Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 75(1)(d) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission^f1,

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee^f2,

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189c of the Treaty,^f3,

Whereas the Community has adopted a certain number of measures that are intended to create an internal market consisting of an area without frontiers within which the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital is guaranteed in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty;

Whereas all of the Member States require the driver of a vehicle registered in another Member State of hold the certificate of registration corresponding to that vehicle, in order for it to be permitted to use the roads on their territory;

Whereas harmonisation of the form and content of the registration certificate will facilitate its comprehension and thus help towards the free movement, on the roads in the territory of the other Member States, of vehicles registered in a Member State;

Whereas the content of the registration certificate must enable it to be checked that the holder of a driving licence issued pursuant to Council Directive 91/439/EEC of 29 July 1991 on driving licences^f4 drives solely those categories of vehicles for which he is authorised; whereas such checking helps to improve road safety;

Whereas, as a prerequisite for registering a vehicle that has previously been registered in another Member State, all of the Member States require a document certifying that registration and the technical characteristics of the vehicle;

Whereas harmonisation of the registration certificate will facilitate the re-entry into service of vehicles that have previously been registered in another Member State, and will contribute to the proper functioning of the internal market;

Whereas Member States use a registration certificate consisting either of one single part or two separate parts, and whereas it is currently appropriate to allow both systems to coexist;

Whereas differences remain between the Member States concerning the interpretation of the particulars contained in the registration certificate; whereas, in the interests of the proper functioning of the internal market and of the free movement and checks that these involve, it is therefore appropriate to specify in which capacity the persons named in the certificate may use the vehicle for which it was issued;

Whereas, in order to facilitate those checks specifically intended to combat fraud and the illegal trade in stolen vehicles, it is appropriate to establish close cooperation between Member States, based on an effective exchange of information;

Whereas it is appropriate to provide for a simplified procedure for adjusting the technical aspects contained in Annexes I and II

HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: