Changes from report parliamentary committee draft to plenary report

RemovedRecital 14: (14) When re-registering a vehicle previously registered in another Member State, the competent authorities should, during a transitional period, require Part I of the physical registration certificate to be submitted. However, to facilitate free movement of people and to reduce the administrative burden, the competent authorities should also be allowed to accept the presentation of the mobile registration certificate during that period, if it was issued. After the transitional period, when re-registering a vehicle previously registered in another Member State, the competent authorities should accept both Part I of the physical registration certificate and the presentation of the mobile registration certificate. In order to ensure compliance with national safety and environmental standards in accordance with Regulations (EU) 2018/858, (EU) No 167/2013 and (EU) No 168/2013, Member States should be able to decide that mutual recognition does not apply to vehicles that have not been granted EU type-approval or EU individual approval.

AddedRecital 7: (7) The digital transformation is one of the Union’s priorities. It is important to remove the remaining barriers, including the administrative burden associated with the re-registration of vehicles. This can impede the free movement of people, and their right to circulate freely within the Union and to take up residence in a Member State other than the one where their vehicle is currently registered. Therefore, as from [date of entry into force + 3 years], mobile registration certificates should be issued by default without affecting the applicant’s right to also request a physical registration certificate through a simple and user-friendly procedure, recognising the importance of accessibility and digital inclusion for all members of society. To ensure interoperability of mobile registration certificates across the Union, technical specifications for those certificates should be set out. This will also make it possible to ensure vehicle registration certificates can be checked and verified, while ensuring harmonised implementation of those provisions and data safety for citizens.

RemovedArticle 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new): (7a) 'cancellation of a registration' means the permanent cancellation of a Member State's authorisation for a vehicle to be used in road traffic.

AddedRecital 9: (9) In order to ensure that vehicles remain safe and are in compliance with relevant provisions throughout their lifecycle and to facilitate cross-border movements, in particular the re-registration of vehicles, Member States should electronically record all required data on all vehicles registered in their territory and keep that data up to date at all times. Reliable, complete and interoperable vehicle data will help: improve the accuracy of vehicle registers; ensure better law enforcement; combat vehicle fraud and theft to the benefit of Union citizens, leveraging technology and data exchange to target criminal activity and help in the fight against fraud and crime linked to the purchase and sale of vehicles; support the enforcement of safety rules in line with the Union’s Safe System approach; improve the exchange of information between Member States; and facilitate checking the status of vehicles due for export.

RemovedArticle 3 – paragraph 4: 4. With effect from [entry into force + 4 years + 1 day], Member States shall only issue mobile registration certificates. Upon request of the applicant, Member States shall also issue a physical registration certificate free of charge. Member States shall ensure that the procedures for obtaining a physical registration certificate are simple and user-friendly, and that applicants can fulfil their registration obligations effectively, regardless of their level of digital access.

AddedRecital 9 a (new): (9a) Incomplete or unreliable vehicle registration data facilitate fraudulent practices, including in the second-hand vehicle market, and undermine trust in cross-border vehicle transactions.

AddedRecital 14: (14) When re-registering a vehicle previously registered in another Member State, the competent authorities should, during a transitional period, require Part I of the physical registration certificate to be submitted. However, to facilitate free movement of people and to reduce the administrative burden, the competent authorities should also be allowed to accept the presentation of the mobile registration certificate during that period, if it was issued. After the transitional period, when re-registering a vehicle previously registered in another Member State, the competent authorities should accept either Part I of the physical registration certificate or the presentation of the mobile registration certificate. In order to ensure compliance with national safety and environmental standards in accordance with Regulations (EU) 2018/8581a, (EU) No 167/2013 and (EU) No 168/2013, Member States should be able to decide that mutual recognition does not apply to vehicles that have not been granted EU type-approval or EU individual approval. / 1a Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2007 and (EC) No 595/2009 and repealing Directive 2007/46/EC (OJ L 151, 14.6.2018, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/858/oj).

AddedRecital 14 a (new): (14a) Odometer manipulation remains a widespread form of consumer fraud in the second-hand vehicle market, particularly in cross-border transactions. Accurate, timely and interoperable recording and cross-border exchange of odometer readings throughout a vehicle’s lifetime is therefore essential to enhance consumer protection, road safety and trust in the internal market.

AddedRecital 18: (18) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Directive, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission to specify: interoperability features and security measures applicable to the QR codes introduced on physical registration certificates; the interoperability, security and testing of mobile registration certificates; including verification features and the interface with national systems; relevant data from the certificate of conformity in electronic format as provided for in Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2018/858; the necessary arrangements for implementing the functionalities of the MOVE-HUB electronic system; and the format of data to be communicated by Member States to the Commission through the e-platform. In exercising those powers, the Commission should ensure that MOVE-Hub, a Commission-managed electronic system supporting the exchange of vehicle registration data, is interoperable and allows Member States to continue using third party platforms, such as the European Car and Driving Licence Information System (EUCARIS). Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council8 . / (deleted) / 8 Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13, …

AddedRecital 19: (19) To combat fraud, dubious practices in the second-hand car trade and the illegal trade in stolen vehicles, Member States should assist one another in the implementation of this Directive. This should include providing access to relevant registration data and roadworthiness information, including suspensions, to the registration authorities in other Member States.

AddedRecital 20: (20) To facilitate the exchange of data, Member States should interconnect their vehicle registers and electronic systems on roadworthiness certificates with the Commission’s MOVE-HUB system, so that competent authorities are able to consult the register of another Member State in real time. In order to ensure the effective functioning of those registers for enforcement purposes, Member States should endeavour to provide for adequate investment in their IT infrastructure so as to ensure the reliability, stability and continuous availability of interconnections and to prevent connectivity failures.

AddedRecital 22: (22) The objectives of this Directive, namely the achievement of a harmonised Union vehicle registration framework, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States acting alone. This is because national rules governing registration documents, registration data and cooperation with other Member States would lead to requirements so diverse that the level of road safety and free movement of people intended by those harmonised rules could not be achieved. Consequently, such objectives are better achieved at Union level. Therefore, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve those objectives. Member States and the Commission should ensure that all provisions in this Directive are implemented in a streamlined manner and with as little administrative burden on citizens as possible.

AddedArticle 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new): (7a) ‘temporary de-registration’ means a limited period of time that is defined by the Member State in which a vehicle is not authorised by a Member State to be used in road traffic, remains identifiable in the national register of the Member State and its legal status continues to be traceable during the period in which it is not authorised for use on public roads;

AddedArticle 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 b (new): (7b) 'cancellation of a registration' means the permanent cancellation of a Member State's authorisation for a vehicle to be used in road traffic, for the reasons specified in Article 6(1), second subparagraph, point (g).

AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 2: 2. A vehicle shall not be the subject of more than one registration certificate at the same time, except as set out in paragraphs 4 and 5. However, a mobile registration certificate may be displayed on several mobile devices.

AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 3: 3. Until [entry into force + 3 years], Member States shall issue physical registration certificates. They may also issue mobile registration certificates in addition to the physical certificates.

AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 4: 4. With effect from [entry into force + 3 years + 1 day], Member States shall only issue mobile registration certificates. Upon request of the applicant, Member States shall also issue a physical registration certificate without undue delay. Member States shall ensure that the procedures for obtaining a physical registration certificate are simple and user-friendly, and that applicants can fulfil their registration obligations effectively, regardless of their level of digital access.

RemovedArticle 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point f: (f) the country where the vehicle was registered for the first time, unless the vehicle is designated to be a vehicle of historic interest in accordance with Directive 2014/45/EU and the information is not known;

AddedArticle 5 – paragraph 4 a (new): 4a. Without prejudice to paragraph 1, Member States that have already introduced mobile registration certificates may bilaterally recognise the already issued certificates.

RemovedArticle 7 – paragraph 1: Member States shall ensure that the personal data necessary for the verification of the information reported on the physical registration certificate or mobile registration certificate are not retained by the verifier, unless retention is authorised under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council. They shall also ensure that the issuing authority of the registration certificate is not notified about the verification process of physical vehicle registration certificates, and that it processes the information received through the notification only for the purpose of responding to the verification request for mobile vehicle registration certificates.

AddedArticle 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point a: (a) relevant data from the certificate of conformity, including data on automated functions, in electronic format as provided for in Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2018/858.

RemovedArticle 8 – title (new): Suspension of registration

AddedArticle 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point e: (e) information on any change to the ownership of vehicles and the holder of the registration certificate, including vehicles which are not authorised to be used in road traffic due to suspension in accordance with Article 8, or due to the temporary de-registration of the vehicle or due to the cancellation of a registration of the vehicle;

RemovedArticle 9 – paragraph 1: 1. A physical registration certificate issued by a Member State in accordance with Article 4 shall be recognised by the other Member States for the identification of the vehicle in international traffic or for its re-registration in another Member State, provided that the approval is recognised by the Member State of re-registration in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

AddedArticle 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point f: (f) the date and the country where the vehicle was registered for the first time, except where the vehicle is classified as a vehicle of historic interest in accordance with Directive 2014/45/EU and the information is unavailable;

RemovedArticle 9 – paragraph 2 a (new): 2a. Without prejudice to paragraphs 1 and 2 concerning the recognition by the other Member States for the identification of the vehicle in international traffic, Member States may decide not to recognise registration certificates for the purpose of re-registration of vehicles which have not been granted an EU type approval in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/858, Regulation (EU) No 167/2013 or Regulation (EU) No 168/2013, or granted an EU individual approval in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/858.

AddedArticle 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point g – point iv: (iv) has been stolen or otherwise unlawfully taken over, as confirmed by a police report issued to the last registration certificate holder and the last vehicle owner;

RemovedArticle 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1: Member States shall assist one another in the implementation of this Directive. They shall exchange information relating to vehicle registration data, data on the last roadworthiness certificate, any technical roadside inspection report, remote sensing data, and the odometer history of the vehicle stored in national databases, in particular so as to check, before any registration of a vehicle, that vehicle's legal status, where necessary in the Member State in which it was previously registered.

AddedArticle 6 – paragraph 2 a (new): 2 a. Holders of a vehicle shall be granted free digital access to their vehicle-related data in the vehicle register.

AddedArticle 6 – paragraph 2 b (new): 2b. Member States shall ensure that holders of registration certificates or vehicle owners are able to request the correction of inaccurate mobile certificate data through a simple electronic procedure. Such requests shall be duly substantiated. Member States shall provide for measures to ensure that these requests are processed and resolved swiftly, once the competent authority has verified the evidence.

AddedArticle 7 – paragraph 1: Member States shall ensure that the personal data necessary for the verification of the information reported on the physical registration certificate or mobile registration certificate are not retained by the verifier, unless retention is authorised by Union or national law. They shall also ensure that the issuing authority of the registration certificate is not notified about the verification process of physical vehicle registration certificates, and that it processes the information received through the notification only for the purpose of responding to the verification request for mobile vehicle registration certificates and that this information shall not be subject to further processing beyond verification purposes.

AddedArticle 8 – title: Suspension of registration

AddedArticle 8 – paragraph 2: 2. The suspension shall be effective until the vehicle has passed a new roadworthiness test. On successful completion of the roadworthiness test, the competent authority shall without delay withdraw the suspension of the vehicle in road traffic, and the end of the suspension shall be electronically recorded in the vehicle register. No new process of registration shall be necessary.

AddedArticle 8 – paragraph 3: 3. Member States shall adopt measures to facilitate the retesting of a vehicle the authorisation of which for use in road traffic has been suspended. Those measures shall at least include the grant of permission to travel on public roads between a place of repair and a test centre for the purpose of a roadworthiness test.

AddedArticle 8 – paragraph 4 a (new): 4a. Member States that provide for a possibility of temporary de-registration of vehicles in their national legislation shall: / (a) set out a maximum period for which such de-registration may be granted, but not longer than four years; / (b) ensure that renewals of temporary de-registration, are granted only for a defined and limited period and only where it can be ascertained that the de-registered vehicle still exists; / (c) adopt adequate measures to ensure that the whereabouts of the vehicle are known until the vehicle is re-registered or the registration is cancelled, such as an obligation for the owner and, or holder of a de-registered vehicle to report on changes of ownership and, or status of holder of the vehicle to the competent authority during the period which the vehicle is temporarily de-registered; that information on change of ownership and, or status of holder of the vehicle shall be recorded in the vehicle register.

AddedArticle 9 – paragraph 1: 1. A physical registration certificate issued by a Member State in accordance with Article 4 shall be recognised by the other Member States for the identification of the vehicle in international traffic and for its re-registration in another Member State.

AddedArticle 9 – paragraph 2: 2. A mobile registration certificate issued by a Member State in accordance with Article 5 shall be recognised by the other Member States for the identification of the vehicle in international traffic and for its re-registration in another Member State with effect from [entry into force + 3 years + 1 day].

AddedArticle 9 – paragraph 2 a (new): 2a. Without prejudice to paragraphs 1 and 2 on the recognition by the other Member States for the identification of the vehicle in international traffic, Member States may decide not to recognise registration certificates for the purpose of re-registration of vehicles which have not been granted an EU type approval in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/858, Regulation (EU) No 167/2013 or Regulation (EU) No 168/2013, or granted an EU individual approval in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/858.

AddedArticle 10 – paragraph 1: 1. Until [date of entry into force + 3 years], Member States may require that the driver carry Part I of the physical registration certificate to identify a vehicle in road traffic. After that date, Member States shall accept both physical and mobile registration certificates for that purpose.

AddedArticle 10 – paragraph 2: 2. Until [date of entry into force + 3 years] the competent authorities shall require the submission of only Part I of the physical registration certificate when re-registering a vehicle previously registered in another Member State. Until that date, they may also accept the presentation of a mobile registration certificate, if any.

AddedArticle 10 – paragraph 3: 3. From [entry into force + 3 years +1 day], Member States shall accept both Part I and Part II, where available, of the physical registration certificate and the presentation of the mobile registration certificate for the purposes of re-registering a vehicle previously registered in another Member State. The re-registering Member State shall verify with the Member State of registration which format(s) of the registration certificates have been issued.

AddedArticle 10 – paragraph 4 – introductory part: 4. Where only a physical registration certificate was issued, the competent authorities of the re-registering Member State shall withdraw the part(s) of the registration certificate submitted and shall keep the withdrawn part(s), or their electronic copies for 36 months. They shall, without undue delay:

AddedArticle 10 – paragraph 5: 5. Where only a mobile registration certificate was issued, the competent authorities of the re-registering Member State shall, without undue delay, inform the authorities of the Member State which issued that certificate. The competent authorities of that Member State shall immediately revoke the previous mobile registration certificate and shall keep the information contained in the previous registration in the vehicle register for 36 months.

AddedArticle 10 – paragraph 6 a (new): 6a. A registration in a Member State shall be cancelled when another Member State notifies a re-registration of the vehicle in its national registry.

AddedArticle 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1: Member States shall assist one another in the implementation of this Directive. They shall exchange information relating to vehicle registration data, data on the last roadworthiness certificate, any technical roadside inspection report, and the odometer history of the vehicle stored in national databases and, where available, data of tampered heavy duty vehicles and remote sensing data, in particular so as to check, before any registration of a vehicle, that vehicle's legal status, where necessary in the Member State in which it was previously registered.

AddedArticle 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2: In duly justified cases and limited to where proportionate and in compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, Member States may exempt from the data exchange specific types of vehicles or specific data points related to those vehicles for reasons of national security.