Motorcycles are exempt from the planned annual TÜV inspection requirement for the time being.

The EU is planning new rules that could primarily affect car drivers. Vehicles manufactured in 2015 or later will have to undergo an annual general inspection once they reach ten years of age. Motorcyclists are not affected by this planned tightening of regulations for the time being. They will continue to have the usual two-year inspection interval.

TÜV Association advocates annual general inspection

The proposal for an annual general inspection was submitted to the EU Commission by the TÜV Association in September 2023. In an official statement, the TÜV Association emphasized that almost one in four vehicles between ten and eleven years old has significant or dangerous defects. An annual inspection is intended to increase road safety and enable technical defects to be detected at an early stage. Colloquially, the general inspection is often referred to as „TÜV,“ even if it is not necessarily carried out by a TÜV organization.

Many testing centers offer the general inspection.

In Germany, the legally required general inspection can be carried out by more than just the TÜV. Organizations such as DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS, and FSP are also officially recognized and carry out general inspections. Vehicle owners are free to choose which testing organization they would like to use for their general inspection.

EU Commission publishes plans to adjust testing deadlines

On April 24, 2025, the European Commission published an official proposal stipulating that passenger cars and light commercial vehicles over ten years old must undergo an annual general inspection. According to the Commission's estimates, this could save around 7,000 lives and prevent around 65,000 serious injuries. Motorcycles are not currently affected by this planned change.

Approval by the EU Parliament and member states still pending

Before the proposal can come into force, it must be approved by the European Parliament and the EU member states. It therefore remains to be seen whether and in what form the regulation will actually be implemented. In Germany, the Federal Ministry of Transport has already expressed reservations and signaled that it does not want to create any additional burdens for motorists.

Mobility becomes significantly more expensive due to new CO₂ taxes

Regardless of inspection intervals, mobility will become significantly more expensive in the coming years. The new ETS2 emissions trading system, which also affects road traffic, will come into force in 2027. Fuel suppliers will then have to purchase CO₂ certificates, which will cause prices at gas stations to rise noticeably. Experts estimate that diesel and gasoline could become at least 50 cents per liter more expensive by 2031.

Motorcyclists must also expect additional costs

Even though motorcyclists will be spared the planned annual general inspection, they will feel the impact of rising fuel prices. Those who use their motorcycles not only for leisure but also for individual mobility will notice the financial burden in their everyday lives—though not as much as car drivers. This could bring motorcycles back into focus as an alternative form of transportation, especially for those who will no longer be able to afford to drive a car in the future.

Text and image credits: Harleysite

Source: TÜV PDF / EU regulations - PDF