A Summary on: Explanatory Memorandum to The Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2017, The Motor Vehicles (Test) (Amendment) Regulations 2017, The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2017 and The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2017
The Basics
The Explanatory Memorandum talks about the exchange of EU Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers and EU Directive 2014/47/EU on the technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles circulating in the Union.
This change is achieved by modifying requirements to the roadworthiness testing schemes in the UK regarding certain specific heavy vehicles, fast tractors and vehicles of historical interest by:
- the Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) Regulations 1988 (SI 1988/1478);
- the Motor Vehicles (Tests) Regulations 1981 (SI 1981/1694);
- the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (SI 1986/1078);
- the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 (SI 1989/1796).
This will cover Great Britain with separate but corresponding provision made for Northern Ireland.
Section 4 – Legislative Context
The regular MOT and roadworthiness tests required for motor vehicles and trailers ensures that minimum standards are met for the safety of everyone on the road (Directive 2014/45/EU). It cancels and replaces the comparable Directive 2009/40/EU and most of the fundamental requirements for tests are unaffected.
The roadworthiness requirements are supported by the directives for Plating & Testing and Tests, which in turn are related to two more directives which explain the technical requirements (Construction and Use, Road Vehicles Lighting).
Already implemented in the UK law, a majority of the content of Directive 2014/45/EU remains the same. The Directive includes a minor change for vehicles never, or hardly, used on public roads.
Replacing the Directive 2000/30/EC is the Directive 2014/47/EU on the technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles circulating in the Union.
Section 7 – Policy Background
Over past years, there has been substantial improvements to vehicle design, technology and standards. These amendments have been created to implement changes to the roadworthiness testing system for certain categories of motor vehicles and trailers in accordance with Directive 2014/45/EU.
In previous EU provisions Member States could make use of an exemption for certain vehicles “operated or used in exceptional conditions” and vehicles which are “never, or hardly ever, used on public highways”. This provision has been amended under Directive 2014/45/EU.
Sources Used
Sourced from:
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM TO
THE GOODS VEHICLES (PLATING AND TESTING) (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) REGULATIONS 2017
2017 No. 849
THE MOTOR VEHICLES (TEST) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2017
2017 No. 850
THE ROAD VEHICLES (CONSRUCTION AND USE) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2017
2017 No. 851
AND
THE ROAD VEHCILES LIGHTING (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2017
2017 No. 852