Electronic MOT Sticker Replaces Paper One: Changes in Transport

The electronic equivalent of the sticker for the annual technical inspection (ATI) of vehicles will replace the current physical sign, the Ministry of Transport announced. A complete transition to electronic documents is planned, which will certify the technical condition of road vehicles.

This change is included in a draft amendment and supplement to the regulation on periodic inspections to check the technical condition of road vehicles. The project was published today for public discussion.

The proposals come after the final decision of the Supreme Administrative Court, which in June upheld the cancellation of the issuance of physical stickers for cars.

In accordance with European Directive 2014/45, paper documents will be replaced with electronic certificates. This will facilitate checks when crossing the border and will improve the traceability of the technical inspections carried out through a unified information system. The issue of cross-border inspections is becoming increasingly important in the conditions of global interconnectedness.

When conducting an ATI, a device for digital identification of the vehicle will continue to be used – via VIN number, chassis and odometer readings.

With the proposed changes, the obligation of technical inspection stations to print, scan and store paper documents is abolished. Also, the need to notify the Executive Agency "Automobile Administration" in the absence of stickers is removed. At first glance, this represents a significant easing of the administrative burden.

"End of stickers and bureaucracy. There is no longer a need to stick, tear and keep papers - everything will be in electronic format", said the Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadzhov, quoted by the press center of the ministry.