Periodic vehicle inspections of vehicles powered by compressed natural gas: Regulations and inspection procedure

The orientation of experts toward environmental protection, health, and the rational use of natural resources in the road transport sector has led to the development of the concept of sustainable development in this sector, encouraging many countries to promote the use of alternative fuel vehicles. In recent years, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles have gained particular significance within this category. Despite their proven benefits, the use of CNG-powered vehicles in road transport presents certain safety risks, which stem from the specific characteristics of the equipment and devices used for CNG propulsion, as well as their installation in vehicles. For this reason, international and national regulations define periodic inspection procedures for CNG-powered vehicles. This paper presents the procedure for these periodic inspections, structured by phases and illustrated with practical examples, as applied in the Republic of Serbia. Finally, conclusions are presented with recommendations for improving this procedure.