Yet Another Endless Postponement of Stricter Vehicle Inspections: When Will We Finally See Change?
Imagine this: for the fourth time in four years, the stricter conditions for vehicle technical inspections in Serbia are postponed! Yes, you read that right. The regulation that was supposed to introduce tougher controls, including mandatory catalytic converters or DPF filters, measurement of brake disc ovality, and air pressure checks, has been postponed again — this time until July 5, 2025.
Why the constant delays?
The official reason? The average age of the vehicle fleet in Serbia is high, and applying the new rules would lead to massive technical failures. In other words, thousands of vehicles would fail their inspections, causing chaos. But is that the real reason, or just an excuse for inaction?
What’s in the regulation?
Back in 2019, provisions were introduced requiring vehicles to have factory-installed catalytic converters or DPF filters. Also, measuring the ovality of brake discs was introduced, which was supposed to be an elimination factor during inspections. Measurement of exhaust gases and air pressure are also part of the new conditions. However, none of these measures have been effectively implemented.
Central information system? Still doesn’t exist!
Authorities announced in 2021 the establishment of a central information system for technical inspections, where data on braking, brake disc ovality, and other criteria would be entered. But the system has yet to be launched, despite being a legal obligation. Without this system, control and enforcement of the regulation are practically impossible.
Environmental problems and unfulfilled promises
Serbia also announced an ambitious program to recycle old diesel vehicles with Euro 3 and Euro 4 engines, offering subsidies of 2,000 euros per vehicle, aiming to remove 100,000 such cars by 2023. The program was never launched. Air pollution and traffic safety suffer due to this inaction.
What about the drivers?
Most drivers haven’t even tried to install catalytic converters or DPF filters in the last two years because they’re unsure if the rules will ever come into force. The delays send the wrong message — as if everything is fine and no changes are needed.
Will anything change?
A new traffic safety law is being drafted, which will review and harmonize all subordinate acts, including this regulation. But until that happens, drivers continue to use old, polluting cars, and the technical inspection system remains in chaos.
Conclusion
The decisions to postpone might make sense given the current situation, but constant delays and unfulfilled promises only deepen the problem. Until effective control systems are introduced and legal measures enforced, Serbia will continue to have one of the oldest and most polluting vehicle fleets in Europe.
And you? Have you already given up on the idea that your car will pass a strict technical inspection? Or maybe you have a funny or angry comment about this endless postponed saga? Drop it below, let’s laugh or argue together — because this topic never stops annoying us!
Source: B92 – Pravilnik koji nikako da zaživi: Do kada se odlažu stroži uslovi za tehnički pregled?
