S.I. No. 356/1991:

EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (VEHICLE TESTING) REGULATIONS, 1991.

EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (VEHICLE TESTING) REGULATIONS, 1991.

Article

1. Citation and Operative Dates.

2. Revocations.

3. Definitions.

4. Vehicles to which these Regulations apply.

5. Appointment of Authorised Testers by Issuing Authorities.

6. Registers of Authorised Testers and Test Personnel.

7. Vehicle Tests etc.

8. Recommendations by Minister.

9. Records, Documentation and Information.

10. Certificates of Roadworthiness.

11. Cancellation of Pass Statement and Certificate of Roadworthiness.

12. Authorised Officers.

13. Powers of Garda to Inspect Vehicle.

14. Requirement to have Certificate.

15. Production of Certificate to Garda/Power to Arrest.

16. Penalties.

17. Disposal of Fees.

18. Expenses of Issuing Authorities.

19. Amendment of Vehicle Licensing Regulations.

20. Amendment of Roads Act, 1920.

SCHEDULES.

First Schedule -- Vehicles to which these Regulations apply etc.

Second Schedule--Form of Certificate of Roadworthiness.

Third Schedule--Items to be tested.

Fourth Schedule-- Items to be tested.

S.I. No. 356 of 1991.

EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (VEHICLE TESTING) REGULATIONS, 1991.

The Minister for the Environment in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 3 of the European Communities Act, 1972 (No. 27 of 1972) and for the purpose of giving effect to Council Directive 77/143/EEC⁽¹⁾ as amended by Council Directive 88/449/EEC⁽²⁾ hereby makes the following Regulations:--

⁽¹⁾OJ No. L47/47; 18/2/1977.

⁽²⁾OJ No. L222/10; 12/8/1988.

1. (1) These regulations may be cited as the European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations, 1991.

(2) Subject to sub-article (3) of this article, these Regulations shall come into operation on the 1st day of January, 1992.

(3) In relation to vehicles of class 5 as specified in column 1 of the First Schedule hereto, these Regulations shall apply as follows--

( a ) for such vehicles which are seven years or more since first registration--

(i) all of these Regulations other than articles 14, 15 and 16 as and from the 1st day of January, 1993, and,

(ii) articles 14, 15 and 16 as and from the 1st day of January, 1994; and

( b ) for such vehicles which are four years or more since first registration--

(i) all of these Regulations other than articles 14, 15 and 16 as and from the 1st day of January, 1994, and

(ii) articles 14, 15 and 16 as and from the 1st day of January, 1995.

2. The European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations, 1981 to 1986 are hereby revoked.

3. In these Regulations, save where the context otherwise requires,--

"agricultural trailer" means a trailer, the property of a person engaged in agriculture, which is designed and used primarily for work on the land and which is used on a public road only incidentally to such work;

"ambulance" means a mechanically propelled vehicle used for the purpose of carrying sick, injured or disabled persons;

"articulated vehicle" means the combination of a mechanically propelled vehicle and a drawn vehicle attached by partial superimposition and so constructed and attached that not less than 20 per cent of the weight of the drawn vehicle is borne by the mechanically propelled vehicle;

"authorised officer" means a person appointed by the Minister or an issuing authority for the purposes of article 12 of these Regulations;

"authorised tester" means a person or body appointed by an issuing authority to test vehicles under these Regulations;

"Council Directive" means Council Directive 77/143/EEC of 29th December, 1976 as amended by Council Directive 88/449/EEC of 26th July, 1988 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers;

"current certificate of roadworthiness" shall have the meaning given in sub-article (6) of article 10 of these Regulations;

"design gross vehicle weight" of a vehicle means the gross weight of the vehicle laden with the heaviest load which it can reasonably carry having regard to the engine capacity, brakes, tyres and general construction of the vehicle and shall, until the contrary is shown, be taken to be:--

(i) the design gross weight of the vehicle as specified by the manufacturer or distributor of the vehicle, or

(ii) where the design gross weight of the vehicle as specified by the manufacturer or distributor is not ascertainable, the design gross weight of the vehicle as specified by an automotive engineer;

"goods vehicle" has the meaning assigned to it in the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations, 1982 to 1990;

"goods trailer" means a trailer including a semi-trailer, other than an agricultural trailer, constructed or adapted primarily for the conveyance of goods or burden of any description;

"issuing authority" means the council of a county or the corporation of a county borough which exercises or performs the functions of a licensing authority under the Finance (Excise Duties) (Vehicles) Act, 1952 (No. 24 of 1952);

"mechanically propelled vehicle" has the meaning assigned to it by the Road Traffic Act, 1961 (No. 24 of 1961) but does not include a pedal cycle;

"the Minister" means the Minister for the Environment;

"owner", when used in relation to a vehicle which is the subject of a hire purchase or leasing agreement, means the person in possession of the vehicle under such agreement;

"public place" means any street, road or other place to which the public have access with vehicles whether as of right or by permission and whether subject to or free of charge;

"semi-trailer" means the drawn component of an articulated vehicle or a vehicle constructed or adapted for use as such drawn component;

"small public service vehicle" has the meaning assigned to it by the Road Traffic Act 1961 (No. 24 of 1961);

"taxi" means a small public service vehicle fitted with a taximeter and licensed for hire in a taximeter area;

"trailer" means a vehicle attached to a mechanically propelled vehicle (or to another vehicle attached to a mechanically propelled vehicle) or a vehicle constructed or adapted for the purpose of being drawn by a mechanically propelled vehicle.

4. (1) Subject to sub-articles (2) and (3) of this article and to sub-article (3) of article 1 hereto, these Regulations shall apply to vehicles of the classes specified in column 1 of the First Schedule hereto.

(2) These Regulations shall not apply to a vehicle whose first registration, either in the State or outside the State, took place within a period of time of less than that specified in column 2 of the First Schedule hereto for the relevant vehicle class.

(3) These Regulations shall not apply to vehicles belonging to, or used for official purposes by a member of, the Defence Forces or the Garda Siochana.

5. (1) An issuing authority may appoint as authorised testers as respects all or any of the vehicle classes to which these Regulations apply persons or bodies who make application in a form approved by the Minister and who have or have access to premises, trained personnel within the meaning specified in sub-article (2) of article 6 hereto and equipment appropriate to carry out roadworthiness tests in respect of the items listed in the schedule or schedules specified in column 4 of the First Schedule hereto for the relevant vehicle class or classes.

(2) A fee of £75 shall accompany each application.

(3) An issuing authority may at any time suspend or terminate the appointment of an authorised tester.

6. (1) An issuing authority shall maintain a register of authorised testers appointed by it and shall make available to the public during ordinary office hours the names and addresses of persons so appointed.

(2) ( a ) An issuing authority shall maintain a register of persons who have undergone courses of training supervised by authorised officers appointed by the Minister and shall make it available to the public during ordinary office hours.

( b ) An issuing authority may remove the name of any person from the register following failure by that person to undergo periodic training or to carry out roadworthiness tests in a fit and proper manner.

( c ) Persons named in the register shall be "trained personnel" for the purpose of sub-article (1) of article 5.

7. (1) The owner of a vehicle to which these Regulations apply may apply to an authorised tester for a test in respect of the vehicle.

(2) The application shall be accompanied by a fee as follows:--

( a ) for vehicles in fee category A as specified in column 5 of the First Schedule hereto for the relevant vehicle class, a fee of £47,

( b ) for vehicles in fee category B as specified in column 5 of the First Schedule hereto for the relevant vehicle class, a fee of £37, and

( c ) for vehicles in fee category C as specified in column 5 of the First Schedule hereto for the relevant vehicle class, a fee of £25.

(3) Where an application is made, the authorised tester shall test the vehicle in respect of the items listed in the schedule specified in column 4 of the First Schedule hereto for the relevant vehicle class, having regard to any recommendations made under article 8 as to the manner in which the tests are to be carried out, and

( a ) where he is satisfied that the vehicle is roadworthy as respects such items, he shall give to the owner of the vehicle a statement in a form approved by the Minister (hereinafter referred to as a "pass statement"), and

( b ) where he is not so satisfied, he shall notify the owner in a form approved by the Minister of the items in respect of which he is not so satisfied.

(4) Where a test is carried out by an authorised tester for the purpose of these Regulations the test shall be carried out by a person who is named on the register referred to in sub-article (2) of article 6 hereto and the results of the test shall be authenticated by the signature of that person.

(5) An authorised tester may refuse to accept a vehicle for a test:--

( a ) if in his opinion any part thereof or any of its equipment is in such a dirty or dangerous condition as to make it unreasonably difficult to carry out the test, or

( b ) if in his opinion a load on the vehicle is not adequately secured.

(6) Where an authorised tester refuses pursuant to sub-article (5) of this article to test a vehicle he shall return to the owner the fee paid under sub-article (2) of this article in respect of the application for the test.

8. The Minister may from time to time issue recommendations to issuing authorities and to authorised testers as to the manner in which tests shall be carried out in relation to all or any of the items listed in the schedules specified in column 4 of the First Schedule hereto and in carrying out such tests, authorised testers shall have regard to any such recommendations.

9. (1) Issuing authorities and authorised testers shall keep such records and documentation and supply such information as the Minister may from time to time require.

(2) All such records and documentation shall be the property of the issuing authority, which shall have power to recover from an authorised tester any of such which it deems appropriate.

10. (1) On presentation to an issuing authority of a pass statement together with the appropriate fee specified in sub-article (4) of this article, such authority may issue a certificate of roadworthiness in the form set out in the Second Schedule to these Regulations and which includes the particulars which are required in the said form to be specified.

(2) Where an issuing authority is satisfied that a certificate of roadworthiness which it had issued has been lost, destroyed or mutilated they may, on payment of the appropriate fee specified in sub-article (5) of this article, issue a replacement certificate which shall be clearly marked "REPLACEMENT".

(3) Where an issuing authority is satisfied that the figures or other particulars on a certificate of roadworthiness which it had issued have become illegible or the colour of the certificate has been altered without any act or neglect on the part of the holder of the certificate they may issue, free of charge, a replacement certificate which shall be clearly marked "REPLACEMENT".

(4) The fee payable to an issuing authority under sub-article (1) of this article in respect of a certificate of roadworthiness shall be as follows:--

( a ) for vehicles in fee categories A and B as specified in column 5 of the First Schedule hereto for the relevant vehicle class, a fee of £11, and

( b ) for vehicles in fee category C as specified in column 5 of the First Schedule hereto for the relevant vehicle class, a fee of £5.

(5) The fee payable to an issuing authority under sub-article (2) of this article in respect of a replacement certificate of roadworthiness shall be as follows:--

( a ) for vehicles in fee categories A and B as specified in column 5 of the First Schedule hereto for the relevant vehicle class, a fee of £6, and

( b ) for vehicles in fee category C as specified in column 5 of the First Schedule hereto for the relevant vehicle class, a fee of £3.

(6) For the purposes of these Regulations, a certificate of roadworthiness in respect of a vehicle shall be current for a period of time starting on the date of issue by an issuing authority and ending after the interval of time specified in column 3 of the First Schedule hereto has elapsed since the date on which the pass statement was given under sub-article (3) of article 7 of these Regulations in respect of the vehicle by an authorised tester.

11. (1) An issuing authority may make an order cancelling a pass statement given by an authorised tester whom the authority has appointed if the authority has reasonable grounds for believing that the pass statement was improperly or invalidity given.

(2) Where a pass statement has been cancelled under sub-article (1) of this article, any certificate of roadworthiness issued on foot of that pass statement under article 10 of these Regulations shall be deemed to be cancelled.

(3) Where an issuing authority makes an order under sub-article (1) of this article cancelling a pass statement, a member of the Garda Siochana or an authorised officer appointed by the issuing authority may demand, either in person or in writing, the giving up to the issuing authority or to the member or to the authorised officer of--

(a) in a case where a certificate of roadworthiness has been issued under article 10 of these Regulations on foot of the pass statement, the certificate of roadworthiness, or

(b) in a case where a certificate of roadworthiness has not yet so issued, the pass statement,

either from the owner of the vehicle which was the subject of the pass statement which was cancelled or from the holder of the certificate or statement.

(4) Where a demand is made under sub-article (3) of this article and a person to whom the demand is made refuses or fails to give up the certificate or statement, as the case may be, that person shall be guilty of an offence.

(5) Where a pass statement has been cancelled and given up to an issuing authority pursuant to this article,

(a) any person may make an application to the authorised tester who carried out the test to which the cancelled pass statement relates to be re-imbursed moneys paid by that person to the authorised tester as the fee for the test, and

(b) the authorised tester shall make the re-imbursement referred to in paragraph (a) of this sub-article if the tester is satisfied that the fee was paid by the person making the application.

(6) Where a certificate of roadworthiness is deemed to be cancelled under sub-article (2) of this article by virtue of the cancellation of a pass statement and the certificate has been given up to the issuing authority which cancelled the pass statement pursuant to this article:--

(a) any person may make application to that issuing authority to be re-imbursed in respect of the fee paid for the certificate of roadworthiness, and

(b) that issuing authority shall re-imburse the fee if it is satisfied that the fee was paid by the person making the application.

(7) Any fee re-imbursed pursuant to sub-article (6) of this article shall be an expense properly incurred for purposes of article 18 of these Regulations.

(8) Where an issuing authority cancels a pass statement:--

(a) it shall forthwith inform the authorised tester who gave the pass statement of the serial number of the pass statement and the reason for the cancellation,

(b) it shall forthwith inform the Minister for the Environment of the date of cancellation, the reason for the cancellation, the serial number of the pass statement, the serial number of any certificate of roadworthiness issued on foot of the pass statement and the registration number of the vehicle which was the subject of the pass statement, and

(c) where a certificate of roadworthiness is deemed to be cancelled under sub-article (2) of this article by virtue of the cancellation by an issuing authority of a pass statement under sub-article (1) of this article and the issuing authority which cancelled the pass statement is not the issuing authority which issued the certificate of roadworthiness, then it shall forthwith inform the issuing authority which issued the certificate of roadworthiness.

12. (1) An authorised officer appointed by the Minister or by the issuing authority may enter the premises used or proposed to be used by an authorised tester at all reasonable times:--

(a) to ascertain whether the premises and its equipment are suitable for carrying out a roadworthiness test,

(b) to ascertain whether roadworthiness tests are being carried out in a fit and proper manner having regard to recommendations made under article 8 in regard to the carrying out of such tests, and

(c) to inspect any records or documentation kept by an authorised tester in relation to the testing, repair, or sale of a vehicle to which these Regulations apply.

(2) An authorised officer appointed by the issuing authority may inspect any stationary vehicle to which these Regulations apply and in relation to which a pass statement has been given or a certificate of roadworthiness has been issued.

(3) An authorised officer appointed by the Minister may:--

(a) inspect any records or documentation which an issuing authority is required to keep under the provisions of these Regulations, and

(b) inspect any stationary vehicle to which these Regulations apply and in relation to which a pass statement has been given or a certificate of roadworthiness has been issued.

(4) In this article reference to the premises used or proposed to be used by an authorised tester includes a reference to the premises proposed to be used by a person or body who has made application for appointment as an authorised tester.

13. (1) A member of the Garda Siochana shall have power to stop any mechanically propelled vehicle or combination of vehicles to which these Regulations apply and to inspect and examine any part of the vehicle or combination of vehicles for the purpose of forming an opinion as to whether or not the vehicle is roadworthy.

(2) For the purposes of carrying out the inspection of a vehicle or combination of vehicles referred to in sub-article (1) of this article, a member of the Garda Siochana may do all such things and make all such requirements in relation to the vehicle or combination of vehicles as are reasonably necessary.

(3) For the purpose of sub-article (2) of this article and without prejudice to the generality of the powers conferred thereby, a member of the Garda Siochana may--

(a) require the person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle or combination of vehicles to bring it to a convenient place indicated by the member, suitable for the carrying out of an inspection and examination under this article and not more than 10 miles distance by the shortest available route from the place at which the requisition is made, and to carry the member in the vehicle or combination of vehicles,

(b) drive a mechanically propelled vehicle or combination of vehicles for a reasonable time and distance,

(c) require the person in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle or combination of vehicles to drive it or cause it to be driven for a reasonable time and distance in such direction and manner and at such speed as the member directs, and to carry the member in it while it is being so driven, and

(d) carry out or cause to be carried out such tests as the member considers reasonable.

(4) Where a member of the Garda Síochána, consequent upon having inspected, examined or tested a mechanically propelled vehicle under this article, has reasonable grounds for believing that there is a defect affecting it which is such that it is, when in use, a danger to the public, he may--

(a) instruct the person in charge that it is not to be driven in a public place until the defect has been remedied,

(b) require the person in charge of the vehicle or the owner to submit it for further examination and test at a specified place and date.

(5) A person who refuses to stop a vehicle or combination of vehicles, or to permit an inspection, examination or test of a vehicle or any part thereof, or to comply with any requisition or instruction in accordance with the provisions of sub-articles (1) to (4) of this article shall be guilty of an offence.

(6) A member of the Garda Siochana may be accompanied by, and assisted by, an authorised officer, when carrying out an inspection, examination or test referred to in sub-articles (1), (2) or (3) of this article.

14. (1) (a) A person shall not use in a public place a vehicle to which these Regulations apply unless there is in force in respect of the vehicle a current certificate of roadworthiness issued under article 10 of these Regulations or, in the case of a taxi, unless there is in force a public service vehicle licence granted by the Commissioner of the Garda Siochana in pursuance of the powers vested in him under article 6 of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Licensing) Regulations, 1978 ( S.I. No. 292 of 1978 ) or, in the case of a vehicle to which the Council Directive applies and which is registered in a Member State of the European Communities other than the State, there is in force a certificate or other document issued in accordance with the Council Directive showing that the vehicle has passed a roadworthiness test complying with the provisions of the Council Directive.

(b) Where a person contravenes paragraph (a) of this sub-article such person and, if that person is not the owner of the vehicle, such owner, shall each be guilty of an offence.

(c) Where a person who contravenes paragraph (a) of this sub-article is not the owner of the vehicle and the owner is charged with an offence under this sub-article, it shall be a good defence to the charge for such owner to show that the use of the vehicle on the occasion in question was unauthorised.

(d) A person shall not be liable to penalty under this sub-article in relation to the use of a vehicle in a public place without a current certificate of roadworthiness being in force in respect of the vehicle where such use is licensed under a temporary licence issued in accordance with section 6 (1) of the Roads Act 1920, provided such use is solely for the purpose of bringing the vehicle to or from the premises of an authorised tester or to or from a garage or other premises for the purpose of effecting repairs to the vehicle.

(2) Where, in a prosecution of an offence under sub-article (1) of this article, it is shown that a demand having been made under article 15 of these Regulations,

(a) the person to whom the demand was made refused or failed to produce a certificate of roadworthiness or a certificate or other document referred to in sub-article (1) of this article, or

(b) such person, having produced a certificate of roadworthiness or a certificate or other document referred to in sub-article (1) of this article consequent upon the demand, refused or failed to permit the member of the Garda Síochána to whom such certificate was produced to read and examine it,

it shall be presumed, until the contrary is shown by the defendant, that the vehicle was being used in contravention of sub-article (1) of this article.

(3) The existence of a current certificate of roadworthiness shall not affect any prosecution for an offence under the Road Traffic Acts, 1961 to 1987 and the Regulations made thereunder or under the European Communities (Road Transport) (Recording Equipment) Regulations, 1986 ( S.I. No. 393 of 1986 ) or under the European Communities (Radio Interference from Vehicle Ignition System) Regulations, 1973 ( S.I. No. 331 of 1973 ).

15. (1) Where a member of the Garda Siochana has reasonable grounds for believing that a vehicle to which these Regulations apply has been used in a public place on a particular occasion (including a case in which the member has himself observed the use) and that the actual user of the vehicle on that occasion was a particular person, the member may, at any time not later than one month after the occasion, demand of such person the production of a certificate of roadworthiness or a certificate or other document referred to in sub-article (1) of article 14 in respect of the vehicle which was current on the occasion, and if that person refuses or fails to produce such certificate then and there he shall, unless within ten days after the day on which production was demanded, he produces such certificate or other document in person to a member of the Garda Síochána at a Garda Siochana Station named by the person at the time at which the production was demanded, be guilty of an offence.

(2) Where a member of the Garda Siochana has reasonable grounds for believing that a vehicle to which these Regulations apply has been used in a public place on a particular occasion (including a case in which the member has himself observed the use), the member may, at any time not later than one month after the occasion, demand of the owner of the vehicle the production of a certificate of roadworthiness or a certificate or other document referred to in sub-article (1) of article 14 in respect of the vehicle which was current on the occasion and, if the owner refuses or fails to produce such certificate or other document then and there he shall, unless within ten days after the day on which production was demanded he produces such certificate or other document in person to a member of the Garda Siochana at a Garda Siochana Station named by the owner at the time at which such production was demanded, be guilty of an offence.

(3) Where a person produces a certificate of roadworthiness or a certificate or other document referred to in sub-article (1) of article 14 to a member of the Garda Siochana but refuses or fails to permit the member to read and examine it, he shall be guilty of an offence and the member may demand of him his name and address.

(4) Where a person whose name and address is demanded pursuant to this article refuses or fails to give his name and address or gives a name or address which is false or misleading he shall be guilty of an offence.

(5) A member of the Garda Síochána may arrest without warrant:--

(a) a person who refuses or fails to produce a certificate or other document referred to in sub-article (1) of article 14 demanded under sub-article (1) of this article;

(b) a person who pursuant to this article produces a certificate or other document referred to in sub-article (1) of article 14 but refuses or fails to permit the member to read and examine it; or

(c) a person who, when his name and address is demanded of him by the member pursuant to this article, refuses or fails to give his name or address, or gives a name or address which the member has reasonable grounds for believing to be false or misleading.

16. A person guilty of an offence under these Regulations shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000 or, at the discretion of the Court, to imprisonment for any term not exceeding six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment.

17. Fees received by issuing authorities under the provisions of these Regulations shall be paid into and disposed of for the benefit of the Exchequer.

18. All expenses properly incurred by an issuing authority in discharging its functions under these Regulations shall be recouped to the issuing authority in such manner as the Minister for Finance directs out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas.

19. The Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations, 1982 ( S.I. No. 311 of 1982 ) are hereby amended by--

(a) the addition after sub-article (6) of article 2 of the following sub-article:--

"(7) On application for a licence for a vehicle to which the European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations, 1991, apply, the owner shall produce to the licensing authority a current certificate of roadworthiness relating to the vehicle issued under those Regulations.", and

(b) the insertion in article 3 after "of sub-article (5)" of "and of sub-article (7)".

20. Sub-section (1) of section 6 of the Roads Act, 1920 is hereby amended by the insertion of the following paragraph after "or on both in the prescribed manner"--

"Provided that in the case of a vehicle to which the European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations, 1991 apply, the following provisions shall apply--

(1) the licensing authority shall issue a temporary licence which shall be valid for a period of one month;

(2) the licensing authority shall not issue any further licence required by this Act, unless the vehicle owner produces to the authority, within the period of one month referred to in sub-paragraph (1), a current certificate of roadworthiness for the vehicle issued in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations, 1991, and".

FIRST SCHEDULE.

SECOND SCHEDULE.

VEHICLE TESTING.

EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (VEHICLE TESTING) REGULATIONS.

Serial Number

Certificate of Roadworthiness.

Vehicle identification mark ............................................................ .......................................................

Category of Vehicle ............................................................ ............................................................ ......

Chassis: Letters and Numbers ............................................................ ..................................................

Design Gross Vehicle Weight (DGVW) ............................................................ ...................................

Unladen Weight (ULW) ............................................................ ...........................................................

Registered Owner ............................................................ ............................................................ .........

Authorised Tester ............................................................ ............................................................ ........

Date of Test ............................................................ ............................................................ .................

Date of Expiry ............................................................ ............................................................ .............

I hereby certify that the owner of the vehicle described herein presented a statement by an authorised tester to the effect that the said vehicle was tested and found to be roadworthy on the date shown in accordance with the requirements of the European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations.

Issued by.......................................

Issuing Authority.

Signed ..........................................

Date ...............................................

THIRD SCHEDULE.

ITEMS TO BE TESTED.

1. Braking systems.

1.1. Service brake.

1.1.1 Mechanical condition.

1.1.2 Efficiency.

1.1.3 Balance.

1.1.4 Vacuum pump and compressor.

1.2 Secondary brake

1.2.1 Mechanical condition.

1.2.2 Efficiency.

1.2.3 Balance.

1.3 Parking brake.

1.3.1 Mechanical condition.

1.3.2 Efficiency.

1.4 Trailers or semi-trailers brakes.

1.4.1 Mechanical condition --Automatic braking system.

1.4.2 Efficiency.

2. Steering and Steering Wheel.

2.1 Mechanical condition.

2.2 Steering wheel.

2.3 Steering play.

3. Visibility.

3.1 Field of vision.

3.2 Condition of glass.

3.3 Rear view mirrors.

3.4 Windscreen wipers.

4. Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment.

4.1 Main and dipped-beam headlamps.

4.1.1 Condition and operation.

4.1.2 Alignment.

4.1.3 Switches.

4.1.4 Visual efficiency.

4.2 Side lamps and end-outline marker lamps.

4.2.1 Condition and operation.

4.2.2 Colour and visual efficiency.

4.3 Stop lamps.

4.3.1 Condition and operation.

4.3.2 Colour and visual efficiency.

4.4 Direction-indicator lamps.

4.4.1 Condition and operation.

4.4.2 Colour and visual efficiency.

4.4.3 Switch.

4.4.4 Flashing frequency.

4.5 Rear registration plate lamp.

4.6 Reflex reflectors and rear and side markings--

condition and colour.

4.7 Electrical connections between tractor vehicle and trailer or semi-trailer.

4.8 Electrical wiring.

4.9 Tell tales.

5. Axles, Wheels, Tyres, Suspension.

5.1 Axles.

5.2 Wheels and tyres.

5.3 Suspension.

6. Chassis and Chassis Attachments.

6.1 Chassis or frame and attachments.

6.1.1 General condition.

6.1.2 Exhaust pipes and silencers.

6.1.3 Fuel tank and pipes.

6.1.4 Spare wheel carrier.

6.1.5 Coupling mechanism on tractor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers.

6.2 Cab and bodywork.

6.2.1 General condition.

6.2.2 Mounting.

6.2.3 Doors and locks.

6.2.4 Floor.

6.2.5 Driver's Seat.

6.2.6 Running boards.

7. Other equipment.

7.1 Safety belt.

7.2 Locks and anti-theft devices.

7.3 Warning triangle.

7.4 Wheel chock(s) (Trailers).

7.5 Audible warning device.

7.6 Speedometer.

7.7 Tachograph (presence of, and integrity of seals).

7.8 Sideguards.

7.9 Rear underrun protective device.

8. Nuisance.

8.1 Noise.

8.2 Exhaust.

8.3 Suppression of radio interference.

9. Supplementary tests for Public Transport Vehicles.

9.1 Emergency exit(s)

signs indicating emergency exit(s).

9.2 Seat lay-out.

9.3 Interior lighting.

9.4 Fire extinguisher.

9.5 First-aid kit.

10. Vehicle identification.

10.1 Registration number plate.

10.2 Chassis number.

FOURTH SCHEDULE.

ITEMS TO BE TESTED.

1. Braking Systems.

1.1 Service brake.

1.1.1 Mechanical condition.

1.1.2 Efficiency.

1.1.3 Balance.

1.2 Parking brake.

1.2.1 Mechanical condition.

1.2.2 Efficiency.

2. Steering.

2.1. Mechanical condition.

2.2 Steering play.

2.3 Steering system attachment.

2.4 Wheel bearings.

3. Visibility.

3.1 Field of vision.

3.2 Condition of glass.

3.3 Rear-view mirrors.

3.4 Windscreen wipers.

3.5 Screenwashers.

4. Lighting Equipment.

4.1 Main and dipped-beam headlamps.

4.1.1 Condition and operation.

4.1.2 Alignment.

4.1.3 Switches.

4.2 Condition and operation, condition of lenses, colour and visual efficiency of:

4.2.1 Side and rear lamps.

4.2.2 Stop lamps.

4.2.3 Direction-indicator lamps.

4.2.4 Registration plate lamps.

4.2.5 Reflex reflectors.

5. Axles, Wheels, Tyres, Suspension.

5.1 Axles.

5.2 Wheels and tyres.

5.3 Suspension.

6. Chassis and Chassis attachments.

6.1 Chassis or frame and attachments.

6.1.1 General condition.

6.1.2 Exhaust pipes and silencers.

6.1.3 Fuel tank and pipes.

6.1.4 Spare wheel carrier.

6.1.5 Security of coupling mechanism (if fitted).

6.2 Bodywork.

6.2.1 Structural condition.

6.2.2 Doors and locks.

7. Other equipment.

7.1 Mounting of driver's seat.

7.2 Mounting of battery.

7.3 Audible warning device.

7.4 Safety belts.

7.4.1 Security of mountings.

7.4.2 Condition of belts.

7.4.3 Operation.

8. Nuisance.

8.1 Noise.

8.2 Exhaust emissions.

9. Vehicle identification.

9.1 Registration number plate.

9.2 Chassis number.

GIVEN under the Official Seal of the Minister for the Environment,

this 20th day of December, 1991.

RORY O'HANLON,

Minister for the Environment.

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

The Regulations provide for the phased extension of compulsory roadworthiness testing to light goods vehicles over 4 years old, every 2 years by 1st January, 1995, as required by Council Directive 88/449/EEC of 26th July, 1988.⁽¹⁾

⁽¹⁾OJ No. L222/10 of 12/8/1988.

The Regulations also set out revised fees for the testing of various categories of vehicles by authorised testing stations; and related documentation fees payable to motor tax offices.

The Regulations also clarify the exemption of agricultural trailers from compulsory roadworthiness testing.

The Regulations consolidate, with technical amendments, vehicle testing Regulations dating back to 1981.