EU proposes mandatory inspections for motorcycles over 125cc

The European Parliament is drafting a directive that would require motorcycles with engines over 125cc to undergo periodic technical inspections, a move opposed by Finland.

According to the Finnish Motorcyclists Association, technical defects accounted for just 0.8% of fatal motorcycle accidents over a ten-year period, making the proposal ineffective for improving road safety. The association estimates the inspections would cost Finnish motorcyclists a combined €10 million annually.

Jarmo Jokilammi, chair of the association, argued that Finland’s short riding season and motorcyclists’ own maintenance habits reduce the need for mandatory checks. “If inspections genuinely improved safety, all motorcyclists would support them,” he said.

The proposal is part of a broader EU traffic safety and emissions package, which also includes measures like recording odometer readings and remote monitoring of vehicle noise and emissions. The European Parliament approved a negotiation mandate in May, allowing talks on the final law to begin.

Finland’s government, backed by allies such as Sweden and the Netherlands, is pushing to retain national discretion over the inspections, calling the proposal unnecessary bureaucracy. Transport Minister Lulu Ranne stated Finland would continue efforts to block the measure, though she acknowledged the need for broader traffic law updates.

Liikenneturva, Finland’s road safety agency, also expressed skepticism, noting that motorcycle condition rarely contributes to fatal accidents. However, it highlighted concerns about the state of mopeds and light motorcycles, which are often modified illegally. The current proposal does not cover these vehicles.