EU Commission Proposes Annual Inspections for Older Vehicles

Thu 24th Apr, 2025

The European Commission has announced a proposal aimed at enhancing road safety through increased inspections for older vehicles. Under the new regulations, cars that are over ten years old would be required to undergo annual technical inspections.

This initiative, which mirrors existing practices in several EU member states, must receive approval from both the European Parliament and the individual EU countries before it can be implemented.

The Commission asserts that this measure could significantly reduce the number of traffic accidents and fatalities. It estimates that the introduction of annual inspections for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles could lead to a decrease of one percent in road deaths and injuries. Older vehicles are often more prone to breakdowns and have been shown to have a higher likelihood of being involved in accidents. Additionally, studies indicate that these older models typically contribute more to air pollution due to higher emissions.

According to the Commission, while technical malfunctions are not the primary cause of most traffic incidents, the annual inspection of older cars could still play a crucial role in improving overall safety on the roads. The proposal highlights the importance of ensuring that vehicles on the road meet safety and environmental standards, particularly as older cars are statistically linked to a greater number of accidents.

In Germany, current regulations require vehicles to undergo a main inspection every two years, regardless of their age. However, certain categories such as taxis, rental vehicles, buses with more than eight seats, trucks, and trailers over 3.5 tons are already subjected to annual checks. New cars are first inspected 36 months after their initial registration. Failing to comply with scheduled inspections can result in fines, and in the event of an accident, can lead to insurance liability issues.

The proposal for annual inspections aims to address these concerns and promote safer driving conditions across the EU. As discussions progress, stakeholders will be looking closely at the potential impacts this regulation may have on vehicle owners and the broader implications for road safety in Europe.


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