Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Nov 2000

Vol. 527 No. 1

Written Answers. - Motor Vehicle Regulations.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

111 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will introduce regulations to control and restrict the use of blackened or darkened windows in mechanically propelled vehicles rendering it impossible to determine the identity or the number of persons travelling in the vehicle; if he is concerned at the increased use of such windows; if he will make a statement as to his intentions in this regard; and if he will include reference to the current legal position. [27881/00]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

As part of the EU whole vehicle type approval process, safety standards are prescribed for glazing materials for use in vehicles. The standards cover field of vision and transparency. Provided vehicles are glazed to the required standards it is not open to individual member states to prohibit their sale or use.

Under the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963, a vehicle must be constructed so that the driver can at all times have such a view of the road and of other traffic on the road as is necessary to enable him to drive safely. The regulations also provide that where a windscreen is fitted to a vehicle, it shall be of a stable substance and fully transparent so that it does not distort the driver's view of objects.