(Case C‑102/10)

Rules of Procedure – Articles 92(1) and 103(1) and 104(3), first and second subparagraphs – Approximation of laws – Compulsory motor civil liability insurance system – Optional insurance contract – Inapplicability

Re:

Reference for a preliminary ruling – Judecătoria Focşani (Romania) – Interpretation of Articles 49, 56, 57 and 59, first subparagraph, and 169 TFEU and Directive 84/5/EEC of 30 December 1983 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles (OJ 1983 L 8, p. 17), Directive 92/49/EEC of 18 June 1992 on the coordination of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to direct insurance other than life assurance (OJ 1992 L 228, p. 1), Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts (OJ 1993 L 95, p. 29), Directive 2005/14/EC of 11 May 2005 relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles (OJ 2005 L 149, p. 14) and Directive 2009/103/EC of 16 September 2009 relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles, and the enforcement of the obligation to insure against such liability (OJ 2009 L 263, p. 11) – Motor vehicle liability insurance – Damage caused by insured vehicles – National legislation laying down exclusionary clauses against the interests of consumers – Conditions for exclusion going beyond those provided for by the directives – Whether possible for the national court to rule that the clause excluding the risk insured is null and void.

Operative part:

The compulsory civil liability insurance system in respect of the use of motor vehicles established by

– Council Directive 72/166/EEC of 24 April 1972 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles and to the enforcement of the obligation to insure against such liability,

– Second Council Directive 84/5/EEC of 30 December 1983 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles,

– Third Council Directive 90/232/EEC of 14 May 1990 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles,

– Directive 2000/26/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 May 2000 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles (Fourth Motor Insurance Directive), and

– Directive 2005/14/EEC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2005 amending Council Directives 72/166/EEC, 84/5/EEC, 88/357/EEC and 90/232/EEC and Directive 2000/26/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles,

does not preclude national legislation that provides that the insurer excludes from the cover of the contract of optional insurance of a motor vehicle damage caused when that vehicle is driven by a person under the influence of alcohol.