Technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles circulating in the Community

PURPOSE : to ensure that road transport activities in the Community territory are safer and more environmentally-friendly. COMMUNITY MEASURE : Directive 2000/30/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles circulating in the Community. CONTENT : this Directive defines the legal framework for roadside inspections of commercial passenger and goods vehicles. It also seeks to introduce uniform assessment of the quality of maintenance of commercial vehicles in intra-Community traffic, by discouraging irresponsible operators from trying to obtain a competitive advantage by operating vehicles which are not properly maintained. The Directive provides for Member States to carry out roadside inspections of a representative cross-section of the commerical vehicles driven on their roads every year. A technical roadside inspection shall comprise one, two or all of the following aspects: - a visual assessment of the maintenance condition of the commercial vehicle when stationary; - a check on a recent roadside technical inspection report on the documentation attesting to the vehicle's technical roadworthiness and proof that the commercial vehicle has undergone a statutory technical roadworthiness test; - an inspection for irregularities covering one, more than one or all of the items to be checked listed in Annex I, point 10. These deficiencies may include exhaust fumes, bald tyres, lighting, speed regulator, brakes, etc. In the event of persistent doubt, the vehicle may be subjected to more detailed inspection and assessment at a approved testing centre in the vicinity, designated by the Member State. Furthermore, if it becomes clear that a commercial vehicle presents a serious risk to its occupants or other road usrs either during the roadside inspection, use of that vehicle may be prohibited until the dangerous deficiencies discovered have been rectified. Finally, every two years, before 31 March, Member States shall communicate to the Commission the data collected relating to the previous two years concerning the number of commercial vehicles checked. It should be noted that Member States shall assist one another in applying this Directive. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 10.08.2000.�