Since 1996 the standard OBD-II (On-Board-Diagnostic 2. Generation) is a must have for all cars in the USA. For the countries of the European Union this standard was introduced step by step as shown in the graphic below.
Please note the one year difference between date of type proof (called homologesation) and first date for traffic license. Furthermore the manufacturers have equipped some models before these dates with OBD-II as well in USA as in Europe. So for older cars it becomes difficult to say if they are compliant or not. The compliant car lists in the link below should help for this.
Search in the car lists wether a car is compliant and which is the best diagnostic system for a particular car:
Any correction or enhencements are welcome to info@obd-2.de
