Reform of the Vehicle Act circulated for comments

The Ministry of Transport and Communications requests comments on the amendments to the Vehicles Act. Comments must be submitted by 13 February 2020.

The proposed amendments are based on the European Union framework regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers. It is proposed that the national Vehicles Act be amended to be in line with the EU regulation, which will enter into force on 1 September 2020.

The provisions on vehicle approval and market surveillance would be amended so that in future only the provisions on the approval of national vehicle categories and equipment and on market surveillance would be laid down in national legislation. These categories include motorised work machinery, off-road vehicles, studs and studded tyres.

EU legislation requires that Member States determine in their legislation penalties for companies for breaches of obligations related to vehicle regulation. According to the proposal, the penalty payment in the Vehicles Act would be no more than EUR 30,000. The payment would be imposed by the Transport and Communications Agency.

Provisions on the approval and market surveillance of other vehicle categories, including motor vehicles (M, N), motor vehicle trailers (O), mopeds, motorcycles (L), tractors (T, C) and trailers towed by tractors (R) and towed equipment (S) will be laid down as of 1 eptember 2020 in EU legislation.

The purpose of market surveillance is to ensure that vehicles to be sold and imported are safe for human health, property and the environment and that they do not pose a risk when properly installed and used.

Market surveillance in the vehicle sector is carried out, for example, based on information received from consumers and by means of various studies and inspections.

The changes will mainly be of importance for vehicle manufacturers and importers.

In addition, the Vehicles Act will be clarified by amendments that are technical or structural in nature. 

What next?

The consultation period concerning the proposed amendments will end on 13 February 2020. The request for opinions is available online at www.lausuntopalvelu.fi.

Comments may be submitted by all organisations and private individuals.

Following the consultation round, Ministry officials will continue the preparations for the Act.

The aim is for the amendments to the Vehicles Act to enter into force on 1 September 2020, at the same time as the EU framework regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers.

Inquiries:

Elina Immonen, Director of Safety and Security Unit, tel. +358 50 303 2686

Emma Särkkä, Senior Officer, tel. +358 50 513 8260