ADAC Criticises EU Proposal for Annual MOT Checks on Older Cars

The ADAC has criticised the EU’s proposed annual MOT checks for older cars, calling them unnecessary.

Maximilian Berger | Berlin | Europeans24 Germany Correspondent

The EU Commission’s proposal to introduce mandatory annual general inspections for cars older than ten years has sparked concern and criticism across Germany, with the ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) leading the resistance. The organisation calls the initiative “neither appropriate nor necessary”, citing modern vehicle diagnostics, stricter emissions checks, and increasingly complex onboard systems as sufficient safeguards.

The legislative proposal is still under discussion in Brussels and would require approval from both the European Parliament and member states before implementation. Framed as a road safety enhancement, the initiative aims to reduce road fatalities and injuries by increasing the inspection frequency for older vehicles. According to the EU, these vehicles are more likely to suffer from technical defects, and even if those defects are not the leading cause of accidents, the measure could improve safety outcomes.

However, Germany’s largest automobile club has a different view.

ADAC: Germany Already Goes Beyond EU Requirements

In a detailed position paper, the ADAC makes it clear: the existing technical inspection intervals in Germany are more stringent than those currently mandated under EU Directive 2014/45/EU. As such, any further reduction in inspection intervals, particularly for vehicles in Germany, is unwarranted​.

The ADAC argues that modern vehicles are equipped with increasingly advanced onboard diagnostics capable of detecting critical faults in real time, including:

• Brake wear sensors
• Battery monitoring systems in EVs
• Emissions-related alerts (e.g., AdBlue and engine warning lights)
• Fault codes for driver assistance systems

With the introduction of the On-Board Monitoring (OBM) system as part of the Euro 7 standards, emissions – particularly nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and particulate matter (PM) – will be monitored even more precisely. The ADAC highlights that these technological advancements significantly reduce the necessity for more frequent physical inspections.

Growing Complexity of Inspections Already Underway

The ADAC also underscores that the technical inspection process in Germany has become more comprehensive in recent years due to the evolution of vehicle technology. New aspects now routinely checked during inspections include:

• Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
• EV-related components and fault codes
• Particulate number testing for Euro 6 diesel vehicles (since July 2023)
• Tailpipe emissions tests (reintroduced in 2018)

“The testing scope has already expanded significantly, and vehicles are now safer and more transparent than ever,” states the ADAC. “Further tightening of intervals would only burden consumers without delivering measurable safety benefits.”

Annual Checks for High-Mileage Commercial Vehicles?

The EU is also exploring performance-based testing frequencies – in other words, vehicles used heavily for commercial purposes, such as taxis, delivery vans, and car-sharing fleets, might face stricter inspection schedules. The ADAC remains cautious here, noting that while increased wear and tear could justify tighter controls, a firm position will only be adopted after the formal legislative draft is published.

Assistance Systems: Yes to Testing—But Keep It Simple

The ADAC supports incorporating ADAS checks into regular vehicle inspections. However, it warns against costly and complex test procedures such as extensive bench testing or dynamic road trials. Instead, they advocate for quick in-garage checks using standard diagnostic tools and leveraging the vehicle’s built-in self-diagnostics.

“There’s no need to inflate costs with overengineered testing procedures,” says the ADAC. “The existing diagnostic systems are effective and continually improving.”

Emissions: No Need for Additional NOₓ Testing

The EU’s push for real-world emissions testing underpins its climate and air quality ambitions. However, the ADAC opposes standalone NOₓ measurements due to high costs and limited added value.

Since 2023, Germany already requires particle number tests for diesel vehicles. With upcoming Euro 7 regulations mandating even stricter onboard monitoring, the ADAC sees no justification for additional testing layers – sensors already embedded in the car provide sufficient, reliable emissions data.

No Penalties for eCall Failures Due to Mobile Network Shutdown

The ADAC also calls on the EU to avoid punishing vehicle owners when eCall emergency systems become inoperable due to the shutdown of 2G/3G mobile networks across Europe.

“Drivers and manufacturers cannot control mobile network coverage,” the ADAC insists. “A non-functional eCall system should never count as a defect during technical inspections.”

Software Support Lapses Must Not Be Penalised

Modern vehicles rely heavily on software. Updates are common and often required by manufacturers to patch vulnerabilities or improve performance. However, the ADAC argues that if a manufacturer stops providing updates, the vehicle owner should not be penalised.

“Lack of software support should not be classified as a defect,” the ADAC says. “As long as the last available version is installed, the car should retain its technical roadworthiness certification.”

Electroscooters: Technical Inspections Would Miss the Point

Finally, the ADAC rejects proposals to introduce mandatory inspections for micro-mobility vehicles like e-scooters. While accidents involving these vehicles are increasing, technical defects are rarely the cause.

Official accident data from 2023 showed over 9,400 incidents involving personal injuries – with the majority resulting from user behaviour such as riding under the influence or misuse of roadways. The ADAC sees no compelling reason to impose inspection requirements on these vehicles at this time.