Increasing the level of traffic safety - the role of standardization in the field of vehicle control and testing in Serbia

Abstract

The paper presents an overview of the most important regulations and institutions affecting the level of quality and fittingness of the vehicle fleet, in order to increase the level of general traffic safety in the Republic of Serbia. The Traffic Safety Agency, among other things, alone or in cooperation with others, regulates, controls and implements the system of homologation, testing and control of conformity of vehicles, equipment and parts. It authorizes and supervises other organizations for vehicle control and testing. The role of standardization in this process is dual: first - it refers to the subject of testing - vehicles, and second - to the quality of testing - authorized organizations. The paper discusses the important provisions of regulations for vehicle testing and analyzes the impact of the standards ISO 17020 and ISO 17025 on the work of authorized organizations. In conclusion, it was proposed that in order to achieve and maintain high level of testing quality, mandatory accreditation of authorized organizations should be prescribed. Mandatory application of the standards would have a positive impact on the traffic safety segment which depends on the technical characteristics of the vehicle, and as well, reduce the Agency's obligations.