No more having to always carry all the car papers with you in physical format. The European Union wants to take another step in digitalization and is already preparing new regulations that will change the way in which drivers manage the documentation of their vehicles.
The European Parliament has supported the review of the rules on vehicle registration within the package of road safety measures, which includes the introduction of the digital certificate as the main format, as published in the European Parliament itself. European Parliament web portal. This initiative is part of the so-called roadworthiness package, presented by the European Commission to modernize the system and improve road safety.
The measure will not be immediate, but it will be progressive: within a period of three years from the entry into force of the regulations, the digital certificate will become the main format throughout the European Union.
The digital certificate will be the main format of the vehicles
The main novelty is that registration documents will no longer be exclusively physical and will become a mandatory digital format in most cases.
This means that drivers will be able to access all vehicle information electronically, including through QR codes that will allow them to view key data instantly.
Even so, Brussels contemplates exceptions. The option of having a paper version will be maintained for those people with difficulties accessing or using digital tools.
Mandatory data sharing to combat fraud
Another of the most relevant changes will be the exchange of information between EU countries.
Member States will be obliged to share data such as:
- vehicle mileage
- results of technical inspections
- registration history
- possible manipulations
The objective is to stop fraudulent practices, especially in the second-hand car market and illegal vehicle trafficking.
More controls and new technologies in inspection
The reform also introduces improvements in technical inspections and emissions control.
Among the planned measures are:
- increased use of digital systems and common databases
- incorporation of more advanced measurement technologies
- adaptation of controls to electric vehicles and intelligent systems
According to the European Commission, these measures could save thousands of lives on the road and significantly reduce pollution in the coming years.
The objective: less bureaucracy and more security
With this regulation, Brussels seeks to simplify administrative procedures and reinforce road safety throughout the EU.
Digitalization will reduce paperwork, improve cooperation between countries and facilitate the free circulation of vehicles within the European market.