Notice of the making of this Statutory Instrument was published in

"Iris Oifigiúil" of 10th June, 2014.

I, LEO VARADKAR Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by sections 5 and 11 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (No. 24 of 1961) and the National Roads and Road Traffic (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2002 ( S.I. No. 298 of 2002 ) (as adapted by the Transport (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2011 ( S.I. No. 141 of 2011 )) hereby make the following regulations:

Part 1Preliminary and General

Citation.

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2014.

Commencement.

2. These Regulations come into operation on 1 January 2016.

Revocation.

3. The Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 1970 ( S.I. No. 128 of 1970 ) and the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 1985 ( S.I. No. 157 of 1985 ) are revoked.

Interpretation.

4. In these Regulations "Regulations of 1963" means the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 ( S.I. No. 189 of 1963 ).

Part 2Amendment of the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963

Amendment of Article 3 of the Regulations of 1963.

5. Article 3 of the Regulations of 1963 is amended by:

(a) the deletion in Article 3(1) of the definition of "agricultural trailer", "land implement", "land tractor", "land trailer", "rear marking" "side marking", "tractor"; and

(b) the insertion in Article 3(1) of the following definitions:

"’agricultural tractor’:

(a) means a tractor the main function of which lies in its tractive power and which:

(i) has at least two axles,

(ii) has a maximum design speed of not less than 6 kilometres per hour,

(iii) has been designed especially to pull, push, carry and actuate certain interchangeable equipment,

(iv) has been designed for and is used in the performance of agricultural, fisheries, forestry or horticultural work, or to draw agricultural trailers or equipment, and

(b) includes a tractor as is described in paragraph (a) that:

(i) has been adapted to carry a load in the context of agricultural, fisheries, forestry or horticultural work, or

(ii) is equipped with one or more passenger seats;

‘agricultural trailer’:

(a) means a trailer intended mainly to be drawn by an agricultural tractor and intended mainly to carry loads or to process materials used in connection with agriculture, fisheries, forestry or horticulture and where the ratio of the design gross vehicle weight to the unladen weight of that vehicle is equal to or greater than 3.0; and

(b) includes pieces of interchangeable towed equipment the ratio of the design gross vehicle weight to the unladen weight of which is equal to or greater than 3.0;

‘authorised distributor’ means a person who holds a franchise from a vehicle manufacturer to sell particular makes and models of vehicles manufactured by that manufacturer and who is authorised to represent the manufacturer and to act on its behalf in matters covered by these Regulations;

‘design gross vehicle weight’ means the gross weight of a vehicle laden with the heaviest load that it can reasonably carry having regard to the engine, brakes, tyres and general construction of such vehicle and shall, until the contrary is shown:

(a) in the case of an agricultural tractor, agricultural trailer or piece of interchangeable towed equipment, be taken to be its design gross vehicle weight as specified:

(i) by its manufacturer, or

(ii) where the design gross vehicle weight as specified by its manufacturer is not ascertainable, by the authorised distributor; and

(b) in every other case, be taken to be the vehicle’s design gross vehicle weight as specified:

(i) by its manufacturer, or

(ii) where the design gross vehicle weight as specified by its manufacturer is not ascertainable:

(A) by the authorised distributor, or

(B) by a suitably qualified individual;

‘dumper’ means a vehicle (commonly known as a dumper) not exceeding 4 cubic yards in capacity, level loaded, designed and constructed for use on sites of construction works (including road construction and house and other buildings works) for the purpose of conveying concrete, rubble, earth or other like material and used mainly on sites, and which is used in a public place only for the purpose of-

(a) proceeding to and from the site where it is to be used, and when so proceeding neither carries nor hauls any load other than such as is necessary for its propulsion or equipment, or

(b) conveying concrete, rubble, earth or other like material for a distance of not more than half of a mile to and from any such site;

‘first registered’ means the date on which particulars of a vehicle are first entered in the register established and maintained by the Revenue Commissioners under section 131 of the Finance Act 1992 or the date when first registered in accordance with the laws of another jurisdiction;

’fully mounted agricultural equipment’ means interchangeable machinery that is fully raised from the ground or that cannot articulate around a vertical axis to the agricultural tractor or self-propelled agricultural machine to which it is attached;

‘interchangeable towed equipment’ means any vehicle that is used in agriculture, fisheries, forestry or horticulture and which is designed to be drawn by an agricultural tractor:

(a) which vehicle may include any or none of the following features:

(i) the ability to change or add to the functions of such agricultural tractor,

(ii) the incorporation, permanently, of an implement,

(iii) an ability, by design, to process materials,

(iv) a load platform that is designed and constructed to:

(A) receive any tools and appliances that are needed for any of the foregoing purposes, or

(B) store temporarily any materials that are produced or needed during work; and

(b) the ratio of the design gross vehicle weight to the unladen weight of which vehicle is less than 3.0;

‘lighting board’ means the device that displays to other road users either the front or rear lights and reflectors that a vehicle is required to display in accordance with Part II of these Regulations;

‘mechanically propelled vehicle’ has the meaning assigned to it by section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (No. 24 of 1961);

‘rear marking’ means a marking which conforms to the specification in the Fifth Schedule of these Regulations;

‘rear marking sign’ means a sign which conforms to the specification in the Seventh Schedule of these Regulations;

‘reflex reflecting material’ means a material the reflected light from which is returned substantially within an angle not greater than 1/3° with an imaginary straight line connecting the material and the source of the light;

‘self-propelled agricultural machine’ means a machine capable of being driven under its own power which is designed specifically to perform agricultural, fisheries, forestry or horticultural work;

‘side marking’ means a marking which conforms to the specification in the Sixth Schedule of these Regulations;

‘suitably qualified individual’ means a mechanical or automotive engineer, an automotive assessor or a person with similar qualifications who, by reason of his or her competence, experience and independence, is an appropriate person to assess the fitness and safety of a vehicle and who carries the appropriate indemnity relative to his or her position;

‘tractor’ means a mechanically propelled vehicle (other than a cycle) which is not constructed to carry any load except the following:

(a) water, fuel, accumulators and other equipment used for the purpose of propulsion,

(b) loose tools and loose equipment,

(c) in the case of a vehicle fitted with a crane, dynamo, welding plant or other special appliance or apparatus which is a permanent fixture, such appliance or apparatus, and

(d) in the case of an agricultural tractor, a detachable platform, container or implement (being a platform, container or implement used primarily for farm work) together with the load on or in such platform, container or implement;

‘UN/ECE Regulation 48’ means Regulation 48 of the United Nations Agreement concerning the Adoption of Uniform Technical Prescriptions for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts which can be fitted and/or used on Wheeled Vehicles and the Conditions for Reciprocal Recognition of Approvals Granted on the Basis of These Prescriptions, Revision 9, including the amendments which entered into force on 3 November 2013;

‘UN/ECE Regulation 70’ means Regulation 70 of the United Nations Agreement concerning the Adoption of Uniform Technical Prescriptions for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts which can be fitted and/or used on Wheeled Vehicles and the Conditions for Reciprocal Recognition of Approvals Granted on the Basis of These Prescriptions, Revision 1, including the amendments which entered into force on 18 November 2012;

‘UN/ECE Regulation 91’ means Regulation 91 of the United Nations Agreement concerning the Adoption of Uniform Technical Prescriptions for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts which can be fitted and/or used on Wheeled Vehicles and the Conditions for Reciprocal Recognition of Approvals Granted on the Basis of These Prescriptions, Revision 3, including the amendments which entered into force on 3 November 2013;

‘unladen weight’ means:

(a) in the case of an agricultural tractor, the weight excluding the driver and optional accessories such as front or rear weights, tyre ballast, mounted implements, mounted equipment or any specialised components but including coolant, oils, fuel, tools and the roll-over protective structure,

(b) in any other case, the weight when not carrying passengers or a load;".

Amendment of Article 7 of the Regulations of 1963.

6. Article 7 of the Regulations of 1963 is amended by the insertion after Article 7(4) of the following:

"(5) Subject to sub-article (6), where an agricultural tractor or self-propelled agricultural machine draws an agricultural trailer, interchangeable towed equipment or fully mounted agricultural equipment which obscures the lighting and reflectors fitted to either the front or rear of that tractor or self-propelled machine, the tractor or self-propelled machine shall not have complied with the lighting requirements specified in Part II unless a lighting board is fitted to the trailer, the interchangeable towed equipment or the fully mounted agricultural equipment.

(6) The lighting board referred to in sub-article (5) shall comply with the requirements of Parts II and V of these Regulations.".

Amendment of Article 9 of the Regulations of 1963.

7. Article 9 of the Regulations of 1963 is amended:

(a) by the substitution for Article 9(2)(a) of the following:

"(a) Where a vehicle, other than a trailer, to which this Part of these Regulations applies is used in a public place with one, and only one, trailer attached to it, the trailer shall at all times be equipped with side lamps, rear lamps, stop lamps, and identification mark lighting, all of which shall comply in all respects with this Part of these Regulations.",

(b) by the substitution for Article 9(3)(a)(i) of the following:

"(i) the rearmost trailer shall at all times be equipped with side lamps, rear lamps, stop lamps, and identification mark lighting, all of which shall comply in all respects with this Part of these Regulations;",

(c) by the substitution for Article 9(5) of the following:

"(5) Subject to sub-article (9), where a vehicle to which this Part of these Regulations applies is used in a public place during lighting-up hours with a trailer or more than one trailer attached to it, and the overall length of the combination of vehicles exceeds 12.2 metres or 10 metres in the case of an agricultural tractor and agricultural trailer combination, the trailer or, as the case may be, each trailer shall be equipped with and show duly lit a marker lamp complying with Article 16 or side marker lamps complying with Article 16A or, in the case of an agricultural trailer manufactured on or after 1 January 2016, side marker lamps complying with Article 16A of these Regulations.", and

(d) by the substitution for Article 9(7) of the following:

"(7) Subject to sub-article (10), every vehicle, other than an agricultural tractor or self-propelled agricultural machine manufactured or first registered prior to 1 January 1980, and any trailer drawn by it, to which this Part of these Regulations applies and every combination of vehicles to which this Part of these Regulations applies shall at all times while used in a public place be equipped with direction indicators complying with Article 18 of these Regulations.".

Insertion of Article 16A into the Regulations of 1963.

8. The Regulations of 1963 are amended by the insertion of the following after Article 16:

"Side Marker Lamps.

16A. Side marker lamps, in the case of a vehicle being a trailer to which this Part of these Regulations applies, shall consist of lamps fitted to the vehicle complying with the marking requirements, and satisfying the technical requirements, in respect of side marker lamps, in-

(a) Council Directive 76/758/EEC as last amended by Commission Directive 97/30/EC, or

(b) UN/ECE Regulation 91,

and the fitment provisions contained in 6.18 of UN/ECE Regulation 48."

Amendment of Article 18 of the Regulations of 1963.

9. The Regulations of 1963 are amended by the deletion of the words ", other than a trailer," in Article 18(1).

Amendment of Article 37 of the Regulations of 1963.

10. The Regulations of 1963 are amended by the substitution of the following for Article 37(2):

"(2) Every reflector, other than a rear marking sign bearing the words ‘Long Vehicle’, with which a vehicle is equipped and which is visible from outside the vehicle shall be:

(a) red, if facing to the rear,

(b) amber, if facing to the side,

(c) white, if facing to the front.".

Insertion of Articles 38A-38D into the Regulations of 1963.

11. The Regulations of 1963 are amended by the insertion of the following after Article 38:

"Rear marking.

38A. (1) This article applies to:

(a) goods vehicles (not being dumpers) with a design gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,500kg;

(b) goods vehicles which are articulated vehicles and have a design gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,500kg;

(c) the drawing component of an articulated vehicle where such component has a design gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,500kg;

(d) tractors (not being agricultural tractors);

(e) goods trailers and agricultural trailers with a design gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,500kg.

(2) This article shall not apply to:

(a) vehicles of the Defence Forces;

(b) fire brigade vehicles;

(c) vehicles in course of manufacture or completion which are lawfully being driven to or from the premises of vehicle assemblers, vehicle body builders or vehicle distributors;

(d) an agricultural tractor;

(e) fully mounted agricultural equipment;

(f) interchangeable towed equipment;

(g) a self-propelled agricultural machine.

(3) Subject to sub-article (5), a vehicle to which this article applies shall at all times while used in a public place display at the rear of such vehicle a rear marking in conformity with the specification in either Part 1 or Part 2 of the Fifth Schedule, or in the case of an agricultural trailer manufactured on or after 1 January 2016, with the specification in Part 2 of the Fifth Schedule to these Regulations.

(4) Every rear marking displayed in accordance with this article on a vehicle in a public place shall be kept clean and unobscured.

(5) Where a vehicle is being loaded or unloaded in a public place and the loading or unloading is of such a nature as would be likely to cause damage to rear markings on the vehicle the provisions of sub-article (3) shall not apply during the course of such loading or unloading.

Side marking.

38B. (1) This article applies to the vehicles to which Article 38A applies and also to a trailer in a combination of vehicles where such combination exceeds or such combination and its load exceed 11 metres, or 10 metres in the case of an agricultural tractor and trailer combination, in overall length.

(2) For the purpose of sub-article (1) a load which projects more than 1,100 millimetres beyond the rear lamps of a vehicle shall be deemed to be part of the vehicle.

(3) For the purpose of sub-article (1) the overall length of a combination of vehicles shall be the distance between vertical planes at right angles to the longitudinal axes of the drawing and drawn components comprised in such combination (while such axes are in the same vertical and parallel horizontal planes) and passing through the extreme projecting points at the front and rear of such combination.

(4) Subject to sub-article (6), a vehicle to which this article applies shall at all times while used in a public place display on each side of such vehicle a side marking in conformity with the specification in either Part 1 or Part 2 of the Sixth Schedule, or in the case of an agricultural trailer manufactured on or after 1 January 2016, with the specification in Part 2 of the Sixth Schedule to these Regulations.

(5) A trailer to which this article applies shall display side markings as though it were a separate vehicle.

(6) Where a vehicle is being loaded or unloaded in a public place and the loading or unloading is of such a nature as would be likely to cause damage to side markings on the vehicle the provisions of sub-article (4) shall not apply during the course of such loading or unloading.

Rear marking sign.

38C. (1) A combination of vehicles or an articulated vehicle which exceeds 13 metres in overall length shall at all times while in use in a public place display one rear marking sign or two rear marking signs in conformity with the specification in either Part 1 or Part 2 of the Seventh Schedule to these Regulations.

(2) This article shall not apply to:

(a) vehicles of the Defence Forces;

(b) fire brigade vehicles;

(c) vehicles in course of manufacture or completion which are lawfully being driven to or from the premises of vehicle assemblers, vehicle body builders or vehicle distributors;

(d) a broken down vehicle being towed by another mechanically propelled vehicle.

(3) Every rear marking sign displayed in accordance with this article on a vehicle in a public place shall be kept clean and unobscured and shall be plainly visible to the rear except when the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded.

(4) For the purposes of this article "overall length" has the meaning specified in Regulation 24 of the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003 ( S.I. No. 5 of 2003 ).

Non-application to interchangeable towed equipment.

38D. The provisions of Articles 38A, 38B and 38C shall not apply to interchangeable towed equipment falling within the definition of an agricultural trailer due to the ratio of the design gross vehicle weight to the unladen weight being equal to or greater than 3.0.".

Amendment of Article 41 of the Regulations of 1963.

12. Article 41(2) of the Regulations of 1963 is amended by the substitution for Article 41(2)(ix) of the following:

"(ix) a work lamp fitted to an agricultural tractor or self-propelled agricultural machine.".

Amendment of Article 48 of the Regulations of 1963.

13. Article 48(2)(a)(iv) and Article 49(6) of the Regulations of 1963 are amended by the substitution for "ploughing" of "work".

Amendment of Article 52 of the Regulations of 1963.

14. Article 52 of the Regulations of 1963 is amended by:

(a) the deletion in Article 52(1) of "on land or",

(b) the substitution for Article 52(2) of the following:

"(2)(a) This sub-article applies to:

(i) an agricultural tractor or self-propelled agricultural machine manufactured or first registered prior to 1 January 1980;

(ii) an agricultural trailer, fully mounted agricultural equipment or interchangeable towed equipment drawn by or attached to a vehicle referred to in sub-paragraph (i) of this paragraph.

(b) The requirements of Parts II and V of these Regulations shall not apply in the day time to a vehicle to which this sub-article applies.",

(c) the substitution for Article 52(3) of the following:

"(3) The requirement of Part II of these Regulations that a vehicle or combination of vehicles be fitted with direction indicators shall not apply in relation to a vehicle referred to in sub-paragraph (i) of paragraph (a) of the preceding sub-article, manufactured or first registered prior to 1 January 1980, or to a vehicle referred to in sub-paragraph (ii) of paragraph (a) of the preceding sub-article attached thereto.",

(d) the substitution for Article 52(4)(b) of the following:

"(b) Where a goods or agricultural vehicle combination is being used to carry a load projecting to the rear in such manner that it is not possible to fit lamps or reflectors to which this sub-article applies (or any of them) to the vehicle in the manner prescribed in Part II or Part V of these Regulations so that such lamps or reflectors shall not be obscured by the load, such lamps or reflectors shall be fitted to the load instead of to the vehicle, but otherwise in accordance with these Regulations as if references to the extreme rear of the load were substituted in these Regulations for references to the extreme rear of the vehicle.",

(e) the substitution for Article 52(13) of the following:

"(13) The requirement of Part II of these Regulations that a vehicle be fitted with stop lamps shall not apply to a mechanically propelled vehicle, or a trailer attached thereto, which has a maximum design speed not exceeding 40 kilometres per hour on a dry level road under normal atmospheric conditions unless that vehicle is an agricultural vehicle combination comprising an agricultural tractor or self-propelled agricultural machine and an agricultural trailer or interchangeable towed equipment manufactured or first registered on or after 1 January 1980.",

(f) the substitution for Article 52(18)(a)(xiii) of the following:

"(xiii) as a Customs and Excise patrol vehicle, or

(xix) as an agricultural tractor or self-propelled agricultural machine, (except vintage agricultural tractors used solely for vintage rallies or display).",

(g) the substitution for Article 52(18)(b)(i)(II) of the following:

"(II) paragraph (a)(viii) to (xix), be amber,",

(h) the substitution after Article 52(18)(b)(vi) of the following:

"(vii) the lamp, in the case of an agricultural tractor or self-propelled agricultural machine shall be lit at all times when the vehicle is in use in a public place.", and

(i) the substitution in Article 52(22) for "implement" of "agricultural machine".

Insertion of Fifth Schedule into the Regulations of 1963.

15. The Regulations of 1963 are amended by the insertion after the Fourth Schedule of the following:

Article 38A

"FIFTH SCHEDULE

REAR MARKING SPECIFICATION

Part 1

Specification of Rear Marking referred to in Article 1 of the Regulations.

1. Configuration

The rear marking shall be of the shapes, dimensions, patterns and colours shown in Diagram No. 1 or Diagram No. 2 in this Schedule and shall be symmetrical about a vertical axis at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

2. Format and Material

The stripes immediately adjacent to the inverted triangle and every alternate stripe thereafter shall be of red fluorescent material. The remaining parts of the rear marking including the triangles shall be of red reflex reflecting material. 3.

3. Alternative Material

Optical reflex reflectors may be used as reflex reflecting material provided the dimensions of such reflectors comply with the dimensions of the reflex reflecting material required and shown in Diagram No. 1 or Diagram No. 2 in this Schedule.

4. Stripe Angle

Extending outwards in each direction from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle all stripes shall be inclined at the same angle to the lower horizontal edge of the rear marking. Such angle shall not be greater than 60° and not less than 45°.

5. Stripe Width

All stripes shall be of equal width which shall be not greater than 100 millimetres and not less than 50 millimetres. This requirement shall not apply to the central inverted triangle or to the triangle at each edge of the rear marking.

6. Marking Width

The vertical distance between the upper horizontal edge and lower horizontal edge of the rear marking shall not be less than 150 millimetres.

7. Marking Area

The rear marking shall have a surface area of not less than 3,000 square centimetres.

8. Manner of Affixing Rear Marking

The rear marking shall be affixed to the vehicle so that:

(i) it lies mainly in a transverse vertical plane at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle;

(ii) the lower edge is horizontal and is not less than 600 millimetres and not more than 2 metres above the ground;

(iii) the rear marking (except in the case of the drawing component of an articulated vehicle where such component has not more than two axles) is not more than 600 millimetres from the extreme rear of the vehicle;

(iv) each outer vertical edge of the rear marking is not more than 300 millimetres from the adjacent side of the vehicle;

(v) no part of the rear marking projects beyond the outermost point of each side of the vehicle;

(vi) the innermost vertical edges of a rear marking shaped as shown in Diagram No. 2 are not more than 650 millimetres apart;

(vii) the lower edges of all parts of a rear marking shaped as shown in Diagram No. 2 are at the same height above the ground;

(viii) in normal daylight conditions, the rear marking is clearly visible for a distance of 150 metres;

(ix) at night, in normal weather conditions, the reflex reflecting parts of the rear marking whether wet or dry are clearly visible for a distance of 150 metres when illuminated by the undipped headlamps of a vehicle.

EUROPEAN REAR MARKING SPECIFICATION

Part 2

The rear markings shall comply with the marking requirements and satisfy the fitment and technical requirements of UN/ECE Regulation 48 in respect of rear conspicuity markings.

DIAGRAMS

Diagram No. 1

Diagram No. 2

Red reflex reflecting material

NOTE: These drawings are not drawn to scale, and are intended to show the shapes, dimensions, patterns and colours of rear markings.".

Insertion of Sixth Schedule into the Regulations of 1963.

16. The Regulations of 1963 are amended by the insertion after the Fifth Schedule of the following:

Article 38B

"SIXTH SCHEDULE

SIDE MARKING SPECIFICATION

Part 1

1. Configuration

The side marking shall be of the shapes, dimensions, patterns and colours shown in Diagram No. 1 or Diagram No. 2 in this Schedule, and the central triangle shall be equidistant from the extreme front and the extreme rear of the vehicle.

2. Format

The stripes immediately adjacent to the central inverted triangle and every alternate stripe thereafter shall be of yellow fluorescent material. The remaining parts of the side-marking shall be of amber reflex reflecting material.

The pattern at each vertical edge of the side-marking may be a triangle of amber reflex reflecting material of a vertical height of not less than 150 millimetres.

3. Alternative Material

Optical reflex reflectors may be used as reflex reflecting material provided the dimensions of such reflectors comply with the dimensions of the reflex reflecting material required and shown in Diagram No. 1 or Diagram No. 2 in this Schedule.

4. Stripe Angle

Extending outwards in each direction from the principal lateral axis of the vehicle all stripes shall be inclined at the same angle to the lower horizontal edge of the side marking. Such angle shall not be greater than 60° and not less than 45°.

5. Stripe Width

All stripes shall be of equal width which shall be not greater than 100 millimetres and not less than 50 millimetres. This requirement shall not apply to the central inverted triangle and the triangles at each edge of the side marking.

6. Marking Width

The vertical distance between the upper horizontal edge and the lower horizontal edge of the side marking shall not be less than 150 millimetres.

7. Manner of Affixing Side Marking

Each side marking shall be affixed to the vehicle so that:

(i) it lies mainly in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and not more than 450 millimetres from a similar vertical plane through the outermost point of the same side of the vehicle;

(ii) the lower edge is horizontal and is not less than 600 millimetres and not more than 2 metres above the ground;

(iii) the lower edges of the separate parts of a side marking shaped as shown in Diagram No. 2 are horizontal and each part is not less than 600 millimetres and not more than 2 metres above the ground;

(iv) no part of the side marking projects beyond the outermost points of the front and rear of the vehicle;

(v) the foremost vertical edge of the side marking is not more than 450 millimetres from the extreme front of the vehicle excluding, in the case of any trailer, the drawbar:

(vi) the rearmost vertical edge of the side marking (except in the case of a drawing component of an articulated vehicle) is not more than 450 millimetres from the extreme rear of the vehicle;

(vii) the shortest length of a side marking shaped as shown in Diagram No. 2 in this Schedule is not less than 450 millimetres;

(viii) in normal daylight conditions, the side marking is clearly visible for a distance of 150 metres;

(ix) at night, in normal weather conditions, all reflex reflecting parts of the side marking whether wet or dry are clearly visible for a distance of 150 metres when illuminated by the undipped headlamps of a vehicle.

8. Display

A side marking shall be displayed over not less than 75 per cent of the overall length of the vehicle exclusive of:

(i) the sum of the diameters of the wheels on the appropriate side of the vehicle, and

(ii) in the case of any trailer, the drawbar, and in such a way that it is displayed over not less than 75 per cent of the distances between adjacent wheels on the appropriate side of the vehicle except where the centres of such wheels are less than 2.2 metres apart.

9. Alternative Display

Where a side marking is displayed on the drawing component of an articulated vehicle amber reflex reflectors or a strip of amber reflex reflecting material, in either case of a total reflex reflecting surface area of not less than 80 square centimetres extending to within at least 450 millimetres of the rear of such component, may be displayed on each side of the component and in such case the requirement of paragraph 7 (vi) of this Schedule shall not be applicable.

EUROPEAN SIDE MARKING SPECIFICATION

Part 2

The side markings shall comply with the marking requirements, and satisfy the fitment and technical requirements of UN/ECE Regulation 48 in respect of side conspicuity markings.

DIAGRAMS

Diagram No. 1

Diagram No. 2

Note: These drawings are not drawn to scale and are intended to show the shapes, dimensions, patterns and colours of the side markings.".

Insertion of Seventh Schedule into the Regulations of 1963.

17. The Regulations of 1963 are amended by the insertion after the Sixth Schedule of the following:

Article 38C

"SEVENTH SCHEDULE

REAR MARKING SIGN SPECIFICATION

Specification of Rear Marking sign or signs

Part 1

1. Configuration

Where one rear marking sign is displayed it shall be of the shape, dimensions, patterns and colours of the sign shown in Diagram 1 in this Schedule.

Where two rear marking signs are displayed they shall be of the shape, dimensions, patterns and colours of the sign shown in Diagram 2 in this Schedule.

2. Format and Material

Every rear marking sign shall be of red fluorescent material in the stippled areas shown in the Diagram in this Schedule and of yellow reflex reflecting material in the remaining areas, which are not stippled and do not constitute a letter.

3. Design and Approved Standard Mark

Every rear marking sign to which this Schedule refers shall comply in all respects with the British Standard Specification number BS Au 152: 1970 in respect of rear marking plates for vehicles.

4. Size of Letters

All letters in any rear marking sign shall have the proportions and form shown in the Diagrams in this Schedule and shall be coloured black.

5. Manner of Affixing Rear Marking Signs

Every rear marking sign shall be:

(i) fitted horizontally on the rear of the rearmost vehicle of a combination of vehicles and on the rear of an articulated vehicle so that the overall width of the vehicle shall not be increased;

(ii) securely attached to the vehicle so that the lower edge is between 350 mm and 2 metres above the ground;

(iii) fitted so that in the case of signs of the type shown in Diagram 2 in this Schedule the lower edges of both signs are at the same height above the ground and each sign is fitted as near as practicable to the outermost edge of the vehicle on the side on which it is fitted.

EUROPEAN REAR MARKING SIGN SPECIFICATION

Part 2

The rear marking sign or signs shall comply with the marking requirements, and satisfy the fitment and technical requirements of UN/ECE Regulation 70. However the words ‘LONG VEHICLE’ must also be inscribed on them.

GIVEN under my Official Seal,

4 June 2014.

LEO VARADKAR,

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Instrument and does not purport to be a legal interpretation).

These regulations amend the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 ( S.I. No. 189 of 1963 ) to update and consolidate the lighting-related requirements for agricultural, fisheries, forestry and horticultural vehicles (including agricultural tractors, self-propelled agricultural machines, agricultural trailers, interchangeable towed equipment and fully mounted agricultural equipment). These improvements take effect from 1 January 2016.

Agricultural tractors and self-propelled agricultural machines must be equipped with lighting systems (including side lamps, head lamps, rear lamps, stop lamps, direction indicators and number plate lighting) at all times and not only during lighting up hours. However an exemption is provided from these requirements for agricultural tractors and self-propelled agricultural machines manufactured or first registered prior to 1 January 1980 and any agricultural trailer, fully mounted agricultural equipment or piece of interchangeable towed equipment being drawn by or attached to them provided such a vehicle or combination of vehicles are being used during daylight hours only. Agricultural tractors and self-propelled agricultural machines must also be fitted with a flashing amber beacon, with an exemption from this requirement being provided for vintage agricultural tractors taking part in vintage rallies.

In instances where an agricultural tractor or self-propelled agricultural machine has its lights obscured by an agricultural trailer, piece of interchangeable towed equipment or fully mounted agricultural equipment drawn by or attached to it (either on the front or to the rear of the vehicle), such an agricultural trailer, piece of interchangeable towed equipment or fully mounted agricultural equipment must instead be fitted with a lighting board displaying the required lighting.

With the exception of agricultural trailers and pieces of interchangeable towed equipment manufactured prior to 1 January 1980 being drawn by an agricultural tractor or self-propelled agricultural machine manufactured or first registered prior to this date, agricultural trailers and interchangeable towed equipment must be equipped with side lamps, rear lamps, stop lamps, direction indicators and identification mark lighting. They must also be fitted with a marker lamp on their right hand side if, when coupled to an agricultural tractor, the overall length of the combination exceeds 10 metres. Marker lamps fitted to trailers manufactured on or after 1 January 2016 must comply with modern UN/ECE specifications.

Agricultural trailers with a design gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,500kg must also be fitted with reflective rear markings and those with a design gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,500kg and forming part of a combination of vehicles exceeding 10 metres in overall length must, in addition to the reflective rear markings, be fitted with reflective side markings. Rear and side markings fitted to trailers manufactured on or after 1 January 2016 must comply with modern UN/ECE specifications.

Finally, a rear ‘LONG VEHICLE’ marking must be fitted to agricultural trailers forming part of a combination of vehicles exceeding 13 metres in overall length.