Private car owners can now keep their vehicles forever, theoretically, after the removal of a regulation that gave private cars a maximum lifespan of 15 years.

New rules, due to take effect on May 1, now mean that cars, SUVs, and minivans for non-business use will be able to be run until they have 600,000 kilometers on the clock, or if they fail to meet standards on safety, emissions and noise.

According to the new regulation, taxis will also have to be disposed of after eight years or 600,000 km.