Ministers debate EU roadworthiness rules; ETSC warns on excluding 70% of motorcycles from testing
EU transport ministers have held an initial debate on the European Commission’s proposed overhaul of vehicle roadworthiness testing rules. While governments broadly welcomed the update, concerns over costs and scope remain. ETSC has warned that the continued exclusion of motorcycles under 125 cc could undermine the package.
At the 5 June Transport Council, ministers gave first reactions to the Commission’s April proposal. France, Germany and several others pushed back against mandatory annual inspections for cars and vans over ten years old, citing burdens on households. In May, ETSC wrote to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underlining the importance of stricter inspections for older vehicles, following comments from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticising the proposed annual checks.
Finland, Portugal and the Netherlands said they would like to maintain the existing exemption for powered two‑wheelers, while Italy and Sweden supported their inclusion.
Motorcycles
For the first time, motorcycles above 125 cc will be subject to mandatory technical inspections across the EU. But mopeds and motorcycles under 125 cc – around 70% of Europe’s powered two‑wheeler fleet – remain excluded. ETSC says this ignores strong evidence of tampering and mechanical defects.
ETSC has highlighted that powered two‑wheelers account for more than one in five road deaths in the EU, a share that has risen even as overall deaths decline. Studies show high levels of tampering among mopeds, and frequent brake and tyre failures. ETSC argues that compulsory inspections for all motorcycles could prevent a significant number of crashes.
The Commission also proposes annual checks for cars and vans over ten years old – a measure 16 Member States already apply.
Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas argued the updated legislation could save 1,850 lives and prevent 25,000 serious injuries by 2050.
ETSC backs earlier and more frequent inspections – four years after first registration, then every two years, then annually – alongside testing of new electronic safety systems, roadside inspections for vans, and software integrity checks.
Next steps
Ministers will continue discussions in the coming months, with Denmark aiming for a General Approach later this year. The European Parliament is also set to begin scrutiny. ETSC will push to close what it sees as the package’s biggest gap: the exclusion of 70% of Europe’s motorcycle fleet from mandatory inspection.