The impact of the UI on periodical and roadside inspection
Defined by the WP.29 for the 1958 Agreement, the Unique Identifier (UI) is an initiative that removes the approval marking engraved in an approved device, like lamps, tyres, rear-view mirrors, etc. It replaces data with a reference, called UI, that leads to a PDF containing such information.
Despite some positive aspects, some drawbacks jeopardize sovereign activities like periodical and roadside inspections. The principal reason is that accessing a PDF is more time-consuming than reading device marking. Moreover, in some particular cases, like remote areas, the lack of internet connection would make it impossible to retrieve the corresponding PDF and thus conduct an appropriate check of the vehicle.
In our opinion the way forward is to redefine the UI, so the relevant information stays engraved on the devices. Therefore, we ask to slow down the process related to the UI to develop a satisfactory solution that takes into consideration crucial road-safety activities like periodical and roadside inspections.