How the EU wants to simplify paperwork for car owners moving abroad

People living in the EU have to register their cars in the country of normal residence. Each country has different rules (which can be consulted here) because there is no EU-wide law on vehicle registration.

Car registration certificates are recognised by other EU countries when travelling or moving there, but re-registration is usually required if people move to another EU member state long-term.

Currently, authorities keep relevant data in national registers, but the Commission says, some data is not available in all national registers, nor is not up to date. It also says the exchange of information between EU member states is limited, also because most documents are still on paper.

The Commission's new proposal aims to improve the situation by issuing digital registration certificates and linking national registers. These should include additional data, such as odometer readings, which measure how many km a car has done to avoid frauds such as making used vehicles appear to have lower mileage.

Periodic technical inspection certificates

Car owners in Europe also have to keep their vehicles in ‘roadworthy condition’ and obtain related certificates.

These certificates are recognised across the EU for the purposes of free circulation and re-registration.

The Commission has now introduced the possibility to have a roadworthiness test carried out and certificates issued in a member state other than that of registration. This will be valid for six months to “give flexibility for people staying temporarily in another member state”.

This option, however, will be available under the condition that the next roadworthiness test (PTI) will take place in the country of registration. Member states will also have the possibility to recognise PTIs carried out in other EU country indefinitely.

The Commission has not proposed to fully recognise PTI certificates across the EU because, it said, more uniform rules would be needed and there could be impacts in terms of pricing in different EU countries.

The proposals are part of a package of measures put forward last week that will have to be endorsed by the European Parliament and Council.

The Commission also proposed to introduce periodic technical inspections for electric vehicles and driver-assistance systems, tougher testing methods for high-emitting vehicles, mandatory PTI for motorcycles above 125 cm3 or 11kW (currently not required in all countries) and annual inspections for cars and vans over ten years old.

At present, most EU countries apply annual testing to cars and vans above 10 years and some after 3 or 4 years. In the 11 member states where these rules are not in place, the Commission estimates that their introduction will lead to around 1 per cent reduction in fatalities and injuries and 15 per cent reduction in the number of highly polluting vehicles.

“The EU is firmly committed to cutting road fatalities and serious injuries by 50 per cent by 2030… By modernising our roadworthiness rules we are harnessing the latest technology, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring they keep pace with the evolving realities of mobility,” said EU transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas.