UK drivers warned of new MOT rules that would follow European Union's lead

Millions of UK drivers could be impacted by potential changes to MOT testing rules, following the European Union's lead. The Department for Transport (DfT) has not dismissed the possibility of adopting new safety regulations currently under consideration by the European Commission.

The Commission is contemplating more rigorous inspections of electric vehicles during their annual 'periodic technical inspection' (PTI) tests. Advanced driver assistance systems, including cruise control, emergency braking and lane assist technology, are also likely to face stricter examination under the proposed changes. The European Commission stated: "Current testing methods have not been adapted to advances and roll-out of new technologies, such as advanced driver assistance features, and electric vehicles."

It added: "Adapting the PTI to electric vehicles and including new test elements for electronic safety systems through wider use of the electronic vehicle interface (including testing the software integrity of safety and emission-related systems)."

A spokesperson for the Labour Party government said that they "continually reviews the MOT system to ensure road safety and environmental standards are maintained," and assured that "Any proposals from the European Union will be reviewed."

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, said: "By modernising our roadworthiness rules we are harnessing the latest technology, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring they keep pace with the evolving realities of mobility."

Earlier this year, the powers that be made it known that there won't be any tweaks to the current MOT testing frequency, reports Birmingham Live.

This choice came on the heels of a consultation kicked off in January of the previous year, which was all about weighing up how to keep the checks for roadworthiness in line, considering several things like cost to motorists, keeping roads safe, new vehicle tech and trying to cut down on emissions from vehicles.

Among the proposals discussed during the consultation were adjustments to the timing of vehicle safety tests and enhancements to the monitoring of emissions.

One specific suggestion was to extend the period before a vehicle's first MOT from three years to four, with the Government asserting that this change would lead to cost savings for drivers.