A European Parliament report published on 8 May 2026 proposes a comprehensive modernisation of EU roadworthiness testing, including mandatory real-world emissions measurements for particle number and nitrogen oxides, and expanded checks on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving features. The report, based on 123 amendments attributed to a single political actor, also introduces new testing items such as damping efficiency, belt reminders, and fire extinguishers for commercial vehicles, while deleting items like tyre pressure control and front-wheel locking devices deemed obsolete or impractical.
The report, designated A-10-2026-0139, amends Directives 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness tests and 2014/47/EU on technical roadside inspections. It represents the European Parliament's position ahead of negotiations with the Council and the Commission.
Key policy orientations and trade-offs
The amendments shift testing from visual inspections to data-driven, electronic interface-based checks. For ADAS, the report requires verification of software version integrity, wiring, and system warnings via the electronic vehicle interface. For emissions, it mandates particle number and NOx measurements in periodic tests, citing public health benefits, but includes a caveat respecting subsidiarity, proportionality, and national technical readiness.
The report also proposes linking roadworthiness tests to mandatory recall campaigns, allowing a test to flag unresolved safety recalls. A new recital calls on the Commission to assess the contribution of electronic safety systems to road safety and environmental performance.
Impact on stakeholders
- EU vehicle owners and drivers: May face higher testing costs due to new equipment and procedures, but benefit from improved safety and environmental performance.
- Vehicle manufacturers and suppliers: Must ensure ADAS and emissions systems are testable via electronic interfaces, potentially increasing design and compliance costs.
- National vehicle inspection agencies: Need to invest in new testing equipment and training for electronic diagnostics and real-world emissions measurement, with flexibility for technical readiness.
- Environmental and consumer NGOs: Likely to welcome real-world emissions testing and recall integration, which close enforcement gaps and improve air quality.
Expected institutional follow-up
The report will form the basis for the European Parliament's negotiating mandate in trilogue discussions with the Council and the European Commission. The Council is expected to adopt its own position in the coming months, with a final directive requiring agreement from all three institutions.