Vol. 513 No. 1
105 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will introduce regulations to prohibit the use of spotlights and headlight bulbs on motor cars above the required voltage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1450/00]
All new cars sold in Ireland from 1 October 1998 must be in compliance with EU whole vehicle type approval directives which, inter alia, provide that spotlights and headlight bulbs conform to specified norms.
The use of spotlights and headlight bulbs on motor vehicles leading to the dazzling of other road users is controlled under the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 1996. Enforcement of the regulations is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
My Department intends to review existing national regulations regarding the construction, equipment and use of vehicles, including lighting with a view to their rationalisation and consolidation. The desirability of further controls in relation to spotlights and headlight bulbs will form part of this review.
