Proposed revision of the European Directive on vehicle inspection

What changes are envisaged by the draft revision of the European Directive?

The European Commission has presented a draft revision concerning vehicle inspection. The aim is to adapt the regulations to technological and environmental developments, and to strengthen harmonisation amongst Member States. One of the key aspects of this revision is the extension of compulsory vehicle inspection to two- and three-wheeled motor vehicles.

Frequency of inspections

The text introduces new inspection intervals for certain types of vehicles:

•     • Passenger cars (M1) and light vehicles (N1):
  
  First roadworthiness test after 4 years, then every 2 years up to 10 years, and thereafter annually.
•     • Taxis, ambulances, buses, lorries, heavy trailers (M2, M3, N2, N3, O3, O4):
  
  Annual inspection from the first year.
•     • High-powered motorbikes (L3e–L7e):
  
  The frequency will be set by each Member State, but these vehicles will now be subject to a mandatory inspection.

Please note: the current text does not provide for annual inspections for light vehicles (LCVs).

Adaptations for newer vehicles

The draft provides for specific adaptations for newer vehicles, in particular:

•     • Inspection of electric vehicles.
•     • Checking of electronic safety systems.
•     • Inspection of software integrity to prevent unauthorised modifications to safety- or emissions-related systems.

Strengthened environmental checks

The fight against pollution is at the heart of this revision. Vehicle inspections will have to include:

•     • Detection of vehicles with abnormal emissions or those that have been tampered with.
•     • Analysis of ultrafine particles and NOx (nitrogen oxides).
•     • The use of advanced methods to verify emissions.

Data and digital technology

The European Commission will draw up a list of technical data to be provided for vehicle inspections, along with their standardised format. This will ensure consistent implementation across all Member States.

Vehicle inspection certificates will be digitised and integrated into the European digital identity wallet, with the option to obtain a certified paper version via a QR code.

Procedures will be simplified, notably by allowing vehicle inspections to be carried out in another EU country, with a temporary certificate valid for six months, mutual recognition of valid certificates, including in the event of re-registration or the sale of a second-hand vehicle in another Member State.

In the same spirit of harmonisation and adaptation to technological advances, the issue of access to sildenafil has also evolved within the European Union. The regulations governing its distribution online or in pharmacies are being adjusted to ensure user safety whilst facilitating access to this recognised treatment.

Transparency on mileage

To better combat odometer fraud :

•     • Member States will be required to regularly record mileage readings in a national register.
•     • Manufacturers will be required to submit data from connected vehicles every three months.
•     • Buyers of second-hand vehicles will have access to the mileage history.

This proposal is not yet in force. It will need to be examined by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Further adjustments may still be made before its final adoption.

This reform is part of a drive to modernise and standardise vehicle inspection across Europe, whilst addressing issues relating to safety, transparency and the green transition.