Overview

• The European Commission has proposed mandatory annual inspections for vehicles over ten years old, aiming to improve road safety and reduce accidents.
• The measure is part of the EU's Vision Zero strategy to cut traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, with an estimated 1% reduction in incidents attributed to the inspections.
• Criticism has emerged from the ADAC and some MEPs, citing increased costs and administrative burdens for vehicle owners, particularly in countries like Germany with established inspection systems.
• Germany's current biennial inspection regime contrasts with countries like Spain, where annual checks are already required; the proposed changes could impact over 16 million German vehicles.
• The TÜV-Report 2025 highlights rising average vehicle age (11.9 years) and defect rates, with 25.4% of cars requiring repairs, while also assessing electric vehicles for the first time, revealing mixed reliability results.