Overview

• The EU Commission has proposed annual inspections for passenger cars and vans over ten years old, aiming to improve road safety and reduce emissions under the Vision Zero initiative.
• In Germany, where nearly half of registered vehicles are older than ten years, this change could affect around 23 million vehicle owners starting in 2026.
• Projected costs for German vehicle owners could reach €3.4 to €4.1 billion annually, with inspection fees ranging from €140 to €163 per vehicle.
• The TÜV-Verband supports the proposal as a necessary step for safety and modernization, including enhanced checks for electric vehicles and digital data integration across the EU.
• Critics, including ADAC, ZDK, and the Bavarian government, argue the measure is unnecessary, overly bureaucratic, and imposes undue financial burdens on vehicle owners.