Lithuania has voiced opposition to a European Commission proposal that would require annual technical inspections for cars older than 10 years, citing the country’s ageing vehicle fleet and calling for more flexibility for member states with older cars.
Transport Minister Eugenijus Sabutis said that around 80% of vehicles in Lithuania are over 10 years old, meaning the proposed rule would affect an estimated 1.5 million drivers.
“Such a requirement would create a significant administrative burden both for vehicle owners and technical inspection centres,” Sabutis said in a statement from the Transport Ministry. “Additional administrative costs over two years would exceed 38 million euros.”
Sabutis presented Lithuania’s position during a meeting of the European Union’s Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council in Luxembourg.
He argued that the Commission has not provided objective data justifying the need for more frequent inspections and urged consideration of national contexts when shaping the final regulations.
critically assess the Commission’s proposals in upcoming negotiations, analyse the potential impact, and offer constructive alternatives in line with their national circumstances,” the ministry said.
The European Commission says the proposed measures are part of a broader Technical Inspection Package unveiled in April, aimed at improving road safety and reducing emissions. The initiative is part of the EU’s Vision Zero strategy, which seeks to cut road fatalities and serious injuries in half by 2030 and eliminate them entirely by 2050.
Lithuania also questioned a related proposal requiring emissions checks for passenger cars one year after initial registration. The government instead recommends conducting the test after two years.
Via LRT