With seven per cent of all SOLVIT cases and 20 per cent of current infringement cases on three EC Treaty articles being related to motor-vehicle registrations, it is no news that this topic is a contentious one.

The European Commission claims that purchasing or moving a car to another member state has become simpler in recent years. Developments to bring about this situation include EC approval as opposed to national systems of approval for most passenger cars, the application of competition rules to sales and servicing, as well as the introduction of a harmonised registration certificate.

That does not mean that all situations have been ironed out. The Commission had proposed a harmonised registration tax in 2005, with the European Parliament agreeing in principle, although no particular progress has been noted from the Council of Ministers. It is to be said that anyone expecting this impasse to be solved will have to brace him or herself for a long wait.

Guidelines for national authorities responsible for the approval and registration of vehicles have been published as part of the review of the internal market. There are different procedures for cars considered as new (with a maximum of six months) and for those which are not. Issues related to registration, VAT, insurance coverage, transfers to another member state and number plates are being clarified.

By mid-2007, we should witness a more favourable situation for those moving across borders with their cars. Insurance cover would be obtainable from the individual’s member state of residence although the car would still have a foreign registration plate as a temporary measure.

Besides the interpretative communication outlining the current situation, the European Commission has also indicated that it will publish a citizens’ guide on car registration in the coming months. Individuals who intend to buy a car in another member state or move with their car to another member state should find this useful.

The basics to moving with a vehicle have already been covered. A valid driving licence issued in any member state is recognised all across Europe. Insurers automatically deliver a minimum coverage when travelling to other EU countries, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Common safety regulations such as compulsory seatbelts and on the use of mobile phones while driving are already in place.

Vehicle mobility across member states may not be an everyday issue for most of us. Still it could be another useful feature of the internal market that we form part of.

Julian Micallef is consultation coordinator at Forum Malta fl-Ewropa. Further details on this subject can be obtained by contacting Forum Malta fl-Ewropa on tel.: 2590-9101 or email: [email protected]