In a bold move to modernise transportation across Europe, the European Commission has proposed a sweeping overhaul of vehicle safety and registration rules.
With road safety still a pressing issue and vehicle emissions contributing significantly to air pollution, the new proposals aim to align outdated regulations with today’s technological realities – especially the rapid rise of electric vehicles and smart driving systems.
At the heart of the initiative is a clear ambition: to make Europe’s roads safer, its air cleaner, and its vehicle systems more transparent and fraud-resistant.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, explained: “The EU is firmly committed to cutting road fatalities and serious injuries by 50% by 2030.
“Today’s initiative marks a major step forward in making our roads safer, our air cleaner and making citizen’s lives easier.
“By modernising our roadworthiness rules, we are harnessing the latest technology, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring they keep pace with the evolving realities of mobility.”
A vision for safer roads and cleaner air
The proposed road safety reforms are a cornerstone of the EU’s ‘Vision Zero’ strategy, which aims for near-zero fatalities and serious injuries on roads by 2050.
As part of this long-term vision, the Commission is targeting a 50% reduction in deaths and injuries by 2030.
Between 2026 and 2050, the proposed changes are expected to save around 7,000 lives and prevent approximately 65,000 serious injuries.
These projections underscore the urgency and scale of the initiative, which was first outlined in the Commission’s 2020 Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy.
Tackling the challenges of ageing and high-emission vehicles
One of the key drivers behind the reform is the growing concern over unsafe, ageing, and polluting vehicles.
Although older and high-emission vehicles are fewer in number, they disproportionately contribute to accidents and pollution.
The current rules, last revised in 2014, are no longer sufficient to address these issues in a rapidly evolving EU automotive landscape.
To address these concerns, annual inspections will become mandatory for all vehicles over ten years old.
Meanwhile, new testing protocols will detect high-emission vehicles using advanced methods targeting ultrafine particles and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Adapting to electric vehicles and emerging technologies
Recognising the rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and the spread of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), the proposed regulations will introduce periodic technical inspections specifically for EVs.
They will also include checks on the software integrity of electronic safety and emissions systems, ensuring that new technologies function safely and as intended.
Digitalisation and fraud prevention at the core
To simplify procedures and curb fraud, particularly odometer tampering, the Commission is pushing for a full digital transformation.
This includes the introduction of electronic vehicle registration and testing certificates, as well as a shared EU-wide platform for cross-border data exchange.
Odometer readings will now be recorded in national databases and made accessible across borders, aiming to make it harder for unscrupulous sellers to misrepresent vehicle mileage.
Cross-border recognition and streamlined inspections
One major convenience proposed is the mutual recognition of Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI) certificates.
This would allow vehicles that have undergone inspections in one EU Member State to be recognised in another for up to six months, easing mobility for residents living temporarily abroad.
The reforms also aim to enhance data governance by improving access to vehicle technical data for inspection centres, ensuring more accurate and consistent assessments across the EU.
The legislative proposals will now go before the European Parliament and the Council for consideration. If adopted, the Commission will begin drafting the necessary delegated and implementing acts to put the new rules into practice.
These updates signal a transformative shift in how the EU approaches road safety, reflecting a commitment to modern mobility, environmental sustainability, and public protection.
With this roadmap, the EU not only aims to make its roads safer but also cleaner – laying the foundation for a smarter, safer transport future.
