If TÜV has its way, all cars older than 10 years will need to undergo annual inspections. In Germany alone, this change would affect over 24 million vehicles.
To enhance road safety, the German organization TÜV is proposing that cars over a decade old be inspected every year. Previously, these vehicles were required to be inspected every two years. This new regulation would significantly increase the number of vehicles subject to annual checks.
TÜV justifies the stricter requirements by pointing out that older cars have a higher likelihood of developing technical defects that could compromise road safety.
Jürgen Wolz, a member of the TÜV Süd board, explained to Auto Motor und Sport that cars that aren’t regularly maintained pose a potential safety risk.
A periodic inspection, which includes an emissions test, costs around 150 euros—roughly 1,200 kroner in Germany.
Wolz, however, reassures that the cost of inspections will remain affordable, even with the increased frequency. This will be achieved through advanced testing technologies that streamline the process.
The idea of more frequent inspections for older cars isn’t new. In 2012, the European Commission proposed a similar initiative, but EU member states ultimately rejected it.
The German motorists' association ADAC has also voiced criticism of TÜV’s proposal, referencing a study that found no clear link between shorter inspection intervals and improved road safety. According to German statistics, only 0.6% of accidents are caused by technical defects.
TÜV is also focusing on electric vehicles. The advanced features and complex assistance systems in modern electric cars pose unique challenges, as current inspection methods can only test these systems to a limited extent.
Wolz emphasizes the need to modernize inspection procedures so that electric cars can be tested as thoroughly as combustion-engine vehicles. This is especially important as the number of electric cars on the road continues to grow.
