Cars would thus undergo an emission test each year to determine whether they are road-worthy. This would result in the application of the "polluter pays" principle, according to the minister.
The Government recently approved the new car pollution tax bill, drafted by the Environment Ministry, which says the tax is to be reduced by as much as 25%, but also charged on the sale of cars registered before 2007, for which the tax has not been paid.
According to the bill, if the pollution tax paid after July 1, 2008 is higher than the new tax, the car owner may request a refund of the difference.
The new tax will be charged for both new and used cars registered for the first time in Romania, regardless of whether the vehicle was produced in the country or abroad, as well as for cars registered before 2007, for which the tax was not paid.
For vehicles registered before 2007, the pollution tax will be paid when transferring the ownership rights, once the new law enters force, said the Environment Ministry.
The tax rate will be determined according to the engine's type and size, CO2 emissions and vehicle depreciation.
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