TÜV has recently proposed a major change to the system of technical inspections of vehicles in Germany. The suggestion is that periodic inspection checks should be annual for cars and motorcycles, especially for older vehicles. This change, if approved, would represent a significant departure from the current legislation, but it has already created divisions between those in favor and supporters of road safety and those who challenge the uncertainty about whether older vehicles are a direct cause of more road accidents. In fact, this rule has already existed for years in Poland regardless of the age and wear of the vehicles.
WHY DOES TÜV REQUIRE AN ANNUAL CAR INSPECTION?
The proposal is based on an observation: older vehicles often have a higher defect rate, which increases the risk of accidents on the roads. As reported by German media, Jürgen Wolz of TÜV SÜD points out that vehicles in particular that are not regularly maintained can have significant safety deficiencies. Worn components, outdated systems and mechanical or electronic failures are some of the main causes of breakdowns and danger. According to TÜV, annual checks could improve road safety and prevent serious accidents.
The proposal mainly concerns cars that are more than ten years old. These vehicles would be more susceptible to wear-and-tear breakdowns than newer models. The new regulation, if approved, would require an annual check to ensure that brakes, lights, emissions and other safety-critical systems are working properly.
Annual technical inspection of vehicles in Germany: the idea of TÜV has been a reality for many years in Poland
TÜV has recently proposed a major change to the system of technical inspections of vehicles in Germany. The suggestion is that periodic inspection checks should be annual for cars and motorcycles, especially for older vehicles. This change, if approved, would represent a significant departure from the current legislation, but it has already created divisions between those in favor and supporters of road safety and those who challenge the uncertainty about whether older vehicles are a direct cause of more road accidents. This rule has already existed for years in Poland regardless of the age and wear of the vehicles.
WHY DOES TÜV REQUIRE AN ANNUAL CAR INSPECTION?
The proposal is based on an observation: older vehicles often have a higher defect rate, which increases the risk of accidents on the roads. As reported by German media, Jürgen Wolz of TÜV SÜD points out that vehicles in particular that are not regularly maintained can have significant safety deficiencies. Worn components, outdated systems and mechanical or electronic failures are some of the main causes of breakdowns and danger. According to TÜV, annual checks could improve road safety and prevent serious accidents.
The proposal mainly concerns cars that are more than ten years old . These vehicles would be more susceptible to wear-and-tear breakdowns than newer models. The new regulation, if approved, would require an annual check to ensure that brakes, lights, emissions and other safety-critical systems are working properly.
CAR INSPECTION EVERY YEAR IN GERMANY: THE PROPOSAL UNDER CONSIDERATION
However, an annual check-up would inevitably lead to increased costs for vehicle owners. A complete inspection, including an emissions test, costs around 65 euros in Germany. This financial burden, combined with the increased frequency of inspections, could burden many families, especially in the context of rising living costs, especially among owners of older vehicles.
The Federal Ministry of Transport and other involved organisations are currently examining the TÜV proposal. The decision-making process will last several months and will include consultations with stakeholders and the public. The debate is likely to focus on the balance between additional costs for motorists and the expected benefits in terms of road safety.
THE CASE OF POLAND: AN ALREADY CONSOLIDATED EXAMPLE
Although the proposal for an annual technical inspection in Germany has raised eyebrows, it is an established rule beyond the border. In Poland , annual inspection frequency has been required for years for cars and motorcycles, regardless of their age.
The first inspection in Poland must be carried out within three years of registering the new vehicle. After that, a second inspection is required after 2 years, in the fifth year after registration, and thereafter the inspection becomes mandatory every year .
The cost of MOT testing in Poland is lower than in Germany, with a standard fee of around 100 złoty ( around 24 euros ), to which is added the cost of 63 złoty ( around 15 euros ) for cars with a bi-fuel system .
This system, while requiring constant commitment from owners, helps to keep vehicles more efficient, in a country where the average age of vehicles is among the highest in Europe . Italy has 23.48 million cars in circulation that are over 10 years old, ahead of Germany ( 21.03 million ) and Poland ( 20.08 million ).
Source: www.sircuauto.it