Overview

• The European Commission has formally proposed mandatory annual inspections for cars older than ten years as part of its Vision Zero strategy to halve road deaths by 2030.
• The proposal includes updated emissions testing, a unified digital vehicle registry, and expanded checks for electric vehicles to address safety and environmental concerns.
• Studies cited by the Commission indicate that older vehicles are more prone to breakdowns, accidents, and higher pollutant emissions, contributing to the need for stricter oversight.
• The plan is subject to approval by the European Parliament and member states, with mixed reactions from safety advocates, motorist groups, and political representatives.
• Critics, including organizations like ADAC and AvD, argue that the measure imposes unnecessary costs on low-income drivers and question its effectiveness in significantly reducing accidents.