RAR and BMW launch digital system to check recalls before vehicle registration

Registrul Auto Român (RAR) has partnered with BMW România to introduce an automated system for checking recall actions on BMW and Mini vehicles before issuing the Vehicle Identity Card (CIV), according to Wall-Street.

Automated verification before CIV issuance

The new digital solution enables instant verification of all BMW and Mini vehicles presented at RAR for CIV issuance. The system automatically identifies whether a vehicle is subject to recall campaigns and requires technical intervention.

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Customers can also check in advance whether their vehicle is affected by accessing the dedicated platform. Additionally, they can schedule service appointments through a simplified digital system, including by scanning a QR code available at RAR offices.

Free repairs and legal requirements

If issues are identified, all technical interventions are carried out free of charge at authorized BMW and Mini service centers. According to current regulations, CIV issuance is conditional upon completing these corrective actions.

Under RNTR 7 regulations, vehicles subject to recalls due to road safety, public health, or environmental risks can only be registered after the required fixes are completed.

Official statements

Mihai Alecu emphasized the importance of digitalization:
“This project opens the way for a unified structure to centralize information from manufacturers, enabling faster access to essential services.”

Alfred Bacos explained the role of recalls:
“These actions are a normal process, similar to software updates, and do not necessarily indicate a defect, but rather a preventive measure.”

Second-hand market context

The partnership comes as BMW remains one of the most popular brands on Romania’s second-hand market. In 2025, approximately 55,000 used BMW vehicles were imported, marking a 10% increase year-over-year.

This translates into around 300 vehicles checked daily, some of which may be subject to multiple technical actions. Authorities also note that many imported second-hand vehicles are never properly checked.

A model for future collaborations

RAR and BMW representatives describe the initiative as a European premiere, which could serve as a model for similar partnerships with other car manufacturers.

The project follows several years of IT integration between the manufacturer and Romanian authorities and is expected to expand to other European markets.

Photo: ProMotor