Subieron los precios de la tecnomecánica en 2026: esto pagarán desde ahora dueños de motos y carros en Colombia

If you own a motorcycle or car in Colombia, one question comes up every year: What is the cost of the technical inspection? For 2026, the answer isn’t the most promising.

The mandatory processing fees have risen again. Although the increase isn’t drastic, it certainly hits the wallet, especially for motorcyclists and owners of older vehicles.

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According to this year’s established fees, motorcycles cost between $217,781 and $247,490, depending on their age. For light passenger cars, the technical inspection costs between $317,428 and $368,853, while electric vehicles have lower fees ranging from $240,301 to $275,808.

These amounts include all associated charges: a 19% VAT, contributions to the Runt, fees for the Sicov-Indra system, bank fees, and contributions to the National Road Safety Agency (Ansv). Hence, the payment at the CDA reflects the final cost, with no additional “surprises.”

Motorcycles remain the most compliant regarding their technical inspections, as the law mandates evaluation from the second year of registration onwards, annually thereafter. For 2026, the fees are as outlined:

• Motorcycles up to 2 years: between $217,781 and $246,890
• Motorcycles aged 3 to 7 years: between $218,081 and $247,190
• Motorcycles aged 8 to 16 years: between $218,381 and $247,490
• Motorcycles aged 17 years or more: between $218,081 and $247,190

In practice, most motorcyclists are paying around $230,000 to $240,000, depending on the CDA and the city. While the average increase was about 6%, many users feel the expenses add up, especially when combined with Soat, fuel, and maintenance.

For light passenger cars, the technical inspection is mandatory starting from the fifth year after registration and must be repeated annually. For 2026, the rates are as follows:

• Cars up to 2 years: between $317,428 and $368,153
• Aged 3 to 7 years: between $317,728 and $368,453
• Aged 8 to 16 years: between $318,128 and $368,853
• Aged 17 years or more: between $317,728 and $368,453

On average, a driver of a private car pays around $340,000 for the inspection. The increase from 2025 was approximately 5.8%, based on the Base Value Unit (UVB).

Failing to maintain an up-to-date technical inspection remains a significant issue. In 2026, the penalty for driving without a valid certificate is $875,452, equivalent to 15 legal daily minimum wages, along with the immediate immobilization of the vehicle. In other words, the fine costs nearly three times more than completing the inspection on time.

Not all news is negative. Starting January 1, 2026, several drivers are exempt from payment, thanks to the Ministry of Transport’s regulation of Law 2294 of 2023.

This exemption applies to all private cars registered in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, which do not need to undergo or pay for a technical inspection during this year. This measure is based on technical analyses concluding that vehicles in their initial years maintain appropriate safety and mechanical conditions.

The following are also exempt:

• Vehicles with foreign plates that remain in Colombia for up to three months.
• Antique or classic vehicles, provided they are officially recognized and maintain minimum safety and environmental standards.

However, this exemption does not apply to motorcycles, which must continue to comply with regulations as defined by law.

Although the exemption offers financial relief for many drivers, authorities remind everyone that it does not replace essential vehicle maintenance. Brakes, lights, and emissions remain crucial for road safety and minimizing environmental impact.