The act also introduces mandatory regular inspections for caravans (three years) and self-propelled heavy equipment (two years), as well as vehicles registered outside Romania but used inside the country for a longer period.
Trailers used in the transport of dangerous goods will need a technical inspection every year, instead of every two years.
If they are new when first registered, light commercial vehicles and motorhomes may be subject to the mandatory inspection after four years.
The act provides fines of 3,000 to 5,000 lei (EUR690-1150) for inspection stations that carry out technical inspections without authorization for the relevant vehicle category. Using improper inspection equipment or failing to follow the required methodology shall be fined by as much as RON3,000, according to the act.
The Transport Ministry argues these changes aim to improve road safety and environment protection, as well as keep the national vehicle park in proper technical condition. (EUR1=RON4.3532)