Portugal parliament has decided to cancel a law requiring motorbike inspections. This law was passed in 2012 to ensure motorbikes over 125cc met road safety and environmental standards. It was just on the books for 12 years and never enforced. Now, parliament has repealed it entirely just before it was set to begin in January 2025.
Read More About: Minho’s Automotive Industry Faces Crisis Leave Hundreds Of Jobs At Risk In Portugal
Portugal Cancels Motorbike Inspections Law
This decision has left automobile inspection centres frustrated and out of pocket. These centres have spent over €30 million to prepare for motorbike inspections since 2016.
Their investments included buying equipment, training staff, and setting up new testing areas. The centres were assured the law would eventually take effect. Now, all that preparation feels like a waste.
The national association of automobile inspection centres ANCIA has expressed its disappointment. In a statement, the group said the decision raises serious concerns for the industry and for road safety.
The statement said.
The repeal of this measure results in an underutilisation of () resources, representing a waste of investment, affecting the financial sustainability of these centres, and it is manifestly inconsistent that, with inspection centres having been set up by order of the State to inspect this category of vehicles since 2016, these structures are not used while there are still fatal accidents involving this category of vehicle
ANCIA also highlighted the inconsistency of the decision. It pointed out that the centres were built and equipped at the State’s request but now their purpose will not be fulfilled. The group believes that motorbike inspections can save lives.
Bikers Celebrate
Inspection centres are unhappy but motorbike riders are celebrating. Many riders have been against the idea of inspections from the start. Earlier this year, they held protests to voice their concerns.
A motorcyclist João Silva explained why bikers are relieved. He said:
We already spend a lot on maintaining our bikes. Inspections would have just been another expense without any real benefit
Riders argued that they take good care of their bikes and that inspections were unnecessary. They also said inspections will not address the real causes of accidents such as reckless driving or poor road conditions.
Parliament Support
The repeal passed with broad support in parliament. Almost every party voted in favour of scrapping the law. The only exception was the LIVRE party whose single MP abstained.
The Socialist government had previously promised that inspections would start in 2025. However, the backlash from bikers and questions about the law’s effectiveness led to its repeal.
Not everyone is happy about the decision. Road safety advocates are worried about the impact it will have. Motorbikes account for a large number of traffic accidents in Portugal. Some believe the risks will remain high without regular inspections.
ANCIA pointed out that other European countries already require motorbike inspections. These inspections are seen as a way to identify problems before they cause accidents such as faulty brakes or worn tires.
MOT Centres Investment Wasted
The repeal has also raised concerns about wasted resources. Inspection centres were not the only ones preparing for the law. Government agencies spent years developing regulations and procedures. Now, all of that effort has gone to waste.
ANCIA says this was a missed opportunity. They said:
The infrastructure was ready, and the plans were in place. This decision wastes both time and money.
Inspection centres are now left with unused equipment and no way to recover their investments. ANCIA has called for talks with the government to find solutions. They believe the resources built for motorbike inspections will still be used in other ways.
Meanwhile, the debate about motorbike safety continues. Some experts say Portugal should focus on improving rider education. Others suggest stricter enforcement of existing traffic laws.
Bikers believe the repeal is the right choice. They argue that money and effort should go toward fixing roads and addressing reckless driving not inspections.
This decision reflects a broader debate about regulations in Portugal. Many groups feel the government often adds unnecessary rules without addressing the real issues. In this case, bikers argued that inspections would not fix the main causes of accidents.
The government now faces the challenge of improving road safety without mandatory inspections. It will need to find other ways to address the risks motorbikes pose on the road.
The repeal of the motorbike inspections law has divided opinion. As Portugal moves forward, the focus will need to shift to other solutions for improving road safety.
