Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have outlined updated rules for vehicle inspections across the EU, focusing on safety improvements, fraud prevention, and greater
flexibility for drivers—while rejecting proposals to make checks more frequent.
The Transport and Tourism Committee approved its position on revising EU laws for roadworthiness tests and roadside inspections, backing changes that modernize the system without adding unnecessary pressure on drivers or businesses.
Cross-border inspections made easier
One of the key updates would allow vehicles to undergo technical inspections in a different EU country from where they are registered. Drivers who do so would receive a temporary EU roadworthiness certificate valid for six months. However, the next full inspection would still need to take place in the country of registration. MEPs want this option to cover vans as well, making it easier for people who travel or live abroad.
No increase in inspection frequency
MEPs rejected a proposal to require annual inspections for cars and vans older than ten years. They argued there isn’t enough evidence to justify the change or prove it would significantly improve road safety. Current rules—typically requiring checks every two years—would remain in place, though individual countries can still enforce stricter schedules if they choose.
Modern safety features to be checked
Inspection criteria would be expanded to include modern vehicle technologies that are currently overlooked. Systems like airbags and automatic emergency braking would be regularly tested to ensure they function properly. New checks would also address electric and hybrid vehicles, reflecting the growing shift toward cleaner transport.
Additionally, MEPs support optional testing for emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particle numbers (PN), leaving it up to each EU country to decide how extensively to implement these measures.
Vehicles with unresolved safety recalls could fail inspections, adding pressure on owners to address known defects.
Cracking down on odometer fraud
To reduce mileage tampering—especially in the used car market—MEPs propose that repair shops record odometer readings during longer service visits. Car manufacturers would also be required to upload mileage data from connected vehicles into national databases. To avoid overburdening small businesses, the rule would only apply to repairs lasting more than one hour.
Motorcycles and roadside checks
Heavy motorcycles (over 125cc), including electric ones, would face mandatory periodic inspections under the updated rules.
For roadside inspections, MEPs want the current EU-wide target—checking 5% of trucks and buses—to be applied at the national level instead. They also propose expanding these checks to include vans and screening a wider range of vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, for emissions and noise levels.
Vehicles suspected of excessive pollution could be required to undergo further testing.
What happens next
MEPs have agreed to begin negotiations with EU member states to finalize the legislation. A full vote in the European Parliament is expected in mid-May.
The broader reform is part of the European Commission’s effort to update vehicle safety standards, registration systems, and inspection procedures across the EU.