The European Commission has initiated a work for the revision of the package of roadworthiness rules, which are specified in:
- Directive 1999/37/EC on registration documents
- Directive 2014/45/EC on periodic roadworthiness tests, completed by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/621
- Directive 2014/47/EC on technical inspection of commercial vehicles
This set of rules are intended to ensure that the driver can use safely their vehicle and has all the necessary information available for its registration, control or for an inspection.
When it comes to agricultural vehicles, roadworthiness tests and technical inspection are targeting only Tb categories, i.e. tractors with a design speed above 40 km/h.
A meeting of the European Commission’s Expert Group on Roadworthiness and Vehicle Registration (RWEG), gathering Members States and the main stakeholders, was organised on 2nd March to discuss the improvements to be brought on the roadworthiness documents. Three working groups were organised to brainstorm on the following items:
- Vehicle scope, test frequency and roadworthiness certificate
- Improvement of the test methods
- Introduction of new test procedures
The main points highlighted were the need to take into account new technologies of vehicles, like electric vehicles and Euro 7 technologies to come. Industry asked for more harmonisation between the test procedures used to validate the inspection. This harmonisation is necessary as vehicles are likely to be sold in any country of the European Union.
For authorities, access to data is also important to properly carry out the technical inspection. The availability of additional data from manufacturers is also under discussion.
A proposal for the revision of the roadworthiness package is expected by the third quarter of 2023.
Additional information on the steps for this revision can be found at: Vehicle safety – revising the EU’s roadworthiness package (europa.eu)