EU ministers reject plans for annual roadworthiness test for older vehicles
Concerns over costs leaves EU Council backing current measures
The plans previously met with backlash when proposed earlier this year
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European transport ministers have rejected plans to make roadworthiness tests an annual requirement for cars and vans that are at least 10 years old.
Plans drawn up by the European Commission sought to standardise rules on roadworthiness tests – known in France as contrôle technique – for older vehicles by making annual inspection obligatory.
Transport ministers rejected the motion over “concerns regarding additional costs for vehicle owners,” said the EU Council in a statement on the matter, deciding to retain the current measures.
This also includes a current exemption from the rules for motorcycles, which in France will continue to follow the regulations introduced in 2024.
However, ministers did approve some changes to emissions tests for nitrogen oxides and fine particles from vehicle exhausts as part of roadworthiness tests, as well as plans for temporary roadworthiness certificates that function cross-border in the event of drivers moving between member states.
The European Commission plans originate from a 2014 review of vehicle inspections across the bloc, and had suggested making roadworthiness tests for older vehicles annual back in April 2025.
At the time the plan received considerable backlash, including from French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot.
The European Parliament still needs to vote on the new measures to approve them before they can be formally introduced into EU law.
Rules stricter in France
Currently, EU rules require vehicles that are at least 10 years old to have an inspection once every two years. However, countries are free to add tougher restrictions if they wish.
In France and Germany, this 10-year requirement is reduced to vehicles that are at least four years old, which require a test every other year.
Countries can also alter vehicle test requirements through national law. France is looking to make at least one change to the tests for the coming 2026 year, to improve the recall and repairing of vehicles affected by the Takata airbag scandal.
Recently, the EU has looked to centralise driving licence rules, culminating in major changes across the bloc set to come into force by 2030.
