Technischer Überwachungsverein

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

TÜVs (short for Technischer Überwachungs-Verein, Technical Monitoring Association in English) are German organizations that aim to protect humans and the environment against hazards coming from factories and mechanisms of all kinds. As an independent consultant, it examines monitoring-needy plants, motor vehicles, energy installations and devices. The many subsidiaries of the TÜVs can also appear as project developers for energy and traffic concepts, problem solutions in the area of environmental protection and certification bodies.

No German-registered road vehicle may be operated on public roads without a certificate from the TÜV or Dekra, one of its competitors. In most cases the certificate has to be renewed after two years, and is indicated by a decal on the license plate. Most modifications also need to be approved, from installing tires of a different size to materials used in nuts and bolts. TÜV's safety guidelines are among the strictest in the world, and getting a road permit for thoroughly customized vehicles borders on the impossible.