₂, O₂ and the λ coefficient, along with parameters such as engine speed and engine temperature.
Diesel-powered vehicles: exhaust gas opacity and the absorption coefficient «K» are measured with a suitable opacimeter.
Emission limits: the measured values must be within the permissible limits applicable to the specific vehicle and its emission-control technology.
Inspection result: the K.E.K. is issued only if the vehicle meets the inspection criteria. If emissions are outside the limits, the cause must be rectified and a new inspection is required.
What happens if there is no valid K.E.K.
The legislation distinguishes the non-issuance or expiration of the E.C.C. from the actual exceedance of the permitted pollutant limits:
The E.C.C. has been issued but is not presented / is not kept together with the required documents: the current Highway Code classifies the absence of the required document under category E1-A, namely an administrative fine of 30 €.
The E.C.C. has not been issued or has expired, while the vehicle is within the permitted limits: the special penalties of Presidential Decree 363/1995 concerning the obligation to issue an E.C.C. apply· the relevant monetary fine has been adjusted to 50 € and an order to obtain an E.C.C. is provided for.
The vehicle's emissions exceed the permitted limits: apart from the issue of the E.C.C., the current Highway Code prohibits the circulation of such a vehicle. The violation is classified under category E3-B and S, with a fine of 350 € and administrative measures, while the registration documents and plates are removed on the spot until the vehicle's compliance with regard to emissions is demonstrated.
Change from 1 July 2027 for newer diesel
Law 5290/2026 introduces an additional particle number test for certain diesel vehicles of Euro 5, Euro 6, Euro VI and newer categories, in addition to the measurement of the opacity coefficient «K». The maximum limit is set at 1.000.000 particles per cm³.
This regulation is not yet applicable as of the date this page was updated. According to Article 120 of Law 5290/2026, it takes effect from 01/07/2027.
Legislation & Government Gazette
Law 2052/1992 - Government Gazette 94/A/05.06.1992
Basic legislative framework for the establishment of the special exhaust emissions inspection of vehicles in circulation, as subsequently amended.
Joint Ministerial Decision F.50/75660/35656/1999 - Government Gazette 1999/B/10.11.1999
Determines the form and content of the Exhaust Emissions Control Card and, among other things, its period of validity: annual for private passenger cars and trucks up to 3.5 tonnes and semiannual for the prescribed categories of public-use vehicles, heavy trucks and buses.
Presidential Decree 363/1995 - Government Gazette 193/A/14.09.1995
Establishes the special system of administrative penalties associated with the implementation of the Exhaust Emissions Control Card scheme. The current Highway Code expressly refers to Article 4 of Presidential Decree 363/1995 for violation of the obligation to obtain an Exhaust Emissions Control Card.
Law 3710/2008 - Government Gazette 216/A/23.10.2008
Among other things, adjusted the monetary penalties under Presidential Decree 363/1995 and regulated matters concerning the implementation of the Exhaust Emissions Control Card scheme.
Law 3897/2010 - Government Gazette 208/A/10.12.2010
Provides that when the periodic technical inspection includes an exhaust emissions inspection, the Technical Inspection Certificate serves as an Exhaust Emissions Control Card with a period of validity equal to that of the card.
Ministerial Decision 20794/2222/2012 - Government Gazette 1466/B/03.05.2012
Determines, among other things, technical requirements for the equipment of Vehicle Technical Inspection Centers, such as the exhaust gas analyzer and the opacimeter.
Law 5209/2025 - Government Gazette 100/A/13.06.2025 (current Highway Code)
Article 19: pollutant emissions and reference to the special penalties relating to the Exhaust Emissions Control Card. Article 103: the Exhaust Emissions Control Card is included among the documents that the driver must carry.
Law 5290/2026 - Government Gazette 47/A/30.03.2026
Article 7: updates which entities may issue an Exhaust Emissions Control Card. Article 3: establishes the future additional particulate matter inspection for specific diesel vehicles, effective from 01/07/2027.