Mandatory car equipment in the EU

20.11.2019

Question for written answer E-003945/2019
to the Commission
Rule 138
Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE)

Mandatory car equipment has not yet been harmonised across the European Union, despite the fact that Europe has acted as a common area without borders for more than 30 years. In all countries, drivers are obliged to have certain equipment in the car, but the precise list varies enormously from country to country. In some countries it is necessary to carry a spare tyre, a fire extinguisher and a tow rope or bar, while in others countries none of these are required. The mandatory car equipment is therefore still determined by the country where the car is registered. However, if you drive your car to another country, in practice you must respect that country’s rules. Otherwise, the driver runs the risk of getting a fine.

Given that this approach constitutes an administrative and practical barrier to the single market, in particular with regard to freedom of movement, could the Commission say whether it intends to adopt legislation aimed at determining harmonised mandatory car equipment for the entire EU?