Even more reasons to take care of your car! The Ministry of Transportation has extended the deadline for the first vehicle inspection
The measure allows owners of new cars to have their first technical inspection three years after registration, rather than two years as previously stipulated. Transportation Minister Louis de Grange reported that the measure has already been approved by the Comptroller General’s Office.
Car owners and those thinking about buying a new car received some good news. This is because the Ministry of Transportation, led by Louis de Grange, announced the extension of the deadline for the technical inspection from two to three years, following a regulatory amendment already approved by the Comptroller General of the Republic.
The MTT minister stated that this measure “allows new vehicles to undergo their first technical inspection after three years, rather than after two years as was previously the case. This means that the deadline for the first technical inspection has been extended.” In addition, for vehicles that undergo periodic maintenance at the dealership where they were purchased, the period will be extended from five to six years. In other words, in those cases, the dealership issues the technical inspection certificate.”
According to De Grange, “these are measures that make everyday life easier. They are regulatory simplification measures designed to improve people’s quality of life.”
This announcement highlights some of what visitors can expect to see at the 2026 edition of Motortec Chile. The most important aftermarket trade show in Latin America, which will open its doors this Thursday, June 18, and run through Saturday, June 20, at Espacio Riesco, aims to emphasize the importance of vehicle maintenance and purchasing components, replacement parts, and accessories from brand-authorized retailers.
According to Cristina Catalán—known on social media as “Cristi Mecánica” and an ambassador for Motortec Chile—regular car maintenance helps “understand how your car is performing. Because when a car is well-maintained, everything runs more smoothly: it uses less fuel, performs better, and avoids unnecessary expenses.”
In this regard, the event will feature panel discussions and talks in which various experts will discuss the latest automotive trends, as well as reinforce best practices for regular maintenance. For example, the event’s first panel discussion, scheduled after the opening ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, will be titled “The Battle Against Informality in the Aftermarket.” It will be moderated by Anita Hidalgo, a journalist and director of EspacioT, and will feature a panel of experts on the subject.
Also, on that Friday, there will be a panel discussion titled “The Car Has Changed. What About the Repair Shop?”, which will cover electromobility, technical training, and infrastructure for the new aftermarket.
The trade show will feature more than 150 exhibiting companies, giving repair shop owners a first-hand look at the latest in automotive maintenance. This will be even more essential given the new regulations and will help avoid unpleasant surprises before the deadlines for the dreaded first technical inspection.