Federal Motor Transport Authority Requests Mileage Data from Vehicle Owners

Approximately 200,000 car and motorcycle owners in Germany will receive mail from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) in the coming days. The agency is conducting the mileage survey for 2026 to determine the odometer readings of the contacted vehicle owners. This measure is part of a comprehensive data collection effort aimed at assisting the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) in addressing transport policy questions and making targeted investments in transport infrastructure. The KBA states that the collection of mileage in kilometers for all motor vehicles in Germany is of great significance. The last mileage survey took place in 2014.

The current data is intended to provide a better understanding of vehicle usage in Germany and to analyze mobility. The contacted vehicle owners will be randomly selected in six consecutive survey waves. These surveys will begin immediately and are expected to continue until 2027. Owners are asked to report the odometer readings of their vehicles at two different points in time. Additionally, they must provide information regarding the purpose of vehicle use.

Participation in the survey is voluntary. Vehicle owners are not legally obligated to report their odometer readings. However, those willing to participate can submit the information both by mail and online. The average response time is about five minutes. Regarding data protection, the KBA emphasizes that all collected information will be fully anonymized after the survey phase is completed.

The personal connection to the registered data and survey data will be removed, making it impossible to identify the owners. In addition to the mileage survey, a traffic count will be conducted. This will be done using sensor-based cameras that automatically count both domestic and foreign vehicles. The combination of data from both methods allows for conclusions to be drawn about the totality of all relevant motor vehicles and their journeys. The evaluation and extrapolation of the results from the mileage survey are expected to be completed by mid-2028.

The publication of the results is anticipated for the end of 2028. This data will be crucial for future planning and development of transport infrastructure in Germany. The mileage survey for 2026 is an important component of the modular system of mobility surveys conducted by the BMV and its subordinate authorities. These surveys are necessary to obtain reliable data for transport policy and to sustainably shape mobility in Germany. The KBA has already announced that the contacted vehicle owners can expect to receive the first letters in the coming days.

The agency hopes for a high response rate to expand the data base for transport analysis. The survey will be ensured by the random selection of vehicle owners from the Central Motor Vehicle Register. This method guarantees that the results are representative and can provide a comprehensive picture of mileage in Germany. The first letters regarding the mileage survey are being sent out immediately. Owners should ensure that they provide the requested information promptly to contribute to the improvement of transport infrastructure.