In order to improve road safety and air quality across the EU, the European Commission is today proposing a comprehensive overhaul of the EU’s road safety and vehicle registration rules. According to the Commission, “the new rules will take into account the growing presence of electric vehicles and adapt to emerging technologies. They will introduce enhanced inspections, including periodic technical inspections for electric vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems, annual inspections for older cars and vans, and advanced emission testing methods to detect high-emitting vehicles to reduce fine particles pollution”. The Commission also proposes to introduce “digital vehicle registration and periodic testing certificates, simplify cross-border data sharing, and protect citizens against fraudulent activities such as odometer tampering”. The proposed changes “reflect the EU’s commitment to safe and sustainable mobility while ensuring the free movement of people and goods. Between 2026 and 2050, it is estimated that these proposals will save around 7,000 lives and prevent around 65,000 serious injuries”. To this end, the Commission is proposing to revise three directives: on periodic technical inspection of vehicles; on vehicle registration documents; and on the roadside inspection of commercial vehicles. Unsafe and older vehicles “which contribute to crashes, fatalities and injuries” will come under special surveillance. The proposals will now be considered by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure.