New Motor Safety and Laws

Spain: Scooter owners will have to take out insurance starting next January 

19 Aug 2025

Starting next January, owners of personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), including electric scooters, will be required to have mandatory liability insurance and be registered with the Spanish traffic authority (DGT). Until then, PMVs can circulate without requirements, leaving accident victims unprotected if the rider cannot pay damages. The law defines PMVs as single-seat electric vehicles under 25 kg with speeds up to 25 km/h, though some are modified to exceed 60 km/h. The reform also streamlines compensation for accident victims, updates coverage limits with inflation, and allows the Insurance Compensation Consortium to cover claims in cases of insolvency, deliberate accidents, or uninsured riders.

Germany: Mandatory factory installation required: No pedestrian collisions thanks to reverse emergency brake

18 Aug 2025

The ADAC is calling for a legal requirement for automatic emergency braking (AEB) when reversing, citing studies showing the technology is now market-ready. Testing of ten vehicles revealed that systems from BMW, Volvo, Ford, and VW can reliably detect obstacles and prevent collisions, while other manufacturers still show gaps. Data from Allianz suggests that around 50% of reversing accidents could be avoided with AEB. The ADAC urges manufacturers to make these systems standard, ensure they activate automatically, and expand functionality via updates where sensors already exist. While forward-facing AEB has been mandatory in the EU since mid-2024, no such requirement yet exists for reversing.

Germany: Stop unfounded lawsuits, limit litigation cost risks, use pharmacy news as a warning signal

18 Aug 2025

A recent court case highlighted the importance of following proper legal procedures after a car accident. A claimant tried to sue the at-fault driver’s insurer directly, but since no legal grounds existed for bypassing the driver, the case was dismissed and costs fell on the claimant. The ruling underscores that claims must first be directed at the responsible party, and only under specific conditions can insurers be sued directly. Legal formalities are not mere bureaucracy—they protect both parties and ensure that disputes are handled correctly. Acting prematurely without understanding these rules can lead to financial loss and prolonged legal uncertainty.