The European Union Agrees There Is No Mandatory Technical Test For Motorcycles

Illustration of the motorbike in front of Hermes boutique in Paris City, France. (Photo: Zulmahmudi/VOI)

JAKARTA The Council of the European Union has officially approved the position that motorbikes will not be required to undergo periodic technical tests such as four-wheeled vehicles. This decision is part of a new regulatory package regarding periodic feasibility tests, roadside inspections for commercial vehicles, and vehicle registration data management.

Danish Transport Minister who also leads the presidency of the European Union Council Thomas Danielsen, said the new regulation aims to update the vehicle inspection system without adding unnecessary administrative burdens. He considered this approach to maintain a balance between safety needs and bureaucratic efficiency.

"I'm glad we have achieved positive results and now we have a general approach to both proposals in the package," he said, quoted from Visordown, Friday, December 5.

With this official stance, the European Union ensures that there will be no change in frequency or technical test coverage for motorcycles. This means that the discourse of annual testing when the motorbike is ten years old or the obligation to carry out thorough inspections for all motorbikes is not included in the new rules.

The decision was welcomed by motorist organizations such as the Federation of European Motorcyclists (FEMA) and the FEudration Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). Both repeatedly emphasized that technical defects only contributed a small part of the total motorcycle accident in Europe.

FEMA representative Wim Taal said that motorcyclists take good care of their vehicles because their safety depends on the excellent condition of the motorbike. He assessed that improving the quality of infrastructure, safety education, and driving awareness were much more effective than mandatory inspections.

"motorcycle riders in Europe take care of their motorbikes because their lives depend on them," said Wim Taal.

However, the attitude of the Council of the European Union has not yet become a final decision. Furthermore, the position will be discussed with the European Parliament in the advanced negotiation stage which will determine the final rules regarding periodic technical tests in the region.