Argentina expands private vehicle inspections and debates driver‑test reform

The Argentine government issued Resolution 32/2026, allowing the Verificación Técnica Vehicular (VTV) to be performed in accredited private workshops and creating a National Registry of Vehicle Inspection Workshops. The measure is intended to simplify procedures, increase competition, and maintain road‑safety standards, but critics warn that quality control may be weakened. Provinces differ in their response: Buenos Aires has said it will not join the program, while Mendoza plans to participate, raising the possibility of inter‑jurisdictional disputes.

At the same time, Minister of Deregulation Federico Sturzenegger sparked controversy by suggesting the practical driving test for new licences could be eliminated, citing a Mexican experiment that reportedly reduced traffic accidents. His comments come amid broader deregulation steps, including the introduction of a digital driver’s licence and the removal of certain inter‑jurisdictional transport licences, but no definitive policy change on the exam has been announced yet.