Streamlining EU Vehicle Registration: Digitalizing Car Ownership for a Seamless Cross-Border Experience
Simplifying the process of transporting personal vehicles within Europe
Getting your car across EU borders is currently a maze of paperwork thanks to the lack of unified vehicle registration rules. That might soon change, as the European Commission proposes an ambitious reboot of the EU's road safety and vehicle registration policies.
One of the key initiatives is to streamline the process of taking your vehicle when moving to live in another EU nation. Currently, the red tape can be daunting, due to differing vehicle registration regulations across member states.
The Commission intends to revolutionize this by implementing digital vehicle registration certificates and roadworthiness certificates, as well as linking national vehicle registers. This modernization aims to simplify the process, making it less tangle-some and more accessible for residents moving countries.
Member states will also gain access to valuable data such as odometer readings and the total distance a vehicle has traveled since its manufacture, to combat mileage fraud.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, shared, "By modernizing our roadworthiness rules, we are leveraging state-of-the-art technology, enhancing enforcement, and adjusting to the changing landscape of mobility."
No More Paperwork: Digital Roadworthiness Certificates Now Available Across EU
Residents of EU countries are already mandated to ensure their vehicles remain roadworthy and acquire the corresponding certificates. These documents are recognized across the bloc for circulation and re-registration purposes.
The Commission has recently enacted a new policy allowing drivers to perform roadworthiness checks and receive certificates in EU member states beyond their vehicle's registration country. These certificates, valid for 6 months, offer greater flexibility for those temporarily residing in another EU country.
However, the roadworthiness test for the registered vehicle should still be performed in the vehicle's country of registration. Individual member states can also choose to recognize tests from other EU countries for extended periods, if desired.
The Commission chose not to institute full EU-wide recognition of these certificates, citing the need for uniform regulations and concerns regarding price disparities between EU countries.
Digitization: The Key to Simplifying Vehicle Registration Across the EU
The Commission's plan prioritizes digitalization to modernize vehicle registration, making it easier for citizens to move between EU countries. Digitalizing crucial vehicle documents, linking national vehicle registers, and enhancing real-time data sharing will make cross-border vehicle registration more efficient, boost road safety, and support environmental goals by increasing compliance[3][4][5].
- The European Commission is implementing digital vehicle registration and roadworthiness certificates, aiming to simplify the process for residents moving countries within the EU.
- With the new policy, drivers can now obtain roadworthiness certificates in any EU member state beyond their vehicle's registration country, providing greater flexibility for those temporarily residing in another country.
- While roadworthiness tests should still be performed in the vehicle's country of registration, individual member states can recognize tests from other EU countries for extended periods if desired.
- The Commission's digitalization efforts in vehicle registration aim to improve cross-border efficiency, enhance road safety, and support environmental goals by increasing compliance.
