After ‘Dieselgate’ EU votes for tougher auto standards

In a response to Volkswagen’s use of software to fool U.S. diesel emissions tests, the European Parliament on Tuesday, April 4, passed a draft bill, which would tighten auto certification.

The bill, which passed 585 to 77, would give the EU  increased oversight of new vehicle testing and certification.

The bill would also increase fines to up to US$32.000 (30,000 euros) per vehicle for cheaters.

Currently EU carmakers pay testing agencies to certify their products—which is an obvious conflict of interest.

The proposed law would give the EU power to conduct spot-check tests and levy fines. It would also allow nations to review each other’s processes—essentially allowing each nation to check whether the competition was cheating.

Money collected from fines would compensate vehicle owners for upgrades, provide better environmental protection, or fund more market surveillance.

Though approved in draft form the bill still faces hurdles in individual nations and the at EU Commission.