Draft Regulations regarding improved motorcycle standards are currently under discussion in the EU. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) represents my Department at these discussions and I am informed that the proposals relate only to manufacturing standards and specify the standards to be applied to new motorcycles from a future date, which remains to be decided. The proposals envisage a legal framework for the type approval and increased market surveillance of mopeds, motorcycles and quads, which will replace and simplify the existing Framework Directive 2002/24/EC.
Among the elements of the proposed Regulations is the automatic activation of Daytime Running Lights (DRL) as well as mandatory anti-lock braking systems and prevention of tampering with the powertrain.
The RSA encourages all motorcyclists to use DRL in daylight hours and have launched an awareness campaign with a view to increasing the use of DRL on a voluntary basis. Any decision to introduce national regulations to make DRL mandatory for motorcyclists will await the outcome of the discussions at EU level.