Brussels, 21/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has requested that France authorise the registration of imported kit cars previously registered in another member state.
On 20 November, the Commission sent a reasoned opinion to France requesting that it change its rules on the registration of imported kit cars previously registered in another member state, as, in the Commission's view, they do not comply with the principle of free movement of goods within the EU or the principles established in the EU directive on the registration documents for vehicles.
Currently the French authorities refuse to register some imported kit cars as they claim certain data in the cars' registration documents are incorrect (such as the initial registration date of the vehicle), despite the fact that the registration documents were produced by the relevant authorities in another EU country. The Commission considers that the documents provided by the member state of origin should be trusted and France's concerns should focus on the safety aspects of the vehicle. To allow the efficient registration of such cars, the relevant national authorities should cooperate and establish an efficient dialogue to clarify any missing or incorrect data, rather than placing additional administrative burdens on the private individual purchasing the vehicle.
If France does not inform the Commission within two months of measures taken to ensure full compliance with their obligations under the directive, the Commission may decide to refer the country to the European Court of Justice. (EH/transl.fl)