Vehicle Regulations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 December 2005

Thursday, 8 December 2005

Questions (171)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

169 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his plans in relation to NCT standards vis-à-vis the modification of vehicles, including the banning of tinted windows and modified exhausts; when proposals will be brought forward in this regard; if he intends to proceed by primary or secondary legislation; the consultations he has had with the European Union in relation to this proposal and where these stand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38587/05]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

Concerns have been expressed to me about modifications to motor vehicles involving excessively blacked-out windows and noisy exhaust systems and it has been suggested that modifications should be made to the NCT to address these concerns. To do so would require amendments to the construction, equipment and use of vehicles regulations and the NCT regulations. However, before such amendments could be made, it would be necessary to develop technical standards in relation to the opacity of glazing and exhaust noise emissions. I am not in a position at this stage to indicate when proposals will be brought forward in relation to these matters. I have not had discussions with the European Commission or other member states regarding these matters.