Impact on Germany: 23.4 million cars affected
In Germany, more than 23.4 million cars would be affected by the planned new regulation, which corresponds to around 47.1 percent of the total vehicle population. Currently, vehicles in Germany have to undergo a general inspection every two years, while new cars are inspected for the first time after three years. An annual mandatory inspection, as is already the case in many other EU countries, would therefore mean a significant increase in costs.
Motorcycles are spared from new rules
The good news for motorcycle owners is that motorcycles are to remain exempt from the planned shortening of inspection intervals. The EU Commission’s proposal relates exclusively to cars and light commercial vehicles. There are currently around 3.6 million motorcycles in Germany that are ten years old or older. The familiar test interval of 24 months remains in place for these vehicles.
Statistics from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) show that for motorcycles, the safety gain from more frequent MOT appointments would be minimal. In 2023, 1,843,883 motorcycles were inspected, 1,651,791 of which were defect-free. Only 192 machines were classified as “unsafe to drive”. The proportion of motorcycles with dangerous defects was just 0.43 percent.
Why the EU is planning stricter rules
The EU Commission justifies its initiative with the higher susceptibility to breakdowns and accident involvement of older vehicles. According to studies, older cars are involved in accidents more frequently and also emit more pollutants. According to the Commission, an annual inspection could save around 74 lives and reduce the number of injuries by one percent. Extrapolated to the entire EU, this could prevent up to 7,000 deaths and 65,000 serious injuries.
Another goal is to reduce emissions from older vehicles. In future, new test procedures are to be introduced in order to identify particularly high-emission cars more quickly and, if necessary, take them out of circulation. E-vehicles are also to be included – the test procedures are to be adapted to the changed technologies.
Criticism of the proposal: ADAC and insurance industry skeptical
The ADAC is critical of the EU’s plans. A shortening of the inspection intervals is not necessary, as the current German regulations already exceed the requirements of the existing EU directives. The scope of the general inspection in Germany has also been significantly expanded due to new requirements such as the testing of assistance systems and emission values (e.g. particle count measurement for Euro 6 diesels since July 2023).
Insurers’ accident research (UDV) also emphasizes that technical defects only account for a small proportion of accidents. Before shortening the intervals is introduced, it must be proven that typical defects in older vehicles actually increase the risk of accidents.
Implementation: what still needs to happen
Before the new rules can come into force, they must be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. This would be followed by delegated acts and implementing provisions, which would have to be transposed into national law. In Germany, Annex VIII of Section 29 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) in particular would have to be adapted.
Interesting fact: 15 out of 22 vehicle classes in Germany already have to undergo an annual MOT, including mainly heavy trucks, commercially used light commercial vehicles and trailers. Cars and motorcycles are not yet included.
These countries already require older vehicles to undergo an annual MOT
- Great Britain: Annual MOT from the third year
- Spain: Annual MOT for vehicles over ten years old
- Ireland: Annual MOT from ten years of age
- Netherlands: Annual MOT from the third year onwards
- Luxembourg: Annual MOT from the third year onwards
- Austria: Annual MOT from ten years of age
- Poland: Annual MOT from ten years of age
- Belgium: Annual HU from the age of four
This would put Germany in good company if the Commission’s proposals are implemented.
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