The UK could adopt new European Union MOT rules that could affect owners of certain vehicles. The Department for Transport (DfT) has failed to rule out introducing new safety rules being considered by the European Commission, despite Brexit. Instead, they suggested that any ideas adopted by the EU would be “reviewed”, suggesting the rule could one day be adopted.

According to Fleet News, the European Commission is looking at introducing a more thorough inspections of electric vehicles through their annual 'periodic technical inspection' (PTI) tests. Advanced driver assistance systems, such as cruise control, emergency braking and lane assist tech, are also set for more intense scrutiny under the proposals.

The European Commission said: “Current testing methods have not been adapted to advances and roll-out of new technologies, such as advanced driver assistance features, and electric vehicles.”

Among the changes, the EC said: “Adapting the PTI to electric vehicles and including new test elements for electronic safety systems through wider use of the electronic vehicle interface (including testing the software integrity of safety and emission-related systems).”

However, when asked whether the UK would follow suit, the DfT refused to confirm or deny any of the specifics.

Officials stressed the DfT “continually reviews the MOT system to ensure road safety and environmental standards are maintained.

They added: “Any proposals for the European Union will be reviewed”.

The new rule would likely see more thorough inspections of electric vehicles in the annual assessment.

Although this would enhance safety on the road, the tougher assessments could potentially lead to more electric car owners failing the test.

This would see many road users forced onto costly repair work to ensure the model passed the test and could remain on the road.

Speaking to Fleet News, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism backed the new plan.

He stressed: “By modernising our roadworthiness rules we are harnessing the latest technology, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring they keep pace with the evolving realities of mobility.”

The new updates to PTI testing rules will now be considered by both the European Parliament and the Council.

If the plan is supported, the European Commission will prepare for the new rules to be introduced across the EU.

The UK left the European Union on January 31, 2020 with the transition period ending on December 31, 2020.