New EU Vehicle Check Rules

European Parliament members have recently agreed on a revised framework for periodic vehicle inspections within the EU, aiming to enhance road safety and streamline the inspection process across member states.

The Transport and Tourism Committee has adopted a new draft proposing several key updates to the existing vehicle inspection rules. Notably, the proposal allows for vehicles to undergo inspections in EU countries other than where they are registered, introducing a temporary roadworthiness certificate valid for six months. This move is anticipated to facilitate easier travel and vehicle movement within the bloc.

Further adjustments include maintaining the current frequency of mandatory vehicle checks, contrary to the European Commission’s suggestion to increase inspections for older vehicles. Additionally, the new rules mandate the inclusion of modern vehicle features such as airbags and emergency brakes in routine checks to ensure functionality and safety. The proposal also extends to cover electric and hybrid vehicles, focusing on their unique safety checks and emissions standards.

The suggested reforms also entail stricter regulations against odometer tampering, with a new requirement for recording odometer readings during repairs lasting over an hour. For motorcycles, the flexibility in testing heavy motorcycles over 125 cc will be removed, making periodic checks mandatory.

As the European Parliament prepares to discuss and finalize these revisions in their upcoming mid-May session, the updated regulations aim to not only improve vehicle safety and compliance but also reduce bureaucratic hurdles for EU citizens and businesses.