Why vehicle information management systems are crucial for safer, cleaner roads

In many cities in low and middle-income countries, roads are filled with vehicles that belch out black smoke, lack basic safety features such as electronic stability control, anti-lock braking systems, airbags, or even working seatbelts, or are otherwise long past their prime. These vehicles aren’t just an eyesore—they’re a major cause of road crashes, air pollution, and inefficient fuel consumption. Yet, in government-level discussions about transport challenges, the focus tends to be solely on infrastructure improvements —building more roads, bridges, and, if lucky, expanding public transit systems—while the quality of the vehicles themselves is often overlooked. 

But what if improving vehicle quality could make a bigger difference than we think? Poor-quality vehicles contribute to road safety risks, toxic emissions, and excessive fuel use. They are a crucial but often neglected piece of the transport puzzle. So how can governments get a handle on this problem? A large part of the answer lies in robust Motor Vehicle Information Management Systems (MVIMS). 

Why vehicle quality is a national issue 

When a country struggles with traffic congestion, road safety, or pollution, the instinct might be to look for localized solutions—traffic management, better enforcement, or cleaner fuels. But the truth is, these issues often stem from a weak system for managing vehicle quality, a responsibility usually borne at the national level. Without effective oversight, unsafe and polluting vehicles continue to dominate the roads, worsening transport-related challenges across the board. 

The World Bank’s 2022 report, Motorization Management for Development, underscores that improving a country’s motor vehicle stock is not just about individual projects—it requires national policies, clear and connected data systems, and proper enforcement mechanisms. That’s where MVIMS comes in. 

What is MVIMS and why does it matter? 

An MVIMS is a centralized system that collects and manages data on registered vehicles, ensuring they meet safety and environmental standards. It acts as the backbone of a country’s efforts to regulate its vehicle fleet. These systems ensure that vehicles meet safety and environmental regulations through inspections and compliance tracking; support better insurance markets by providing reliable vehicle data, reducing fraud and improving coverage; and enable cleaner vehicle trade by ensuring imported used vehicles meet quality standards, while facilitating enforcement overall. 

However, many low- and middle-income countries lack strong MVIMS frameworks, leading to outdated, inaccurate, or fragmented vehicle records. This weakens enforcement and allows substandard vehicles to remain in circulation. 

Specifically, many existing MVIMSs struggle with: 

• Poor data quality – Records may be incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent. 

• Lack of system integration – Separate databases for vehicle registration, insurance, and driver licenses make coordination difficult. 

• Limited technological capacity – Many systems still rely on paper-based processes instead of digital platforms. 

To further strengthen motor vehicle management at the country level, the World Bank has published a new report examining MVIMSs from around the world. The report provides governments with guidance on a) establishing a clear legal framework for data collection, sharing, and enforcement; b) strengthening institutional coordination to ensure various agencies—transport, environment, law enforcement—can access and use the data effectively, c) improving data coverage to track vehicles throughout their lifecycle, from importation to decommissioning; and d) upgrading technology by moving to cloud-based storage and digital records for better efficiency and security. 

Diagram of MVIMS Capabilities taken from the report

Motor Vehicle Information Management Systems: A Framework for Improvement.

Why this matters now 

With many countries shifting to electric vehicles, the need for accurate and up-to-date vehicle data has never been greater. A well-functioning MVIMS will be critical in managing this transition—tracking electric vehicle adoption, ensuring proper maintenance standards, and integrating charging infrastructure planning. 

Think about it this way: If a country doesn’t even know the number and condition of vehicles on its roads today, how can it plan for a cleaner and safer transport future? Strengthening MVIMS isn’t just about fixing today’s problems—it’s about preparing for the next generation of mobility. 

Governments that invest in robust vehicle management systems today will be better positioned to improve road safety, reduce emissions, and support a modern, efficient transport network for years to come.