UVV Inspection for Forklifts: Intervals, Costs and Scope

Operators of forklifts are required by law to have regular UVV inspections carried out. The requirements are clearly regulated — yet questions keep arising in practice: how often is the inspection due? What exactly is inspected? And what does it cost? This guide answers the central questions around the forklift UVV inspection and explains what applies to rental forklifts.

Yes — unambiguously. DGUV Regulation 68 (industrial trucks) and the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) oblige operators to have forklifts and other industrial trucks inspected regularly by a competent person. A forklift without a valid inspection label may not be used — the consequences range from interruptions to operations through to the loss of insurance cover in the event of an accident at work.

The short answer: every forklift used commercially must undergo a complete UVV inspection at least once a year.

The standard inspection interval under DGUV Regulation 68 is at least once a year. That, however, is only the minimum requirement. The actual interval follows from the risk assessment — and that can prescribe shorter intervals:

• Multi-shift operation or intensive use: shortened intervals, for example six-monthly
• Aggressive ambient conditions (chemicals, moisture, extreme temperatures): observe the manufacturer's specifications
• Older vehicles or high operating hours: the inspector may recommend shorter intervals

In addition to the UVV inspection, the operator must carry out a visual and functional check before every shift. That is not a UVV inspection but a daily operator duty under § 12 BetrSichV.

Checklist: scope of the forklift UVV inspection

A complete UVV inspection under DGUV Regulation 68 covers at least:

Lifting frame and forks:

• Lifting mast for deformation, cracks and wear
• Fork tines for dimensional accuracy, cracks and bending (at least 10 % loss of thickness = replacement)
• Fork carriage and fixing elements

Lifting chains and hydraulics:

• Lifting chains for wear, chain elongation and lubrication
• Hydraulic cylinders for leaks
• Hydraulic lines and connections

Brakes and steering:

• Service brake, parking brake, regenerative brake (on electric forklifts)
• Steering system for ease of movement and play

Safety devices:

• Load limiter and overload protection
• Warning and signalling devices (horn, warning systems)
• Operator protection (seat belt, operator cage or overhead guard)

Electrical system (electric forklifts):

• Battery, charger, cable connections, plugs
• Drive motors and control units

Vehicle frame and wheels:

• Frame for cracks and deformation
• Tyres for tread depth, damage and correct pressure
• Counterweight fixing

Documentation:

• Completeness of the vehicle documents, inspection log and inspection report
• Legibility of the type plates and markings

The UVV inspection must be carried out by a competent person as defined in TRBS 1203 — a person with relevant training as a mechatronics technician or motor vehicle technician, demonstrated professional experience with industrial trucks and recent activity in the field of the forklifts being inspected.

Luibl Rental does not offer inspection services or qualification to third parties. For qualification as a competent person, please approach external, recognised providers. Details on the competent person: Who may carry out the UVV inspection? →

Inspection costs depend on the forklift type, the inspection organisation and the effort involved. As a guide from the market:

• Electric counterbalance forklifts (1.5–3.5 t): approx. 100–180 € per inspection
• Diesel forklifts (3–8 t): approx. 130–220 € per inspection
• Heavy-duty forklifts (>8 t): approx. 200–350 € per inspection
• Reach trucks / narrow-aisle trucks: approx. 120–200 € per inspection

Influencing factors: inspector (internal/external), travel flat rate, and where applicable the service life and age of the equipment. Obtain comparative quotes from certified inspection organisations. These figures are guide values without warranty.

Once the UVV inspection is passed, the inspector must:

1. Issue an inspection report documenting all positions inspected, defects identified and measures taken
2. Attach an inspection label to the vehicle showing the date of the next inspection
3. Make the entry in the vehicle's inspection log

The inspection report must be retained at least until the next inspection, and as a minimum until the vehicle is taken out of use.

If the competent person identifies defects, these are graded into classes:

• Class 1 (immediate withdrawal from service): defects presenting an immediate risk of accident — for example cracked fork tines or a failing brake. The forklift may not continue to be operated.
• Class 2 (remedy defects, then re-inspection): significant defects without an immediate risk of accident — for example excessive chain wear or defective warning devices
• Class 3 (monitor): minor defects to be remedied at the next regular inspection

After Class 1 and Class 2 defects have been remedied, a re-inspection must take place before the vehicle is used again.

Anyone renting forklifts from Luibl Rental receives exclusively UVV-inspected vehicles with a valid inspection label. The recurring inspection under DGUV Regulation 68 rests with Luibl Rental as lessor — you as the hirer do not organise it.

Our own low-loader fleet ensures that forklifts of every size class are delivered to your place of use on schedule and safely — across Europe. The range includes electric, diesel and Gas forklifts from leading manufacturers.

The operator of the rented forklift is nevertheless obliged to carry out a visual and functional check before every shift — that is an operator duty regardless of whether the machine is rented or owned.

On operator qualification (the forklift licence under DGUV Regulation 68): for this we refer you to external, recognised training providers. Details: Forklift licence — everything on the licensing requirement →

Rent forklifts → | Send an enquiry →

How often is the forklift UVV inspection due?

Under DGUV Regulation 68, at least once a year. With multi-shift operation, intensive use or special operating conditions, the risk assessment can prescribe shorter intervals (for example six-monthly). The daily visual and functional check by the operator is a separate operator duty.

What is inspected in a forklift UVV inspection?

The lifting frame and fork tines, lifting chains, hydraulic system, brakes, steering, all safety devices, the vehicle frame, tyres and the electrical system (on electric forklifts). The inspector produces a complete inspection report and, where the inspection is passed, attaches an inspection label.

What does the forklift UVV inspection cost?

Depending on the forklift type and the effort involved, inspection costs range from approximately 100 to 350 €. Electric forklifts up to 3.5 t typically cost 100–180 €, heavy-duty forklifts above 8 t approximately 200–350 €. Obtain comparative quotes from accredited inspection organisations.

May I operate a forklift without a valid UVV inspection?

No. A forklift without a valid UVV inspection and a current inspection label may not be used. Using it breaches DGUV Regulation 68 and the BetrSichV, endangers employees and can lead to the loss of insurance cover in the event of a claim.

Does a rented forklift need its own UVV inspection?

No — if you rent from Luibl Rental. All rental forklifts are delivered with a valid inspection label and complete inspection documentation. The recurring UVV inspection under DGUV Regulation 68 is the task of Luibl Rental as lessor.