Abolition of tire approval: What does this mean for motorcyclists?

Since the beginning of 2020, tires no longer have to be entered in the vehicle documents — but only for motorcycles with an EC or EU type approval. As long as the tire specifications such as size, width, height, rolling circumference, speed and weight index are met, the registration requirement no longer applies. This also means that tire approvals are no longer required for these motorcycles.

This sounds simple at first, but there are important exceptions. Tires with minor size deviations that were previously permitted by tire approvals may only be driven until the end of 2024 — provided the tire was manufactured before 2020. Registration is already required for newer tires. The currently valid transition period only runs until the end of 2024, after which tires manufactured before 2020 must also be registered if they do not meet or exceed all of the prescribed specifications. But all of this only applies to EC or EU type-approved motorcycles!

EC type approval: What does that mean?

EC type approval was introduced in 1992/93. For vehicles with this approval, the new regulation on tire approval applies, as described above. Whether a motorcycle has an EC or EU type approval can be found in the vehicle registration document (registration certificate part 1) under field «K». There you should find an identifier with an «E». If there is nothing there, there is no type approval and other regulations apply.

What can you drive now?

The new regulations bring both advantages and disadvantages, depending on whether the motorcycle has an EC or EU type approval.

Here is an overview:

• Advantage for EC/EU type-approved motorcycles: As long as the prescribed tire specifications are met, the driver can fit any suitable tire. Mixed tires — i.e. the combination of tires from different manufacturers — is also permitted. Registration is not required.
• Disadvantage: e.g. wider tires that were previously permitted with a tire approval may only be driven until the end of 2024 if the tire was manufactured before 2020. From January 1, 2025, registration is necessary.
• Disadvantage for motorcycles that are not EC type-approved: For older motorcycles without EC type approval, the tire brand restriction applies again. Only the tires that are registered in the vehicle documents may be driven. Here, too, a transition period until the end of 2024 applies for tires that were produced before 2020.

Concrete examples of the application of the new regulations

There are various scenarios that can occur in practice:

• Registered tires are mounted: Everything is fine, no action is required.
• Tires correspond to the specifications: For EC/EU type-approved motorcycles, no registration is necessary as long as all tire parameters are met.
• Multiple permitted tire sizes: All combinations listed in the documents are permitted as long as they correspond to the specifications.
• Deviating tire dimensions: If there are size deviations, the operating license may expire. Registration is required, even for EC/EU type-approved motorcycles. Tire approvals may be used until the end of 2024 if the tires were manufactured before 2020. From 2025, all tires must be registered.
• Motorcycles without EC/EU type approval: Only the registered tires may be driven. Deviations require registration, and tire approvals will no longer be valid from 2025. Tire approvals may be used until the end of 2024 if the tires were manufactured before 2020. From 2025, all tires must be registered.

Expiration of the operating permit: What does that really mean?

In practice, it can happen that a police officer during a traffic check assumes that the operating permit for your motorcycle has expired if you are driving tires that are not registered, at least for motorcycles that are not EC type-approved. This is often because the new tire approvals state that the operating permit expires if the tire is not registered. But this assumption is not always correct.

If you have installed tires that meet all the prescribed specifications—size, load capacity, speed index and so on (or even exceed them)—then the operating permit does not expire. Even if the tire is not explicitly registered, the operating permit remains valid as long as the driving behavior is not negatively affected and no danger to other road users is to be expected. Tires that meet or even exceed all the required specifications can be assumed not to pose a danger just because they have not been registered. Otherwise, motorcycles with EC type approval would not be allowed to use any tire that meets the required specifications without the need for registration.

If you do find yourself in such a situation, it is important to remain calm and explain the legal situation objectively. It can be helpful to have documents such as reports or technical data sheets with you that prove that the tires fitted meet the legal requirements.

But be careful, the new tire approvals may incorrectly contain a note that the operating license will expire if «not registered.» If a police officer who is not very familiar with the subject reads this, it could even lead to a report being filed for an expired operating license, as he could then refer to it!

To avoid any misunderstandings, even if the operating license has not expired, this does not mean that it is permitted to use tires that have not been registered (non-EC type-approved motorcycles) even if they meet all specifications. A fine will certainly still have to be paid, but not in the same amount and with the same consequences as if the operating license has expired.

If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in traffic law to clarify your position and, if necessary, take action against unjustified accusations. There are already relevant case law. You can find more detailed information on this in the video above.

Conclusion: New rules require caution

The abolition of tire approval brings relief for many motorcyclists, especially for owners of modern motorcycles with EC or EU type approval. Nevertheless, there are important details and exceptions that must be observed in order to be able to drive legally. Especially with older machines without type approval, drivers should make sure that they are using the right tires in order not to violate the regulations. From 2025, it will be necessary for many models to register tires that do not meet the paper specifications.