Heavy-Duty Vehicle CO2 Data Rules Set EU Roadworthiness Reporting Timetable

The new system supports scrutiny of whether certified CO2 and energy-consumption values reflect vehicle operation. It directly affects Member States and authorised testing bodies, while manufacturers, fleet operators, software providers and equipment suppliers will need compatible data and processes.

Roadworthiness Testing Gains New Data Fields

From 1 July 2028, testing bodies must collect heavy-duty vehicle CO2 data from equipped vehicles first registered from 1 July 2027. Required fields include lifetime fuel or energy values, vehicle identification number, odometer reading and test date.

Member States may begin voluntary collection from 1 January 2028 and may report early data by 30 November 2028. Mandatory annual reporting to the Commission through the European Environment Agency begins in 2029, with submissions due by 30 November for the preceding reporting period.

VIN Privacy And Retention Require Controls

Because a VIN can be personal data when linked to an owner or lawful user, testing bodies and national authorities must provide GDPR information and use secure communications. Heavy-duty vehicle CO2 data may be retained by test bodies and national authorities only until six months after transmission. The EEA may retain it for 20 years from first reporting.

Roadworthiness networks should confirm that diagnostic tools can read on-board fuel and electric-energy monitoring devices. They also need secure transfer routes, retention deletion controls, privacy notices and staff training.

Vehicle manufacturers and telematics suppliers should test interoperability and investigate data-quality exceptions. Fleet operators should prepare drivers and owners for VIN-linked collection, while advisers should distinguish these monitoring duties from separate fleet-emissions targets or reporting schemes.

Summary

EU heavy-duty vehicle CO2 data rules create a staged roadworthiness reporting system from 2028. Testing bodies should procure compatible readers, secure VIN transfers and automate retention controls. Manufacturers and fleets should test data quality and owner communications before collection starts, helping prevent failed inspections, privacy gaps and unreliable emissions evidence.