EU transport ministers have agreed on a common position on a comprehensive reform of vehicle safety regulations, which will directly affect carriers and commercial vehicle operators. The package of changes includes more stringent roadside inspections for heavy trucks, expanded emissions testing, and a complete transition to digital vehicle safety documents. The updated regulations cover periodic vehicle inspections, roadside inspections of commercial vehicles, and registration documents, with the aim of improving road safety, identifying high-emission vehicles, and streamlining enforcement.
According to the EU Council’s position, approved on December 4, 2025, cargo securing will become a mandatory element of every initial roadside inspection. Inspectors will be required to check the current vehicle inspection certificate, visually assess the vehicle’s technical condition, and immediately analyze the correctness of the cargo securing. Following the initial inspection, a more in-depth inspection may be scheduled, including a detailed assessment of the load securing system, which will increase the demands on fleets and carriers’ operational discipline.
Particular emphasis is placed on environmental monitoring: carriers can expect more sophisticated emissions testing both during scheduled inspections and on the road, including the official introduction of remote emission measurement systems. Furthermore, each EU member state will be required to conduct initial roadside inspections annually on at least 5% of all heavy commercial vehicles registered in its territory. The Council’s agreed position will form the basis for negotiations with the European Parliament, and the final version of the law may be adjusted during further discussions.