Draft Revision of the European Directive on Vehicle Inspections

What changes are proposed in the draft revision of the European Directive?

The European Commission has presented a draft revision regarding vehicle inspections. The goal is to adapt the regulations to technological and environmental developments and to strengthen harmonization among Member States. One of the key points of this revision is the extension of mandatory technical inspections to two- and three-wheeled motor vehicles.

Inspection Frequency

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

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

Note: The current text does not provide for annual inspections for light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

Adaptations for newer vehicles

The draft provides for specific adaptations for newer vehicles, notably:

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

Strengthened environmental inspections

The fight against pollution is at the heart of this revision. Technical inspections must include:

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

Data and Digital Technology

The European Commission will define a list of technical data to be provided for inspections, as well as their standardized format. This will ensure consistent implementation across all Member States.

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

Procedures will be simplified, notably by allowing technical inspections to be conducted in another EU country, with a temporary 6-month certificate, mutual recognition of valid certificates, including in cases of re-registration or the sale of a used vehicle in another Member State.

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

Transparency on odometer readings

To better combat odometer fraud :

•     • Member states will be required to regularly record mileage readings in a national registry.
•     • Manufacturers will be required to transmit data from connected vehicles every three months.
•     • Buyers of used vehicles will have access to the vehicle’s mileage history.

This proposal is not yet in effect. It must be reviewed by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Adjustments may still be made before its final adoption.

This reform is part of an effort to modernize and standardize vehicle inspections across Europe, while addressing issues related to safety, transparency, and the green transition.