IRU welcomes the European Parliament transport committee’s strong backing of the revised EU vehicle registration rules. This is a major step towards simpler and more efficient procedures for operators.
The European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) has adopted, by a large majority, its position on the revision of EU rules setting common requirements for vehicle registration documents, marking an important step in the legislative process.
The proposed update supports the digitalisation of registration documents and greater harmonisation of vehicle data across the EU. For operators, this is expected to reduce administrative burden, facilitate cross-border operations and make procedures more predictable when managing and verifying vehicle information.
IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, “This vote is an important milestone towards a more efficient and secure vehicle registration system in Europe.
“Harmonised and reliable vehicle data and their exchange support fair competition across borders.
“At the same time, digital solutions must remain accessible and practical for all users.”
More consistent and accessible vehicle data across Member States should help reduce delays, duplication and legal uncertainty, particularly for operators active across borders. This will support more efficient fleet management and smoother interactions with national authorities.
The move towards digital registration certificates is also positive, provided that practical safeguards are in place. Connectivity issues during roadside checks or inspections must be addressed through reliable back-up solutions. Maintaining the option of a physical document alongside digital tools represents a balanced and operationally viable approach.
However, key elements will require careful consideration in the next phase. In particular, the design of the Commission’s implementing acts on data minimisation, security by design and access control will be decisive for the system’s usability in practice. These rules must strike the right balance between effective data sharing and data protection requirements. Realistic implementation timelines will also be essential to allow Member States to adapt their IT systems and ensure smooth interconnection.
The next phase of interinstitutional negotiations will be critical to ensure that the final legislation delivers a coherent, workable and operator-friendly framework.
IRU remains committed to engaging constructively with EU policymakers to support the development of effective, interoperable and future-proof vehicle registration systems across the bloc.