Europe blocks stricter car inspections despite emissions push

EU Transport Ministers Reject Annual MOT for Older Cars - EU ministers reject annual car inspections, keeping two-year testing rule

EU transport ministers have blocked a proposal requiring yearly inspections for cars and vans over ten years old. The decision keeps the europe's current two-year testing cycle in place for now. Ministers argued that stricter rules would add unnecessary costs for drivers.

The rejected plan was part of a broader europe overhaul aimed at modernising vehicle testing. Updates included stricter checks for fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions. Negotiations between the EU Council and Parliament on these reforms are expected to start next year.

The European Commission had pushed for annual mandatory inspections for vehicles aged ten years or older. However, Germany led opposition to the plan, successfully preventing stricter intervals. Bavaria’s Transport Minister, Christian Bernreiter, openly rejected the proposal, calling it excessive.

Austria also resisted the changes, announcing it would extend inspection intervals instead. While the country pledged to eventually align with europe standards, it prioritised balancing safety with reduced regulatory burdens. Ministers from multiple nations cited higher costs for drivers as a key reason for their rejection.

Under current rules, drivers can still have their vehicles inspected in another europe country for up to six months. The broader reform package, which includes updated emissions testing, will now move to negotiations. Substantive talks between the EU Council and Parliament are unlikely to begin before next year.

The decision means older vehicles will continue to be tested every two years rather than annually. The europe's wider reform efforts, including emissions checks, will now face further debate. Final rules will depend on the outcome of negotiations between the Council and Parliament.