By Marek Majewsky, Katharina Redanz, Magdalena Henkel

Brussels - All cars that are more than ten years old are to be subject to mandatory testing in future - at least if the EU has its way. However, the proposal still requires approval.

The EU Commission wants to introduce a mandatory annual inspection for cars that are more than ten years old. Before the proposal can come into force, the European Parliament and the EU member states must also give their approval.

According to the EU Commission, the proposal is a measure that could reduce the number of road accidents and accident victims.

It expects that the introduction of annual inspections of cars and vans would lead to a one percent reduction in road deaths and injuries.

Older vehicles are more prone to breakdowns and studies have also shown that they are involved in accidents more frequently and account for a higher proportion of vehicles with high emissions, the Brussels authority continued.

"Since cars are responsible for the vast majority of fatalities, and even if technical defects only account for a relatively small proportion of the causes of accidents, the annual inspection of older cars can make a significant difference. This is especially true when it comes to safety."

In Germany, vehicles generally have to undergo a general inspection every two years, regardless of how old the vehicle is. For new cars, the first inspection is only due after 36 months.

If you miss the deadline and do not pick up a new MOT sticker in time, you may be fined if your vehicle is inspected. In many EU countries, older cars already have to be inspected annually.