Are you selling or buying an old car? Find out what changes with the new legislation.

A new legislative proposal from the European Union promises to significantly change the used car market. At stake is the new European End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulation, currently under analysis and negotiation between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.

The main goal of this new legislation is to reinforce safety and environmental control standards, preventing vehicles with structural damage, deemed irreparable, or with a history of serious accidents, from being circulated or traded as used cars within the European space.

Among the proposed measures, a key highlight is the mandatory technical certification prior to any sale, export, or registration of a used vehicle. This certification will prove that the vehicle is not at the end of its useful life. Without this document, the transaction cannot be completed – a requirement that may particularly affect vehicles over 10 or 15 years old, or those with significant damage.

According to the proposal, a vehicle may be classified as end-of-life (ELV) if it:

• Presents serious structural damage (such as chassis cuts, welding, or submersion);

• Is considered technically or economically irreparable (for example, if the repair cost exceeds its market value);

• Has undergone illegal modifications or alterations that compromise safety.

In these cases, the vehicle can no longer be sold and must be directed for scrapping or recycling.

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For consumers, this measure could mean greater transparency and safety when purchasing a used car, helping avoid vehicles with hidden issues or poorly repaired after accidents. For sellers, it will be essential to ensure that the vehicle meets the required technical standards in advance.

At Benecar – Cidade do Automóvel, all vehicles available for sale undergo a rigorous quality control process. Each car is inspected and tested at over 100 checkpoints to ensure they are in ideal condition to be driven and sold with full transparency.

Although still under discussion, the new law may come into effect in the coming months, depending on its final approval and subsequent implementation in each Member State.

If you are thinking about selling or buying a used car, staying informed is essential. At Benecar, we remain attentive to all legal updates to ensure every client makes their deal with confidence, safety, and no surprises.

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Talk to us – we are here to help you make the best decision.