Vehicle Standards

Information Notes

Here you will find Information Notes that reinforce the introduction of Vehicle Legislation

Size: 231kB

Autonomous Cars

An autonomous car is a vehicle which is capable of detecting its surroundings through the use of Connected Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) and drive without human input.

Size: 637kB

Light Goods Vehicle (N1) Type Approval Information Note

From the 29th of April 2013 onwards, all new N1’s (including multi-stage built) will require approval certification in order to be registered.

Size: 308kB

Self Declaration - A Guide for operators

All operators of Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) are required by law to make an online ‘Self-Declaration’ to the RSA in relation to their Heavy Goods Vehicles, Goods trailers, Buses and Ambulances.

Size: 259kB

Additional Mirror Requirements for Heavy Goods Vehicles Information Note

New Regulations in the form of S.I. No. 457 of 2011 Road Traffic (Driving Mirrors – Additional Requirements for Heavy Goods Vehicles) Regulations 2011 make it a requirement that all HGV’s with a DGVW (Design Gross Vehicle Weight) exceeding 7500kg, regardless of age must be fitted with Cyclops mirrors as of the 1st October 2012

Size: 577kB

HGV Type Approval information note

Certain new heavy goods vehicle (HGV - Gross Vehicle Design Weight in excess of 3,500kg), presented for registration must have type approval certification from the 29th October 2012 onwards. The registration system used by the Revenue Commissioners and Applus+ will change in order to capture the type approval data for relevant vehicles

Size: 582kB

Heavy Goods Trailer Type Approval information note

In order to first license a heavy goods trailer (trailer with a Gross Vehicle Design Weight in excess of 3,500kg) at your local authority from October 29th 2012 onwards, you must ensure to have type approval certification for certain categories of trailers

Size: 595kB

Light Trailers Type Approval Information Note

From the 29th of October 2012 manufacturers and retailers of light trailers (trailers with a Gross Vehicle Design Weight (GVDW) of 3,500kg or less) must ensure to have type approval certification for certain categories of new trailers

Size: 582kB

Information note on mandatory type approval of new Special Purpose Vehicles from 29th Apr 2012

From the 29th of April 2012 onwards, all NEW special purpose M1’s must have proof of approval before the Revenue Commissioners will register the vehicle for use on Irish roads. Special purpose vehicles are vehicles which have been adapted in order to perform a particular function requiring special arrangements or equipment.

Size: 322kB

Information note on Roadworthiness Testing of Motorcaravans

From 01 March 2012, new regulations come into effect regarding the roadworthiness testing of Motor Caravans. The European Communities (Vehicle Testing) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 58 of 2012) have been signed into law by the Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, which extends the categories of vehicles already tested at VTN Test Centres to also include Motor Caravans.

Size: 328kB

Information note on The Introduction of Euro 5 and Euro 6 Emissions Regulations for Light Passenger and Commercial Vehicles

As a member of the European Union, Ireland is obliged to introduce Regulation (EC) No. 715/2007 and it’s implementing Regulation (EC) No. 692/2008. This Regulation will set tighter emission limits, known as Euro 5 and Euro 6, of atmospheric pollutants such as particulates and nitrogen oxide for vehicles sold in the EU market.

Size: 342kB

Information note on Euro IV, Euro V and VI Emissions Regulations for Heavy Duty Vehicle

As a member of the European Union, Ireland is obliged to introduce Directive 2005/55/EC (and its amendments ) and EC Regulation 595/2009 (as amended ) referred to as the heavy duty Euro emissions regulations. The heavy duty emission regulations apply to new passenger and goods vehicles of categories of M and N with a reference mass in excess of 2,610kg. These regulations lay down limit values for emissions of gaseous and particulate pollutants and for the opacity of exhaust fumes from diesel, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engines.

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Information note on the Extension of the 42 tonne derogation for five axle articulated vehicles

The 42 tonne derogation for five axle articulated vehicles (i.e. two axle tractor units towing three axle trailers) has been extended until 31st December 2014. The Road Traffic (Weight Laden of 5 Axle Articulated Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 gives effect to this extension, and has been signed into law by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Size: 214kB

Information Note on Spray Suppression for HGVs

All new HGVs with a DGVW (Design Gross Vehicle Weight) exceeding 7500kg, registered from 01 September 2011 and goods trailers and semi-trailers licensed in the State from 01 September 2011 must be fitted with a spray system which meets the requirements of Annex III to the type approval Directive 91/226/EEC as amended.

Size: 214kB

Information Note on HGV and class VI mirrors (cyclops).

New Regulations in the form of S.I. No. 457 of 2011 Road Traffic (Driving Mirrors – Additional Requirements for Heavy Goods Vehicles) Regulations 2011 make it a requirement that all HGV’s with a DGVW (Design Gross Vehicle Weight) exceeding 7500kg, regardless of age must be fitted with Cyclops mirrors as of the 1st October 2012.

Size: 32kB

EU Proposal for a regulation on L Category Vehicles

There is currently a proposal for an EU Regulation on L-category vehicles (motorcycles, mopeds, trikes and quads) which is evolving through various stages of the legislative process. This information note clarifies the objectives of this proposal.

Size: 246kB

Legal requirements for the organised transport of children

From 31 October 2011 all buses involved in the organised transport of children are required to be fitted with the appropriate and fit for purpose safety belts or restraint systems for the number of children being transported. This information note sets out the requirements for transporting children on an organised trip after 31 October 2011.

Size: 383kB

Information Note on Amendments to Vehicle Braking Regulations - from June 1st 2011

Since June 1st 2011, new braking regulations have taken effect which apply to all new passenger vehicles, goods vehicles and their trailers. This Information Note sets out the main changes prescribed by the new regulations with regard to vehicle braking.

Size: 215kB

Mobile Machines

Following the introduction of a penalty point offence on 1st May 2009 for using a vehicle in a public place without a Certificate of Roadworthiness, a number of Mobile Machine owners sought clarification from the RSA regarding the roadworthiness testing requirements for their vehicles. This information note clarifies the roadworthiness testing requirements for these vehicles.