MEPs support digital vehicle registration documents to cut red tape

On Wednesday, MEPs on the Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN) adopted their position on the revision of the EU rules setting common requirements for vehicle registration documents, by 39 votes to one and with one abstention.

Digital documents

The Transport Committee MEPs voted in favour of a digital vehicle registration certificate, to become the main format for this document within three years of the new rules entering into force. However, MEPs want to maintain the option of a physical version of the document to provide for the needs of citizens with limited digital access or skills, and advocate for a QR code to facilitate immediate access to vehicle information.

Reducing bureaucracy and combatting fraud

The draft rules list the vehicle data, including the vehicle’s make, weight and owner, regular inspection results, and reasons for cancelling vehicle registration, to be registered electronically, to facilitate the work of roadworthiness inspectors and institutions responsible for re-registering vehicles.

To combat fraud, dubious practices in the second-hand car trade and the illegal trade in stolen vehicles, the draft text also instructs EU countries to open these registers to each other. In addition to exchanging information on vehicle registration, mileage, and regular and roadside inspection results, MEPs added an obligation to share, where available, remote sensing data and data for heavy-duty vehicles that have been tampered with.

Quote

European Parliament rapporteur Johan Danielsson (S&D, SE) said: “These new rules are a very good example of how we can use the benefits of data sharing and digitalisation to deliver simple yet effective outcomes. While fully supporting the digital transition for vehicle registration documents, I also want to ensure strong safeguards to protect and support citizens with limited digital access or digital skills. A physical version of the registration document should therefore always be available upon request. It is essential that citizens who face barriers to using digital tools are not placed at a disadvantage when fulfilling their administrative obligations.”

Next steps

By 38 votes to one Transport Committee MEPs also decided to start talks with EU countries on the final shape of the legislation. This decision needs a green light from Parliament as a whole. The next plenary session is at the end of April.

Background

In 2025, the Commission presented its roadworthiness package, seeking to update minimum standards for vehicle inspections, vehicle registration documents, and roadside inspections. The aim is to improve road safety and sustainable mobility and facilitate the free movement of people and goods. Next month the Transport Committee is planning to decide on Parliament’s draft position on an update of the EU rules on vehicle and roadside inspection.

For more information: European Parliament