Periodic roadworthiness tests and technical roadside inspection (Roadworthiness package)

It affects vehicle owners, buyers of used vehicles, commercial transport operators, drivers of vans, trucks and buses, motorcyclists, vehicle manufacturers, repair businesses, and inspection centres.

• Adds testing for electric vehicles, electronic safety systems, particle emissions, nitrogen oxides, and tampering.
• Requires older cars and vans to be tested annually after 10 years; vans get annual emissions checks.
• Introduces digital roadworthiness certificates, odometer recording, and EU-wide vehicle data exchange through MOVE-HUB.
• Extends roadside inspections to vans, mandates cargo-securing checks, and requires remote emissions screening.

Takes effect

The Directive enters into force on the twentieth day following publication in the Official Journal.

Transitional law

Member States must transpose the Directive within two years after entry into force; MOVE-HUB interconnections follow implementing acts.

• Directive 2014/45/EU (32014L0045)
  • art. 2: amends scope for L-category vehicles and deletes motorcycle opt-out
  • art. 3: amends definitions and inserts connected vehicle and temporary roadworthiness certificate definitions
  • art. 4: replaces Article 4 on responsibilities and cross-border testing
  • art. 4a: inserts new Article 4a on recording odometer readings
  • art. 5: replaces Article 5 on date and frequency of testing
  • art. 6: amends contents and methods of testing
  • art. 8: replaces Article 8 on roadworthiness certificates
  • art. 9: replaces Article 9 on follow-up of deficiencies and tampering penalties
  • art. 16: replaces Article 16 on exchange of data between Member States’ authorities
  • art. 17: amends delegated powers, including emissions test methods
  • art. 20: replaces Article 20 on Commission reporting
  • art. 20a: inserts new Article 20a on communication of information to the Commission
  • art. 22: replaces Article 22 on extension of certificate validity in crises
  • art. Annex I: amends minimum testing contents and methods
  • art. Annex III: amends roadworthiness facilities and test equipment requirements
  • art. Annex IV: amends inspector competence, training and certification requirements
• Directive 2014/47/EU (32014L0047)
  • art. 1: replaces Article 1 to include remote sensing of vehicles
  • art. 2: amends scope, adding N1 vehicles and remote-sensing coverage
  • art. 3: amends definitions, deletes point 18, adds remote sensing and plume chasing
  • art. 4: replaces Article 4 on roadside inspection system
  • art. 4a: inserts new Article 4a on remote sensing
  • art. 5: amends inspection percentage requirements
  • art. 6: amends risk rating system provisions
  • art. 7: amends responsibilities to accept electronic evidence
  • art. 9: replaces Article 9 on vehicle selection for initial roadside inspection
  • art. 10: amends initial inspection checks and cargo securing assessment
  • art. 13: replaces Article 13 on mandatory cargo securing inspections
  • art. 14: adds paragraph on tampering as major or dangerous deficiency
  • art. 16: amends inspection report provision to require electronic copy
  • art. 18: amends cooperation notification procedures for deficiencies
  • art. 18a: inserts new Article 18a on exchange of data between Member States’ authorities
  • art. 20: replaces Article 20 on communication of information to the Commission
  • art. 21: amends delegated powers for test methods and remote sensing limits
  • art. 24: replaces Article 24 on reporting
  • art. Annex II: amends scope of technical roadside inspections
  • art. Annex III: amends cargo securing inspection rules
  • art. Annex IV: amends detailed technical roadside inspection report checklist
  • art. Annex V: amends standard reporting form for reporting to the Commission