ETSC Position Paper – Roadworthiness of Vehicles

This position paper is published in response to the European Commission’s proposed update to the EU’s Roadworthiness Package, last revised in 2014.

With Europe’s vehicle fleet ageing and new safety technologies becoming standard, ETSC stresses the urgent need to adapt inspection regimes to current risks. In particular, the paper highlights the safety value of more frequent testing of older vehicles, the need to include all powered two-wheelers—currently under-regulated despite high death rates—and the importance of checking safety systems introduced under the EU’s General Safety Regulation.

ETSC also supports extending roadside inspections to vans, improving risk-based enforcement through better data sharing, and introducing mandatory checks on cargo securing. The proposals represent a critical opportunity to align technical inspections with Europe’s road safety targets and the realities of modern vehicle technology.