From Thursday, motorists will face new rules when registering or transferring ownership of vehicles that are subject to a recall, the department of road transport announced on Wednesday.

The changes come as part of the Vehicle Type Approval Law of 2025, which is now officially in effect.

The aim is to strengthen road safety and ensure buyers are properly informed when taking on vehicles that require urgent safety repairs.

Under the new law, if a car, van or trailer from categories M, N or O is being registered or sold and is under an active recall notice, but the required safety fixes have not yet been completed, the buyer must now submit a signed declaration.

This declaration must also be signed by the seller and confirms that both parties are aware the vehicle has not yet been repaired.

The declaration, known as Form TOM372, must be completed and handed in along with the usual registration or transfer documents.

“This step helps protect consumers and keeps our roads safer by making sure no one unknowingly drives a vehicle that needs a safety correction,” the transport ministry said.

The change follows mounting pressure on EU member states to take firmer action on vehicles affected by safety recalls, including those involving defective airbags.

For more information and to access the required form, visit the ministry of transport’s official website at https://www.gov.cy/mtcw/airbag-recalls/