Well-maintained Vehicles in Georgia: How Do They Align with Global Standards?

From January to September 2024, 714,707 vehicles underwent technical inspection in Georgia, an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. In the first nine months of the previous year, 660,359 vehicles underwent periodic inspections. These figures indicate that the number of vehicles being inspected annually in Georgia is steadily increasing, surpassing the figures of previous years. According to the “Inspection for Safety” study, the highest nine-month inspection rate since 2019 was recorded in 2024.

Of the more than 714,000 vehicles inspected in 2024, 20.7% were found to be defective, a slight increase compared to the previous year’s 20.4%. It is also noteworthy that the defect rate in 2024 has almost halved compared to 2019, which indicates improvements in the inspection system and the overall technical condition of vehicles. These numbers reflect significant progress, though ongoing attention is needed to maintain this pace of improvement and further enhance safety.

Dynamics of Inspection Data

• In 2019, 634,434 vehicles underwent inspection, of which 43.9% were found to be defective.
• In 2020, the number of inspections decreased to 390,336, with the percentage of defective vehicles also dropping to 30.8%.
• In 2021, 693,498 vehicles were inspected, of which 31.3% were defective.
• In 2022, the inspection figure was 639,085 vehicles, and the defect rate decreased to 27.7%.
• In 2023, 660,359 vehicles were inspected, with 20.4% found to be defective.
• In 2024, the number of inspections rose to 714,707 vehicles, with a defect rate of 20.7%.

These figures show that the number of vehicle inspections in Georgia is increasing each year, while the proportion of defective vehicles is gradually decreasing. This trend suggests that the technical condition of vehicles in Georgia is improving, and that the inspection system plays a significant role in enhancing safety. However, reducing the defect rate cannot be achieved by improving regulations alone; it also requires raising driver awareness, improving the quality of inspections, and utilizing modern technologies.

Global Perspectives on Technical Inspections

Globally, the quality of technical inspections and approaches to them vary from country to country. In Germany, where technical inspection is a strictly regulated process, the rate of defective vehicles ranges from 10-15%. This low figure reflects the high level of regulations and a tradition of stringent adherence to technical standards. Germany’s inspection system, known as TÜV, involves rigorous criteria to ensure safety and compliance with environmental standards. The inspection process in Germany integrates both technical safety checks and emissions control, which is crucial for environmental protection.

In the United States, technical inspection standards vary by state. In some states, inspections are mandatory on an annual basis, while the rate of defective vehicles differs regionally. For instance, in California, where inspection and emissions control are strictly regulated, the defect rate is between 10-15%. In contrast, less regulated states may see rates of 20% or more. The variance in standards and enforcement quality across the U.S. significantly impacts safety outcomes, highlighting the importance of mandatory inspections.

In Turkey, the vehicle inspection system has been strengthened in recent years, particularly due to the drive to adopt European standards. The introduction of mandatory inspections and the implementation of strict penalties have reduced the defect rate to 20%. This rate is similar to that of Georgia, reflecting the effectiveness of similar regulations. The Turkish inspection system places particular emphasis on environmental protection and reducing emissions, which also ties into the technical condition of vehicles.

Improving Georgia’s Inspection System

Strengthening the technical inspection system and enforcing mandatory compliance in Georgia was a significant step toward improving road safety. Since 2019, the rate of defective vehicles has decreased substantially, from 43.9% to 20.7%. This improvement points to better regulations and increased driver interest in safety. However, to fully optimize the system, more effective regulations and standards are needed to enable Georgia to reach the high safety levels found in Germany and other developed countries.

Despite this progress, Georgia still faces challenges in enhancing the effectiveness of its inspection system and improving the technical condition of vehicles. The technical equipment of inspection stations and the consistency of procedures must be standardized as much as possible. Reducing the defect rate is also linked to raising public awareness and motivating drivers to maintain their vehicles in a safe condition. Driver education and information campaigns can play a crucial role in improving safety and the effectiveness of inspection results.

Georgia’s inspection system has made significant progress in recent years. The reduction in the rate of defective vehicles shows the effectiveness of regulations and their enforcement. However, compared to other countries, such as Germany and some U.S. states, there is still room for improvement. Stricter enforcement of the inspection process, the adoption of modern technologies, and standardization of inspection quality are essential. The inspection process should be as transparent and reliable as possible to provide drivers and the public with trustworthy information about vehicle conditions.

Moving forward, more emphasis should be placed on educating drivers and motivating them to keep their vehicles in good condition. Strict enforcement of regulations, improving inspection stations, and public awareness campaigns will be key steps in enhancing road safety in Georgia. These measures will help drivers better understand their responsibilities and improve the overall safety of society. Achieving these goals will require coordinated action between both private and public sectors, ultimately improving road safety in Georgia. Ensuring the transparency and efficiency of the inspection system is a critical step toward achieving this goal.