Gas test included in StVZO - Testing important!

Monday, 07 October 2024 00:00
Written by Portal Editor

The recommendation becomes a requirement: Anyone who has equipped a mobile home or caravan with a liquid gas system must have it checked every two years in the future.

The check is also required before the first use and before it is put back into operation after so-called changes that require testing. This is regulated by the new "§ 60 Liquid Gas Systems in Vehicles", which has been included in the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO).

Checking the gas system in mobile homes and caravans becomes mandatory

With the new "§ 60 Liquid Gas Systems in Vehicles", the gas test (G 607 test) becomes part of the StVZO.
Owners of mobile homes and caravans must carry out the mandatory test every two years. It is independent of the general inspection (HU).
Markus Lau, technical expert at the German Liquid Gas Association (DVFG), explains what else needs to be taken into account due to the inclusion of the gas test in the StVZO.

If you have not yet had a gas test for your own motorhome or caravan, you have until June 19, 2025 to do this. From this date, the new "Section 60 Liquefied Gas Systems in Vehicles" will apply. "With the inclusion of the gas test in the StVZO, there is a new legal basis for the testing of liquefied gas systems," says Markus Lau, technical expert at the German Liquefied Gas Association (DVFG). "This independent test is independent of the main inspection. Recognized experts, including independent testers, can carry it out as before and with the usual test equipment."

Gas testing ensures safe operation of liquefied gas systems

During the gas test, a recognized expert checks the entire gas system to ensure it is functioning properly. The professional check is therefore an important prerequisite for being able to safely operate liquefied gas devices for cooking, cooling and heating.

Campers can find a recognized expert for gas testing, for example, on the website https://gaspruefung-wohnwagen-wohnmobile.de.

Fine between 15 and 60 euros for failure to comply with the inspection deadlines

Anyone who fails to comply with the newly introduced obligation to test the LPG system of their motorhome or caravan is committing an administrative offence. Depending on the deadline exceeded, the fines for this range between 15 euros (for more than 2 to 4 months), 25 euros (for more than 4 to 8 months) and 60 euros (for more than 8 months).

New StVZO regulation brings clarity again

The new regulation eliminates the uncertainty that existed in recent years. In January 2020, the assessment of the LPG system test according to DVGW worksheet G 607 was suspended as part of the general inspection (HU). In addition, in April 2022, the obligation to test LPG systems in motorhomes was removed from the HU directive. With the new addition to the StVZO, "Section 60 Liquefied Gas Systems in Vehicles", the previously diffuse legal situation has now been clarified.

Liquid gas as an energy source:

Liquefied gas (LPG) - not to be confused with liquefied natural gas (LNG, methane) - consists of propane, butane and their mixtures and becomes liquid even under low pressure. The energy source burns with reduced CO2 and low emissions. The renewable variants are available as biogenic liquefied gas and in the future as dimethyl ether (rDME). Liquefied gas is used for heating and cooling purposes, as fuel (autogas), in industry and agriculture, and in the leisure sector.