The publication of a recommendation to improve periodical technical inspection of vehicles

The European Commission published a recommendation to improve the periodical technical inspection of vehicles on 20 March 2023. With road transport being the largest source of air pollution in cities, accurate testing is key to ensure that vehicles are in line with emission standards throughout their lifetime. Harmonised testing also ensures fair competition amongst manufacturers.

What is the main goal of vehicle inspection improvements?

It has been discovered that current testing methods are not yet adapted to more recent vehicles equipped with particle filters, they cannot ensure that vehicles with defective or tampered diesel particulate filters are detected during inspections. Certain Member States have therefore introduced or will soon introduce particle number (PN) measurement as part of their inspections.

To ensure a coordinated approach across the EU, the Commission’s guidelines define requirements related to the PN measuring equipment and procedure, metrological and technical requirements, and recommend a pass/fail limit.

What changes are being made?

Today’s recommendations are based on existing methods developed by certain Member States, the findings of laboratory tests carried out by the Joint Research Centre of the Commission as well as a consultation of the Commission’s Roadworthiness Expert Group. The guidelines apply to the periodic technical inspection of vehicles equipped with compression ignition engines and represent a first step towards harmonised PN measurement during roadworthiness testing.

Read more

Learn more about the adoption guidelines for vehicle inspection improvement and download Commission Recommendation of 20.3.2023 on particle number measurement for the periodic technical inspection of vehicles equipped with compression ignition engines document HERE.