Vehicle testing to resume in Georgia

The Georgian Government has decided to optimize the transport sector by introducing vehicle regulations.

From March 1, 2015, vehicles will need to undergo a technical vehicle inspection by German Technical Inspection Association (TÜV), to ensure the vehicle meets European standards.

Twenty two accredited testing centers will provide mandatory periodic testing for vehicles.

"Within the framework of the Association Agreement (AA), Georgia has an obligation that all vehicles are compliant with EU standards,” Georgia’s deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Mikeladze said.

"This will increase traffic safety and have a positive impact on the environment. Besides, all vehicles registered in Georgia will be able to engage in international traffic,” she said.

TÜV is a 130-year old German independent organisation that works to validate the safety of a variety of products to ensure people and the environment are protected against hazards. The company examines plants, motor vehicles, energy installations, amusement rides, and a range of devices and products (consumer goods) which require monitoring.

Vehicle emissions are a major source of air pollution in Georgia. Its share of the country's total emissions is about 71 percent. The most critical situation in terms of air pollution from motor vehicles is in Tbilisi, where a third of the country's population lives and 40 percent of all vehicles are gathered, share of which in the city's pollution is over 95 percent.

In Georgia, mandatory vehicle inspections were canceled in 2004. Since then, testing the vehicle’s road-worthiness has been voluntary.

Currently there are around 900,000 vehicles registered in Georgia.