1996L0096 — EN — 06.06.1999 — 001.001 — 1
This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents
►B COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 96/96/EC
of 20 December 1996
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to roadworthiness tests for motor
vehicles and their trailers
(OJ L 46, 17.2.1997, p. 1)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
►M1Commission Directive 1999/52/EC of 26 May 1999 L 142 26 5.6.1999
Corrected by:
►C1Corrigendum, OJ L 49, 25.2.1999, p. 46 (96/96)
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COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 96/96/EC
of 20 December 1996
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to
roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Havingreg ard to the Treaty establishingthe European Community, andin particular Article 75 thereof,
Havingreg ard to the proposal from the Commission(
1),
Havingreg ard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee(2),
Actingin accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189c of
the Treaty(3),
(1)Whereas Council Directive 77/143/EEC of 29 December 1976 onthe approximation of the laws of the Member States relatingtoroadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers(
4) has
been substantially amended on a number of occasions; whereas,now that it is to be further amended, the Directive should, forreasons of clarity, be consolidated into a single text;
(2)Whereas, within the framework of the common transport policy,certain road traffic within the Community should operate underthe most favourable circumstances as regards both safety andcompetitive conditions applyingto carriers in the Member States;
(3)Whereas the growth of road traffic and the resultant increase indanger and nuisances present all Member States with safetyproblems of a similar nature and seriousness;
(4)Whereas the present standards and methods of testingvary fromone Member State to another and this situation affects the equiva-lence of safety and environmental performance levels of testedvehicles operatingin the Member States; whereas, moreover, thisstate of affairs is likely to disturb the conditions governingcompetition between transport undertakings of the variousMember States;
(5)Whereas it is therefore necessary to harmonize as far as is prac-ticable the frequency of tests and the compulsory items to betested;
(6)Whereas testingduringthe life cycle of a vehicle should berelatively simple, quick and inexpensive;
(7)Whereas the minimum Community standards and methods to beused for testingthe items listed in Annex II should therefore bedefined in separate Directives;
(8)Whereas, as a transitional measure, national standards remainapplicable in respect of items not covered by separate Directives;
(9)Whereas it is necessary to adapt rapidly to technical progress thestandards and methods laid down in the separate Directives and,in order to facilitate implementation of the measures required forthis purpose, to establish a procedure for close cooperationbetween the Member States and the Commission within a
(1) OJ No C 193, 4. 7. 1996, p. 5 and 31.
(2) OJ No C 39, 12. 2. 1996, p. 24.
(3) European Parliament opinion of 29 February 1996 (OJ No C 78, 18. 3.
1996, p. 27), Council common position of 18 June 1996 (OJ No C 248,26. 8. 1996, p. 49) and European Parliament Decision of 24 October 1996(OJ No C 347, 18. 11. 1996).
(
4) OJ No L 47, 18. 2. 1977, p. 47. Directive as last amended by Commis-
sion Directive 94/23/EC (OJ No L 147, 14. 6. 1994, p. 6).
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committee on the adaptation to technical progress of roadworthi-
ness tests;
(10)Whereas with regard to braking systems it would be premature toset values for air pressure settings and build-up times, etc., giventhe variance in the equipment and methods within theCommunity;
(11)Whereas it is the intention to amend this Directive further so asto include a harmonious and improved test methodology;
(12)Whereas, until such time as there are harmonized test proceduresand practices, Member States may use their judgment as to thetest procedure they use to establish whether the vehicles in ques-tion meet the brakingrequirements;
(13)Whereas each Member State must ensure, within its own area ofjurisdiction, that roadworthiness tests are conducted methodicallyand to a high standard;
(14)Whereas the Commission should verify the practical applicationof this Directive and report to the European Parliament and theCouncil at regular intervals on its findings;
(15)Whereas it is recognized by all concerned with vehicle testingthat the method of testingand, in particular, whether the vehicleis tested in a laden, part-laden or unladen condition, can influencethe degree of confidence testers have as to the roadworthiness ofthe brakingsystem;
(16)Whereas the prescription of brake force reference values forvarious laden conditions for each vehicle model would helprestore that confidence; whereas this Directive enables testingunder this regime as an alternative to testing against minimumperformance values for each vehicle category;
(17)Whereas with regard to braking systems the scope of thisDirective relates in the main to vehicles which have been grantedcomponent type-approval in accordance with Directive 71/320/EEC (
1) although it is recognized that certain types of vehicle
have been granted such approval in accordance with nationalstandards which may differ from the requirements of thisDirective;
(18)Whereas Member States may extend the scope of the brakingtestto include vehicles or test items outside the scope of thisDirective;
(19)Whereas Member States may make the brakingtest more strin-gent or increase the frequency of testing;
(20)Whereas this Directive is intended to maintain emissions at a lowlevel throughout the useful life of a vehicle by means of regularexhaust emission tests and to ensure that vehicles which aremajor polluters are withdrawn from service until they are broughtto a proper state of maintenance;
(21)Whereas bad tuningand inadequate maintenance are detrimentalnot only to the engine but also to the environment since theycause increased pollution and fuel consumption; whereas it isimportant that environment-friendly transport be developed;
(22)Whereas in the case of compression-ignition (diesel) enginesmeasurement of the opacity of the exhaust fumes is deemed to bean adequate indicator of the condition of the vehicle’s state ofmaintenance, with regard to emissions;
(1) Council Directive 71/320/EEC of 26 July 1971 on the approximation of
the laws of the Member States relatingto the brakingdevices of certaincategories of motor vehicles and their trailers (OJ No L 202, 6. 9. 1971,p. 37). Directive as last amended by Directive 91/422/EEC (OJ No L 233,22. 8. 1991, p. 21).
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(23)Whereas for positive-ignition (petrol) engines measurement of
carbon monoxide emissions from the exhaust pipe when theengine is idling is deemed to be an adequate indicator of thevehicle’s state of maintenance, with regard to emissions;
(24)Whereas the failure rate in exhaust-emission tests for vehicleswhich have not been regularly maintained may well be high;
(25)Whereas in the case of petrol-engined vehicles for which thetype-approval standards specify that they must be equipped withadvanced emission control systems such as three-way catalyticconverters which are lambda-probe controlled, the regular emis-sion test standards must be more stringent than for conventionalvehicles;
(26)Whereas Member States may, if appropriate, exclude from thescope of this Directive certain vehicles that are considered to beof historic interest; whereas they may also establish their owntestingstandards for such vehicles; whereas, however, such aright must not lead to the application of stricter standards thanthose which the vehicles concerned were originally designed tomeet;
(27)Whereas it must be possible to adapt this Directive from time totime to take account of developments in vehicle constructionwhich facilitate in-service testingand in test methods whichreflect more closely the actual conditions in which a vehicle isused;
(28)Whereas Council Directive 92/6/EEC (1) requires the installation
and use of speed limitation devices in certain categories of roadvehicles;
(29)Whereas pendingdevelopments in the technolog y of speed-limitation devices which would make it easier to monitor them,certain parts of such devices may nevertheless already undergo aseries of checks at the roadworthiness test where this is possible;
(30)Whereas the correct functioningof speed limitation devices iscurrently left to Member States to determine usingwhatevermeans they consider to be appropriate; whereas it is the intentionto harmonize the test methods and standards in due course;
(31)Whereas the Commission should assess in-service checks on thecorrect functioningof speed-limitation devices and submit areport to the Council; whereas the conclusions of that report willform the basis of any further proposals for changes in the rulesapplicable to speed-limitation devices;
(32)Whereas technical requirements relatingto taxis and ambulancesare similar to those for private cars; whereas the items to bechecked may therefore be similar, although the frequency of testsis different;
(33)Whereas in view of the expected impact of this Directive on thesector in question and in the light of the principle of subsidiarity,the Community measures provided for in this Directive arenecessary to achieve harmonization of the rules on roadworthi-ness tests, to prevent distortion of competition between roadhauliers and to guarantee that vehicles are properly checked andmaintained; whereas these aims could not be achieved in full bythe Member States actingindividually;
(34)Whereas this Directive makes no difference to the obligations ofthe Member States concerningthe deadlines for transposition intonational law and for implementation of the Directives which havebeen repealed,
(1) Council Directive 92/6/EEC of 10 February 1992 on the installation and
use of speed limitation devices for certain categories of motor vehicles inthe Community (OJ No L 57, 2. 3. 1992, p. 27).
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HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
CHAPTER I
General provisions
Article 1
1. In each Member State, motor vehicles registered in that State and
their trailers and semi-trailers shall undergo periodic roadworthinesstests in accordance with this Directive and in particular its Annexes Iand II.
2. The categories of vehicles to be tested, the frequency of the
roadworthiness tests and the items which must be tested are listed inAnnexes I and II.
Article 2
The roadworthiness tests provided for in this Directive shall be carried
out by the State, or by a public body entrusted with the task by the Stateor by bodies or establishments designated and directly supervised by theState, includingduly authorized private bodies. In particular, whenestablishments designated as vehicle testing centres also perform motorvehicle repairs, Member States shall make every effort to ensure theobjectivity and high quality of the vehicle testing.
Article 3
1. Member States shall take such measures as they deem necessary to
make it possible to prove that a vehicle has passed a roadworthiness testcomplyingwith at least the provisions of this Directive.
These measures shall be notified to the other Member States and to the
Commission.
2. Each Member State shall, on the same basis as if it had itself
issued the proof, recognize the proof issued in another Member Stateshowingthat a motor vehicle reg istered on the territory of that otherState, together with its trailer or semi-trailer, have passed a roadworthi-ness test complyingwith at least the provisions of this Directive.
3. Member States shall apply suitable procedures to establish, as far
as practicable, that the brake performance of the vehicles registered intheir territory meets the requirements specified in this Directive.
CHAPTER II
Exceptions and derogations
Article 4
1. Member States shall have the right to exclude from the scope of
this Directive vehicles belonging to the armed forces, the forces of lawand order and the fire service.
2. Member States may, after consultingthe Commission, exclude
from the scope of this Directive or subject tospecial provisions, certainvehicles operated or used in exceptional conditions and vehicles whichare never, or hardly ever, used on public highways, including vehiclesof historic interest manufactured before 1 January 1960 or which aretemporarily withdrawn from circulation.
3. Member States may, after consultingthe Commission, set their
own testingstandards for vehicles considered to be of historic interest.
Article 5
Notwithstandingthe provisions of Annexes I and II, Member States
may:
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— bringforward the date for the first compulsory roadworthiness test
and, where appropriate, submit the vehicle for testingprior to reg is-tration,
— shorten the interval between two successive compulsory tests,— make the testingof optional equipment compulsory,— increase the number of items to be tested,— extend the periodic test requirement to other categories of vehicles,— prescribe special additional tests,— require for vehicles registered on their territory higher minimum
standards for brakingefficiency than those specified in Annex II andmay include a test on vehicles with heavier loads provided suchrequirements do not exceed those of the vehicle’s original type-approval.
Article 6
1. By way of derogation from the provisions of Annexes I and II,
and until 1 January 1993, Member States may:
— postpone the date of the first compulsory roadworthiness test,
— extend the interval between two successive compulsory roadworthi-
ness tests,
— reduce the number of items to be tested,— amend the categories of vehicles subject to compulsory roadworthi-
ness tests,
provided that all the light commercial vehicles referred to in section 5
of Annex I are required to undergo roadworthiness tests in accordancewith this Directive before that date.
However, in Member States where there was no system of regular
roadworthiness testingcomparable to that intended by this Directive forthis category of vehicles as at 28 July 1988, paragraph 1 shall applyuntil 1 January 1995.
2. With regard to the private cars referred to in section 6 of Annex I,
paragraph 1 shall apply until 1 January 1994.
However, in Member States where there was no system of regular
roadworthiness testingcomparable to that intended by this Directive forthis category of vehicles as at 31 December 1991, paragraph 1 shallapply until 1 January 1998.
CHAPTER III
Final provisions
Article 7
1. The Council, actingby a qualified majority on a proposal from the
Commission, shall adopt the separate Directives necessary to define theminimum standards and methods for testingthe items listed in Annex II.
2. Any amendments which are necessary to adapt the standards and
methods defined in the separate Directives to technical progress shall beadopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 8.
Article 8
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee on the adapta-
tion to technical progress of the Directive on roadworthiness tests formotor vehicles and their trailers, hereinafter referred to as the ‘Commit-tee',which shall consist of representatives of the Member States with arepresentative of the Commission in the chair.
2. The Committee shall adopt its own rules of procedure.3. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the
Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shalldeliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairmanmay lay down accordingto the urg ency of the matter. The opinion shallbe delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty
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in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on aproposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of theMember States within the Committee shall be weighted in the mannerset out in the abovementioned Article. The chairman shall not vote.
4. (a) The Commission shall adopt the measures envisaged if they are
in accordance with the opinion of the Committee.
(b) If the measures envisaged are not in accordance with the opinion
of the Committee, or if no opinion is delivered, the Commissionshall, without delay, submit to the Council a proposal relatingtothe measures to be taken. The Council shall act by a qualifiedmajority.
If, within three months of the submission of the proposal to the
Council, the Council has not acted, the proposed measures shallbe adopted by the Commission.
Article 9
1. The Commission shall, no later than 31 December 1998, submit a
report to the Council on the implementation of roadworthiness testingofprivate cars, accompanied by any proposal deemed necessary, withparticular reference to the frequency and content of tests.
2. No later than three years after the introduction of regular testing of
speed limitation devices, the Commission shall examine whether, on thebasis of the experience gained, the tests laid down are sufficient todetect defective or manipulated speed limitation devices or whether therules need to be amended.
Article 10
The Directives listed in Annex III, Part A are hereby repealed as from
the date indicated in Article 11, without prejudice to the obligations ofthe Member States concerningthe deadlines for transposition andimplementation set out in Annex III, Part B.
References to the repealed Directives shall be construed as reference to
this Directive and should be read in accordance with the correlationtables set out in Annex IV.
Article 11
1. Member States shall bringinto force the laws, reg ulations and
administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive nolater than 9 March 1998. They shall forthwith inform the Commissionthereof.
When Member States adopt these provisions, they shall contain a refer-
ence to this Directive or be accompanied by such reference at the timeof their official publication. The methods of makingsuch reference shallbe laid down by Member States.
2. Member States shall communicate to the Commission the texts of
the provisions of national law which they adopt in the field governed bythis Directive.
3. Member States shall adopt the measures necessary to implement
the system of tests laid down in this Directive. The measures adoptedmust be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Article 12
This Directive shall enter into force on the 20th day followingthat of its
publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities .
Article 13
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
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ANNEXI
CATEGORIES OF VEHICLES SUBJECT TO ROADWORTHINESS TESTS AND
FREQUENCY OF THE TESTS
Categories of vehicle Frequency of tests
1. Motor vehicles used for the carriage of passen-
gers and with more than eight seats, excludingthe driver’s seatOne year after the date on which the vehicle wasfirst used, and thereafter annually
2. Motor vehicles used for the carriage of goodsand havinga maximum permissible massexceeding3 500 kg One year after the date on which the vehicle wasfirst used, and thereafter annually
3. Trailers and semi-trailers with a maximumpermissible mass exceeding3 500 kg One year after the date on which the vehicle wasfirst used, and thereafter annually
4. Taxis, ambulances One year after the date on which the vehicle wasfirst used, and thereafter annually
5. Motor vehicles havingat least four wheels,normally used for the road carriage of goods andwith a maximum permissible mass not exceeding3 500 kg, excluding agricultural tractors andmachineryFour years after the date on which the vehiclewas first used, and thereafter every two years
6. Motor vehicles havingat least four wheels,used for the carriage of passengers and with notmore than eight seats excluding the driver’s seat ►C1Four years after the date on which the
vehicle was first used, and thereafter every twoyears◄
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Itemstobechecked/tested ReasonsforfailureANNEXII
ITEMS TO BE COMPULSORILY TESTED
The test must cover at least the items listed below, provided that these are related
to the obligatory equipment of the vehicle being tested in the Member Stateconcerned.
The tests covered by this Annex may be carried out visually without disassembly
of vehicle parts.
Where the vehicle is found to be defective with regard to the test items below,
the competent authorities in the Member States must adopt a procedure forsettingthe conditions under which the vehicle may be used before passinganother roadworthiness test.
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 AND 6
1. Braking systems
The followingitems are to be included in the roadworthiness test of vehicle brakingsystems. The
test results achieved duringthe checks on the brakingsystems must be equivalent as far as ispracticable to the technical requirements of Directive 71/320/EEC (
1).
1.1. Mechanical condition and operation
1.1.1. Footbrake pedal pivot — too tight
— bearingworn— excessive wear/play
1.1.2. Pedal condition and travel of the brake
operatingdevice— excessive or insufficient reserve travel
— brake control not releasingcorrectly— anti-slip provision on brake pedal missing,
loose or worn smooth
1.1.3. Vacuum pump or compressor and reser-voirs — time taken to build up air pressure/vacuum
for the effective operation of the brakes isexcessive
— insufficient air pressure/vacuum to give
assistance for at least two applications ofthe brake after the warningdevice hasoperated (or gauge shows unsafe reading)
— air leak causinga noticeable drop in pres-
sure or audible air leaks
1.1.4. Low pressure warning indicator or gauge — malfunctioningor defective low pressure
indicator/air pressure gauge
1.1.5. Hand-operated brake control valve — cracked or damaged control, excessive
wear
— malfunction of control valve— control insecure on valve spindle or valve
unit insecure
— connections loose or leak in system— unsatisfactory operation
1.1.6. Parkingbrake, lever control, parkingbrake
ratchet— parkingbrake ratchet not holdingcorrectly
— excessive wear at lever pivot or ratchet
mechanism
— excessive movement of lever indicating
incorrect adjustment
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Itemstobechecked/tested Reasonsforfailure
1.1.7. Brakingvalves (footvalves, unloaders,
governors, etc.)— damaged, excessive air leakage
— excessive discharge of oil from
compressor
— insecure/inadequate mounting— discharge of hydraulic brake fluid
1.1.8. Couplings for trailer brakes — defective isolation taps or self-sealing
valve
— insecure/inadequate mounting— excessive leaks
1.1.9. Energy storage reservoir pressure tank — damaged, corroded, leaking— drain device inoperative— insecure/inadequate mounting
1.1.10. Brake servo units, master cylinder
(hydraulic systems)— servo unit is defective or ineffective
— master cylinder defective or leaking— master cylinder insecure— insufficient quantity of brake fluid— master cylinder reservoir cap missing— brake fluid warninglamp illuminated or
defective
— incorrect functioningof brake fluid level
warningdevice
1.1.11. Rigid brake pipes — risk of failure or fracture
— leaks from pipes or connections to
coupling
— damaged or excessively corroded— misplaced
1.1.12. Flexible brake hoses — risk of failure or fracture— damaged, chafing, brake hoses too short,
twisted
— leaks from hoses or couplings— hose bulging under pressure— porosity
1.1.13. Brake coverings (lining pads) — excessive wear— contaminated (oil, grease, etc.)
1.1.14. Brake drums, brake discs — excessive wear, excessive scoring, cracks,
insecure or fractured
— contaminated (oil, grease, etc.)— back plate insecure
1.1.15. Brake cables, rods, levers linkage — cables damaged, knotted— excessively worn or corroded— cable or rod joint insecure— cable guide defective— any restriction to free movement of the
brakingsystem
— any abnormal movement of levers/rods/
linkage indicating maladjustment or exces-sive wear
1.1.16. Brake actuators (includingspringbrakes
or hydraulic wheel cylinders)
— cracked or damaged
— leaking— insecure/inadequate mounting— excessively corroded— excessive travel of operatingpiston or
diaphragm mechanism
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Itemstobechecked/tested Reasonsforfailure
— dust protection cover missingor exces-
sively damaged
1.1.17. Load sensingvalve — defective linkage
— incorrect adjustment— seized, not working— missing
1.1.18. Automatic slack adjusters indicating — seized or abnormal movement, excessive
wear or wrongadjustment
— defective
1.1.19. Retarder system (where fitted or required) — insecure connectors or mountings— defective
1.2. Service brake performance and efficiency
1.2.1. Performance (progressively increased to
maximum effort)— inadequate brakingeffort on one or more
wheels
— brakingeffort from any wheel is less than
70 % of the highest recorded effort fromanother wheel on the same axle. In thecase of brake testingon the road, the vehi-cle’s deviation from a straight line isexcessive
— no gradual variation of brake effort (grab-
bing)
— abnormal time lagin brake operation at
any wheel
— excessive fluctuation of brake effort due to
distorted discs or oval drums
1.2.2. Efficiency — a brakingratio which relates to the
maximum authorized mass or, in the caseof semi-trailers, to the sum of the author-ized axle loads where practicable, less thanthe following:
minimum brakingefficiencycategory 1: 50 % (
2)
category 2: 43 % (3)
category 3: 40 % (4)
category 4: 50 %category 5: 45 % (
5)
category 6: 50 %
—o r
a brakingeffort less than the reference
values if specified by the vehicle manufac-turer for the vehicle axle (
6)
1.3. Secondary (emergency) brake performanceand efficiency (if met by separate system)
1.3.1. Performance — brake inoperative on one side
— brakingeffort from any wheel is less than
70 % of the highest recorded effort fromanother wheel on the same axle
— no gradual variation of efficiency (grab-
bing)
— automatic brake system not workingin the
case of trailers
1.3.2. Efficiency
— for all vehicle categories, a braking ratio
less than 50 % (7) of the service brake
performance defined in 1.2.2 in relation tothe maximum authorized mass or, in the
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Itemstobechecked/tested Reasonsforfailure
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND 3 VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND 6case of semi-trailers, to the sum of the
authorized axle loads
1.4. Parkingbrake performance and efficiency
1.4.1. Performance — brake inoperative on one side
1.4.2. Efficiency — for all vehicle categories, a braking ratio
less than 16 % in relation to the maximumauthorized mass, or, for motor vehicles,less than 12 % in relation to the maximumauthorized combination mass of thevehicle, whichever is greater
1.5. Retarder or exhaust brake systemperformance — no gradual variation of efficiency
(retarder)
— defective
1.6. Anti-lock braking — malfunction of the anti-lock warning
device
— defective
(1) Council Directive 71/320/EEC of 26 July 1971 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relatingto
the brakingdevices of certain categ ories of motor vehicles and their trailers (OJ No L 202, 6. 9. 1971, p. 37).Directive as last amended by Directive 91/422/EEC (OJ No L 233, 22. 8. 1991, p. 21).
(
2) 48 % for category 1 vehicles not fitted with ABS, or type-approved before 1 October 1991 (date of prohibition of
first puttinginto circulation without EC component type-approval) (Directive 71/320/EEC, as amended byCommission Directive 88/194/EEC, (OJ No L 92, 9. 4. 1988, p. 47).
(
3) 45 % for vehicles registered after 1988 or from the date of application of Directive 71/320/EEC, as amended by
Commission Directive 85/647/EEC (OJ No L 380, 31. 12. 1985, p. 1), under Member States’ national legislation,whichever is the later.
(
4) 43 % for semi-trailers and draw-bar trailers registered after 1988 or from the date of application of Directive
71/320/EEC, as amended by Commission Directive 85/647/EEC, under Member States’ national legislation,whichever is the later..
(
5) 50 % for category 5 vehicles registered after 1988 or from the date of application of Directive 71/320/EEC, as
amended by Commission Directive 85/647/EEC, under Member States’ national legislation, whichever is the later.
(6) The reference value for the vehicle axle is the brakingeffort (expressed in newtons) necessary to achieve this
minimum prescribed brakingforce at the particular weig ht that the vehicle is presented.
(7) For categories 2 and 5 vehicles the minimum secondary brake performance must be 2,2 m/s2(as the secondary
brake performance was not covered by Directive 71/320/EEC, as amended by Commission Directive 85/647/EEC).
2. Steering and steering wheel 2. Steering
2.1. Mechanical condition 2.1. Mechanical condition
2.2. Steeringwheel 2.2. Steeringplay
2.3. Steeringplay 2.3. Steeringsystem attachment
2.4. Wheel bearings
3. Visibility 3. Visibility
3.1. Field of vision 3.1. Field of vision
3.2. Condition of glass 3.2. Condition of glass
3.3. Rear-view mirrors 3.3. Rear-view mirrors
3.4. Windscreen wipers 3.4. Windscreen wipers
3.5. Screenwashers 3.5. Screenwashers
4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment 4. Lighting equipment
4.1. Main and dipped-beam headlamps 4.1. Main and dipped-beam headlamps
4.1.1. Condition and operation 4.1.1. Condition and operation
4.1.2. Alignment 4.1.2. Alignment
4.1.3. Switches 4.1.3. Switches
4.1.4. Visual efficiency
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VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND 3 VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND 6
4.2. Side lamps and end-outline marker lamps 4.2. Condition and operation, condition of lenses,
colour and visual efficiency of:
4.2.1. Condition and operation 4.2.1. Side and rear lamps
4.2.2. Colour and visual efficiency 4.2.2. Stop lamps
4.2.3. Direction-indicator lamps
4.2.4. Reservinglamps
4.2.5. Foglamps
4.2.6. Rear registration plate lamps
4.2.7. Retro reflectors
4.2.8. Hazard warninglamps
4.3. Stop lamps
4.3.1. Condition and operation
4.3.2. Colour and visual efficiency
4.4. Direction-indicator lamps
4.4.1. Conditon and operation
4.4.2. Colour and visual efficiency
4.4.3. Switches
4.4.4. Flashingfrequency
4.5. Front and rear foglamps
4.5.1. Position
4.5.2. Condition and operation
4.5.3. Colour and visual efficiency
4.6. Reversinglamps
4.6.1. Condition and operation
4.6.2. Colour and visual efficiency
4.7. Rear registration plate lamp
4.8. Retro reflectors
— condition and colour
4.9. Telltales
4.10. Electrical connections between drawing
vehicle and trailer or semi-trailer
4.11. Electrical wiring
5. Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension 5. Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
5.1. Axles 5.1. Axles
5.2. Wheels and tyres 5.2. Wheels and tyres
5.3. Suspension 5.3. Suspension
6. Chassis and chassis attachments 6. Chassis and chassis attachments
6.1. Chassis or frame and attachments 6.1. Chassis or frame and attachments
6.1.1. General condition 6.1.1. General condition
6.1.2. Exhaust pipes and silencers 6.1.2. Exhaust pipes and silencers
6.1.3. Fuel tank or pipes 6.1.3. Fuel tank or pipes
6.1.4. Geometric properties and condition of rear
protective device, heavy lorries6.1.4. Spare-wheel carrier
6.1.5. Spare-wheel carrier 6.1.5. Security of couplingmechanism (if fitted)
6.1.6. Couplingmechanism on drawingvehicles,
trailers and semi-trailers
1996L0096 — EN — 06.06.1999 — 001.001 — 14
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VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND 3 VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND 6
6.2. Cab and bodywork 6.2. Bodywork
6.2.1. General condition 6.2.1. Structural condition
6.2.2. Mounting 6.2.2. Doors and locks
6.2.3. Doors and locks
6.2.4. Floor
6.2.5. Driver’s seat
6.2.6. Runningboards
7. Other equipment 7. Other equipment
7.1. Safety belts 7.1. Mountingof driver’s seat
7.2. Fire extinguisher 7.2. Mountingof battery
7.3. Locks and anti-theft device 7.3. Audible warningdevice
7.4. Warningtriang le 7.4. Warningtriang le
7.5. First-aid kit 7.5. Safety belts
7.5.1. Security of mountings
7.5.2. Condition of belts
7.5.3. Operation
7.6. Wheel chock(s)
7.7. Audible warningdevice
7.8. Speedometer
7.9. Tachograph (presence of, and integrity of
seals)
— check validity of tachograph plate if
required by Regulation (EEC) No3821/85 (
1)
— check, if in doubt, whether the nominal
circumference or size of tyre matchesthe data given on the tachograph plate
— where practical, check that the seals of
the tachograph and, where appropriate,any other means of protectingtheconnections against fraudulent manipu-lation are intact
7.10. Speed limitation device
— where possible, check whether speed
limiter is fitted as required byDirective 92/6/EEC (
2)
— check validity of speed limiter plate— where practical, check that the seals of
the speed limiter and, where appro-priate, any other means of protectingthe connections against fraudulentmanipulation are intact
8. Nuisance 8. Nuisance
8.1. Noise 8.1. Noise
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(1) Council Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 of 20 December 1985 on recording equipment in road transport (OJ No L
370, 31. 12. 1985, p. 8). As last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 2479/95 (OJ No L 256, 26. 10.1995, p. 8).
(
2) Council Directive 92/6/EEC of 10 February 1992 on the installation and use of speed limitation devices for certain
categories of motor vehicles in the Community (OJ No L 57, 2. 3. 1992, p. 27).
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 AND 6
8.2. Exhaust emissions
8.2.1. Motor vehicles equipped with positive-ignition (petrol) engines
(a) Where the exhaust emissions are not controlled by an advanced emis-
sion control system such as a three-way catalytic converter which islambda-probe controlled:
1. Visual inspection of the exhaust system in order to check that there
are no leakages.
2. If appropriate, visual inspection of the emission control system in
order to check that the required equipment has been fitted.
After a reasonable period of eng ine conditioning(takingaccount of
the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations) the carbon monoxide(CO) content of the exhaust gases is measured when the engine isidling(no load).
The maximum permissible CO content in the exhaust gases is that
stated by the vehicle manufacturer. Where this information is notavailable or where Member States’ competent authorities decidenot to use it as a reference value, the CO content must not exceedthe following:
— for vehicles registered or put into service for the first time
between the date from which Member States required thevehicles to comply with Directive 70/220/EEC (
1) and 1
October 1986: CO — 4,5 % vol,
— for vehicles registered or put into service for the first time after
1 October 1986: CO — 3,5 % vol.
b) Where the exhaust emissions are controlled by an advanced emission
control system such as a three-way catalytic converter which islambda-probe controlled:
1. Visual inspection of the exhaust system in order to check that there
are no leakages and that all parts are complete.
2. Visual inspection of the emission control system in order to check
that the required equipment has been fitted.
3. Determination of the efficiency of the vehicle’s emission control
system by measuringthe lambda value and the CO content of theexhaust gases in accordance with section 4 or with the proceduresproposed by the manufacturers and approved at the time of type-approval. For each of the tests the engine is conditioned in accord-ance with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Exhaust pipe emissions — limit values
— Measurement at engine idling speed:
The maximum permissible CO content in the exhaust gases is
that stated by the vehicle manufacturer. Where this informationis not available, the maximum CO content must not exceed0,5 % vol.
— Measurement at high idle speed, engine speed to be at least
2 000 min
−1:
CO content: maximum 0,3 Vol. %,Lambda: 1 ± 0,03 in accordance with the manufacturer’s speci-
fications.
(1) Council Directive 70/220/EEC of 20 March 1970 on the approximation of the laws
of the Member States relatingto measures to be taken ag ainst air pollution by emis-sions from motor vehicles (OJ No L 76, 9. 3. 1970, p. 1) and corrigendum (OJ No L81, 11. 4. 1970, p. 15), as last amended by European Parliament and Council Direc-tive 94/12/EC (OJ No L 100, 19. 4. 1994, p. 42).
1996L0096 — EN — 06.06.1999 — 001.001 — 16
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8.2.2. Motor vehicles equipped with compression ignition (diesel) engines:
(a) Exhaust gas opacity to be measured during free acceleration (no load
from idle up to cut-off speed) with gear lever in neutral and clutchengaged.
(b) Vehicle preconditioning:
1. Vehicles may be tested without preconditioningalthoug h for safety
reasons checks should be made that the engine is warm and in asatisfactory mechanical condition.
2. Except as specified in subparagraph (d)(5), no vehicle will be
failed unless it has been preconditioned accordingto the followingrequirements.
3. Engine shall be fully warm, for instance the engine oil temperature
measured by a probe in the oil level dipstick tube to be at least80°C, or normal operatingtemperature if lower, or the eng ine
block temperature measured by the level of infrared radiation to beat least an equivalent temperature. If, owingto vehicle config ura-tion, this measurement is impractical, the establishment of theengine’s normal operating temperature may be made by othermeans, for example by the operation of the engine cooling fan.
4. Exhaust system shall be purged by at least three free acceleration
cycles or by an equivalent method.
(c) Test procedure:
1. Visual inspection of the relevant parts of the motor vehicle’s
emission system to check that there are no leaks.
2. Engine, and any turbocharger fitted, to be at idle before the start of
each free acceleration cycle. For heavy-duty diesels, this meanswaitingfor at least 10 seconds after the release of the throttle.
3. To initiate each free acceleration cycle, the throttle pedal must be
fully depressed quickly and continuously (in less than one second)but not violently, so as to obtain maximum delivery from theinjection pump.
4. Duringeach free acceleration cycle, the eng ine shall reach cut-off
speed or, for vehicles with automatic transmissions, the speedspecified by the manufacturer or if this data is not available thentwo thirds of the cut off speed, before the throttle is released. Thiscould be checked, for instance, by monitoringeng ine speed or byallowinga sufficient time to elapse between initial throttle depres-sion and release, which in the case of vehicles in categories 1 and2 of Annex I, should be at least two seconds.
(d) Limit values:
1. The level of concentration must not exceed the level recorded on
the plate pursuant to Council Directive 72/306/EEC (
2).
2. Where this information is not available or where Member States’
competent authorities decide not to use it as a reference, the limitvalues of the coefficient of absorption are as follows:
maximum coefficient of absorption for:— naturally aspirated diesel engines = 2,5 m
-1,
— turbo-charged diesel engines = 3,0 m-1
or equivalent values where use is made of equipment of a type
different from that used for EC type-approval.
3. Vehicles registered or put into service for the first time before 1
January 1980 are exempted from these requirements.
4. Vehicles shall only be failed if the arithmetic means of at least the
last three free acceleration cycles are in excess of the limit value.This may be calculated by ignoring any measurements that departsignificantly from the measured mean, or the result of any otherstatistical calculation that takes account of the scatteringof themeasurements. Member States may limit the maximum number oftest cycles.
5. To avoid unneccessary testing, Member States may, by way of
exception from the provisions of paragraph 8.2.2(d)(4), failvehicles which have measured values significantly in excess of thelimit values after less than three free acceleration cycles or afterthe purging cycles (or equivalent) specified in subparagraph (b)(3).Equally to avoid unneccessary testing, Member States may, byway of exception from the provisions of paragraph 8.2.2(d)(4),pass vehicles which have measured values significantly below the
1996L0096 — EN — 06.06.1999 — 001.001 — 17
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VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND 3 VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND 6limit values after less than three free acceleration cycles or after
the purging cycles (or equivalent) specified in subpragraph (b)(3).
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8.2.3. Test equipement
Vehicle emissions are tested usingequipment desig ned to establish accu-
rately whether the limit values prescribed or indicated by the manufacturerhave been complied with.
8.2.4. Where, duringEC type-approval, a type of vehicle is found not to have
satisfied the limit values laid down by this Directive, the Member Statesmay lay down higher limit values for that type of vehicle on the basis ofproof supplied by the manufacturer. They must forthwith inform theCommission thereof and it in turn must inform the other Member States.
8.3. Suppression of radio interference
9. Supplementary tests for public transport
vehicles
9.1. Emergency exit(s) (including hammers forbreakingwindows), sig ns indicatingemerg encyexit(s)
9.2. Heatingsystem
9.3. Ventilation system
9.4. Seat layout
9.5. Interior lighting
10. Vehicle identification 10. Vehicle identification
10.1. Registration plate 10.1. Registration plate
10.2. Chassis number 10.2. Chassis number
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Deadlines
Directive
for transposition for implementationANNEXIII
PART A
Repealed Directives
(referred to in Article 10)
Council Directive 77/143/EEC of 29 December 1976 on the approximation of the
laws of the Member states relatingto roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles andtheir trailers and the Directives amendingthat Directive:
— Council Directive 88/449/EEC,
— Council Directive 91/225/EEC,— Council Directive 91/328/EEC,— Council Directive 92/54/EEC,— Council Directive 92/55/EEC,— Commission Directive 94/23/EC.
PART B
77/143/EEC
(OJ No L 47, 18. 2. 1977, p. 47)31 December 1977 31 December 1977
88/449/EEC(OJ No L 222, 12. 8. 1988, p. 10) 28 July 1990 28 July 1990
91/225/EEC(OJ No L 103, 23. 4. 1991, p. 3) 1 January 1992 1 January 1992
91/328/EEC(OJ No L 178, 6. 7. 1991, p. 29) 1 July 1993 1 July 1993
92/54/EEC(OJ No L 225, 10. 8. 1992, p. 63) 22 June 1993 22 June 1993
92/55/EEC
(OJ No L 225, 10. 8. 1992, p. 68)22 June 1993
for the vehicles referred to in section 8.2.1 (a)
of Annex II:1 January 1994
for the vehicles referred to in section 8.2.2 of
Annex II:1 January 1996
for the vehicles referred to in section 8.2.1 (b)of Annex II: 1 January 1997
94/23/EC
(OJ No L 147, 14. 6. 1994, p. 6)1 January 1997 1 January 1997
1996L0096 — EN — 06.06.1999 — 001.001 — 19▼B
This Directive 77/143/EEC 88/449/EEC 91/225/EEC 91/328/EEC 92/54/EEC 92/55/EEC 94/23/ECANNEXIV
CORRELATION TABLE No 1
(enacting terms)
Article 1 (1) Article 1
Article 1 (2) Article 2 (1)
Article 2 Article 4
Article 3 (1) (1) Article 5 (1)
Article 3 (1) (2) Article 5 (2)
Article 3 (2) Article 5 (3)
Article 3 (3) Article 2
Article 4 (1) Article 2 (2)
Article 4 (2) Article 2 (3)
Article 4 (3) Article 4
Article 5 (indents 1to
6)Article 3
Article 5 (indent 7) Article 3
Article 6 (1) Article 7 (1) Article 1 (1)
Article 6 (2) Article 1 (1)
Article 7 (1) and (2) Article 1
Article 8 (1) to (4) Article 1
Article 9 (1) Article 3
Article 9 (2)
Article 10
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This Directive 77/143/EEC 88/449/EEC 91/225/EEC 91/328/EEC 92/54/EEC 92/55/EEC 94/23/EC
Article 11 (1) Article 6 Article 2 (1) Article 2 (1) Article 2 (1) Article 2 (1) Article 2
(1 to 3)Article 5 (1)
Article 11 (2) Article 2 (2) Article 2 (2) Article 2 (2) Article 2 (2) Article 5 (2)
Article 11 (3)
Article 12 Article 2 (4)
Article 13
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This Directive 77/143/EEC 88/449/EEC 91/225/EEC 91/328/EEC 92/54/EEC 92/55/EEC 94/23/ECCORRELATION TABLE No 2
(vehicle categories subject to roadworthiness tests)
Annex I Annex I
category 1 category 1
category 2 category 2
category 3 category 3
category 4 category 4
category 5 Article 1 (2)
category 6 Article 1 (2)
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This Directive 77/143/EEC 88/449/EEC 91/225/EEC 91/328/EEC 92/54/EEC 92/55/EEC 94/23/ECCORRELATION TABLE No 3
(items to be checked/tested)
Annex II(*) Annex II
Introductory note 1 Introductory note 1
Introductory note 2 Article 1 (1)
Introductory note 3 Article 1 (1)
Point 1
Point 1.2Article 1 (1)
Point 1.2.1
Point 1.2.2Article 1
Point 1.3
Point 1.3.1Article 1 (1)
Point 1.3.2 Article 1
Point 1.4
Point 1.4.1Article 1 (1)
Point 1.4.2 Article 1
Point 1.5
Point 1.6Article 1 (1)
Point 2
Point 7.8Article 1 (3)
Point 7.9
(title)
(indents 1to 3)Article 1 (3)
Point 7.10
(indents 1to 3)
Point 8
Point 8.1Article 1 (3)
Point 8.2
Point 8.2.4Article 1 (1)
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This Directive 77/143/EEC 88/449/EEC 91/225/EEC 91/328/EEC 92/54/EEC 92/55/EEC 94/23/EC
Point 8.3
Point 10.2Article 1 (3)
(*) N.B.:Category 4 (taxis and ambulances) is transferred from the left-hand column to the right-hand one (with categories 5 and 6) in Annex ΙΙ.