Europe pilots new traffic signal and overhauls vehicle inspection rules

The European Parliament has approved a draft on new technical‑inspection rules that would let drivers obtain a temporary EU‑wide certificate after a check in any member state, rather than only in the country of registration. The proposal also tightens safety checks by adding tests for advanced driver‑assist systems, electric and hybrid power‑trains, and includes emissions monitoring, anti‑kilometer‑fraud measures and stronger enforcement of vehicle recalls.

In Rome, the city is preparing a field trial of a fourth traffic‑light colour – a white signal intended for communication between traffic infrastructure and modern vehicles. The white light would not direct human drivers but would convey data to autonomous cars, allowing them to coordinate movements through intersections. Initial testing sites are limited to ports, industrial zones and other constrained areas while officials evaluate the technical and financial challenges of upgrading existing signal infrastructure.