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by Dolf Willigers from https://www.femamotorcycling.eu/motorcycle-inspections/ ‘Mandatory motorcycle inspections do not improve road safety’ There is no evidence that the technical state of motorcycles plays a significant role in accidents, but still some members of the European parliament want to periodically inspect every bike in Europe, thinking it will improve road safety. In 2014 the Periodic Roadworthiness Tests Directive (2014/45/EU) came into force. This directive regulates the technical inspection of cars and motorcycles. As a result of the hard fight that FEMA and some of its member organizations, supported by some MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) had in 2012 and 2013, motorcycles were excluded until 2022. In 2014 the European Parliament by a large majority voted in favour of the compromise proposal from the European Commission on a European regulation for the periodic technical inspection (PTI) of motor vehicles. This compromise included that the PTI for motorcycles was postponed until 2022. If a member state managed to find another solution to enhance the road safety for motorcyclists and reported this to the European Commission before 20 May 2017, this country would be excluded from Mandatory Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI). Three countries managed to do so: Finland, Ireland and the Netherlands. Some other countries have or will have PTI for motorcycles, but not (yet) for mopeds. On 25 January 2021 the Transport Committee of the European Parliament discussed a report about the implementation on the road safety aspects of the Roadworthiness Package, of which the Periodic Roadworthiness Tests Directive is part. Many MEPs asked for mandatory periodic technical inspection for all powered two- and three-wheelers, although we also heard doubt about the effectivity of this measure. During the presentation of the report by rapporteur Benoît Lutgen, he himself expressed his doubts if a mandatory periodic technical inspection would be the best […]