1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 1
This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents
►B COUNCILDIRECTIVE96/96/EC
of20December 1996
ontheapproximationofthelawsoftheMemberStatesrelatingtoroadworthinesstestsformotor
vehiclesandtheirtrailers
(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
►M2Commission Directive 2001/9/EC of 12 February 2001 L 48 18 17.2.2001
►M3Commission Directive 2001/11/EC of 14 February 2001 L 48 20 17.2.2001
►M4Commission Directive 2003/27/EC of 3 April 2003 L 90 41 8.4.2003
Corrected by:
►C1Corrigendum, OJ L 49, 25.2.1999, p. 46 (96/96/EC)
▼B
COUNCILDIRECTIVE96/96/EC
of20December 1996
on the approximationof the lawsofthe Member States relating to
roadworthinesstestsformotorvehiclesandtheirtrailers
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, andin particular Article 75 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (
1),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social
Committee (2),
Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189c of
the Treaty (3),
(1)WhereasCouncil Directive 77/143/EEC of 29 December 1976
on the approximation of the lawsof the Member Statesrelating
to roadworthiness 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 Directiveshould, for reasons 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 under
the most favourable circumstances as regards both safety and
competitive conditionsapplying to carriersin the MemberStates;
(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 testing vary fromone Member State to another and thiss ituation affectstheequivalence of safety and environmental performance levels of
tested vehicles operating in the Member States; whereas, more-
over, this state of affairs is likely to disturb the conditionsgoverning competition between transport undertakings of thevariousMember 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 testing during the life cycle of a vehicle should be rela-
tively simple, quick and inexpensive;
(7)Whereasthe minimum Community s tandardsand methodsto beused for testing the items listed in Annex II should therefore be
defined 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 cooperation
between the Member States and the Commission within a
committee on the adaptation to technical progress of roadworthi-ness tests;1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 2
(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 Commission
Directive 94/23/EC (OJ No L 147, 14. 6. 1994, p. 6).
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(10)Whereas with regard to braking systems it would be premature
to set values for air pressure settings and build-up times, etc.,
given the variance in the equipment and methodswithin theCommunity;
(11)Whereasit isthe intention to amend thisDirective further s o asto include a harmoniousand improved tes t 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 braking requirements;
(13)Whereas each Member State must ensure, within its own area of
jurisdiction, that roadworthiness tests are conducted methodically
and to a high standard;
(14)Whereas the Commission should verify the practical applicationof thisDirective and report to the European Parliament and theCouncil at regular intervalson itsfindings ;
(15)Whereasit isrecognized by all concerned with vehicle tes tingthat the method of testing and, in particular, whether the vehicleistes ted in a laden, part-laden or unladen condition, can influ-ence the degree of confidence testers have as to theroadworthiness of the braking system;
(16)Whereasthe pres cription of brake force reference valuesforvariousladen conditionsfor each vehicle model would helprestore that confidence; whereas this Directive enables testingunder this regime as an alternative to testing against minimumperformance valuesfor each vehicle category;
(17)Whereas with regard to braking systems the scope of this Direc-tive relatesin the main to vehicleswhich have been grantedcomponent type-approval in accordance with Directive 71/320/EEC (
1) although it isrecognized that certain typesof vehicle
have been granted such approval in accordance with national
standards which may differ from the requirements of this Direc-
tive;
(18)WhereasMember Statesmay extend the s cope of the brakingtest to include vehicles or test items outside the scope of thisDirective;
(19)Whereas Member States may make the braking test more strin-gent or increase the frequency of testing;
(20)Whereas this Directive is intended to maintain emissions at alow level throughout the useful life of a vehicle by means of
regular exhaust emission tests and to ensure that vehicles which
are major pollutersare withdrawn from s ervice until they arebrought to a proper state of maintenance;
(21)Whereasbad tuning and inadequate maintenance are detrimentalnot only to the engine but also to the environment since they
cause increased pollution and fuel consumption; whereas it is
important 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 tobe an adequate indicator of the condition of the vehicle'ss tate
of maintenance, with regard to emissions;
(23)Whereas for positive-ignition (petrol) engines measurement of
carbon monoxide emissions from the exhaust pipe when theengine isidling isdeemed to be an adequate indicator of thevehicle's state of maintenance, with regard to emissions;1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 3
(1) Council Directive 71/320/EEC of 26 July 1971 on the approximation of the
lawsof the Member Statesrelating to the braking devicesof certain cate-
goriesof motor vehiclesand their trailers(OJ No L 202, 6. 9. 1971, p.
37). Directive aslas t amended by Directive 91/422/EEC (OJ No L 233, 22.
8. 1991, p. 21).
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(24)Whereas the failure rate in exhaust-emission tests for vehicles
which have not been regularly maintained may well be high;
(25)Whereasin the cas e of petrol-engined vehiclesfor which the
type-approval standards specify that they must be equipped withadvanced emission control systems such as three-way catalyticconverterswhich are lambda-probe controlled, the regular emis -
sion test standards must be more stringent than for conventional
vehicles;
(26)WhereasMember Statesmay, if appropriate, exclude from thescope of this Directive certain vehicles that are considered to beof historic interest; whereas they may also establish their own
testing standards for such vehicles; whereas, however, such a
right 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 to
time to take account of developmentsin vehicle cons truction
which facilitate in-service testing and in test methods whichreflect more closely the actual conditions in which a vehicle isused;
(28)WhereasCouncil Directive 92/6/EEC (1) requiresthe ins tallation
and use of speed limitation devices in certain categories of road
vehicles;
(29)Whereaspending developmentsin the technology of s peed-
limitation deviceswhich would make it eas ier to monitor them,certain parts of such devices may nevertheless already undergo aseries of checks at the roadworthiness test where this is possible;
(30)Whereasthe correct functioning of s peed limitation devicesiscurrently left to Member Statesto determine us ing whatevermeansthey cons ider to be appropriate; whereasit isthe intentionto harmonize the test methods and standards in due course;
(31)Whereas the Commission should assess in-service checks on thecorrect functioning of speed-limitation devices and submit areport to the Council; whereasthe conclus ionsof that reportwill form the basis of any further proposals for changes in therules applicable to speed-limitation devices;
(32)Whereastechnical requirementsrelating to taxisand ambulancesare similar to those for private cars; whereas the items to bechecked may therefore be similar, although the frequency oftests is different;
(33)Whereasin view of the expected impact of thisDirective on the
sector 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 roadhauliersand to guarantee that vehiclesare properly checked andmaintained; whereasthes e aimscould not be achieved in full by
the Member Statesacting individually;
(34)WhereasthisDirective makesno difference to the obligationsof
the Member States concerning the deadlines for transpositioninto national law and for implementation of the Directiveswhichhave been repealed,1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 4
(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 in the
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 vehiclesregis tered in that State and
their trailers and semi-trailers shall undergo periodic roadworthinesstests in accordance with this Directive and in particular its Annexes I
and II.
2. The categoriesof vehiclesto be tes ted, the frequency of the road-
worthiness tests and the items which must be tested are listed inAnnexesI 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 theState or by bodies or establishments designated and directly supervisedby the State, including duly authorized private bodies. In particular,when establishments designated as vehicle testing centres also performmotor vehicle repairs, Member States shall make every effort to ensure
the objectivity 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 roadworthinesstest complying with 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 Stateshowing that a motor vehicle registered on the territory of that otherState, together with its trailer or semi-trailer, have passed a roadworthi-
ness test complying with at least the provisions of this Directive.
3. Member States shall apply suitable procedures to establish, as far
aspracticable, that the brake performance of the vehiclesregis tered intheir territory meetsthe requirementss pecified in thisDirective.
CHAPTER II
Exceptionsandderogations
Article 4
1. Member States shall have the right to exclude from the scope of
thisDirective vehiclesbelonging to the armed forces , the forcesof lawand order and the fire service.
2. Member States may, after consulting the Commission, exclude
from the scope of this Directive or subject to special provisions, certainvehiclesoperated or us ed in exceptional conditionsand vehicleswhichare never, or hardly ever, used on public highways, including vehiclesof historic interest manufactured before 1 January 1960 or which are
temporarily withdrawn from circulation.
3. Member States may, after consulting the Commission, set their
own testing standards for vehicles considered to be of historic interest.
Article 5
Notwithstanding the provisions of Annexes I and II, Member States
may:
— bring forward the date for the first compulsory roadworthiness test
and, where appropriate, submit the vehicle for testing prior to regis-tration,1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 5
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— shorten the interval between two successive compulsory tests,
— make the testing of 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 vehiclesregis tered on their territory higher minimum
standards for braking efficiency than those specified in Annex IIand may include a test on vehicles with heavier loads provided
such requirements 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 Statesmay:
— postpone the date of the first compulsory roadworthiness test,
— extend the interval between two successive compulsory roadworthi-
ness tests,
— reduce the number of itemsto be tes ted,— amend the categories of vehicles subject to compulsory roadworthi-
ness tests,
provided that all the light commercial vehiclesreferred to in s ection 5
of Annex I are required to undergo roadworthiness tests in accordancewith thisDirective before that date.
However, in Member States where there was no system of regular
roadworthiness testing comparable to that intended by this Directive
for thiscategory of vehiclesasat 28 July 1988, paragraph 1 s hall apply
until 1 January 1995.
2. With regard to the private carsreferred to in s ection 6 of Annex I,
paragraph 1 shall apply until 1 January 1994.
However, in Member States where there was no system of regular
roadworthiness testing comparable to that intended by this Directivefor thiscategory of vehiclesasat 31 December 1991, paragraph 1 s hallapply until 1 January 1998.
CHAPTER III
Finalprovisions
Article 7
1. The Council, acting by a qualified majority on a proposal from
the Commission, shall adopt the separate Directives necessary to definethe minimum standards and methods for testing the items listed inAnnex II.
2. Any amendments which are necessary to adapt the standards and
methods defined in the separate Directives to technical progress shallbe adopted 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 vehiclesand their trailers , hereinafter referred to asthe‘Committee’, which shall consist of representatives of the Member
States with a representative 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 shall
deliver itsopinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairmanmay lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinionshall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of theTreaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopton a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 6
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the Member Stateswithin the Committee s hall be weighted in the
manner set out in the abovementioned Article. The chairman shall notvote.
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 relating to
the measures to be taken. The Council shall act by a qualified
majority.
If, within three months of the submission of the proposal to the
Council, the Council has not acted, the proposed measures shall
be 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 testing
of private cars, accompanied by any proposal deemed necessary, withparticular reference to the frequency and content of tests.
2. No later than three yearsafter the introduction of regular tes ting
of speed limitation devices, the Commission shall examine whether, onthe basis of the experience gained, the tests laid down are sufficient to
detect defective or manipulated speed limitation devices or whether the
rulesneed to be amended.
Article 10
The Directiveslis ted in Annex III, Part A are hereby repealed asfrom
the date indicated in Article 11, without prejudice to the obligationsofthe Member States concerning the deadlines for transposition andimplementation set out in Annex III, Part B.
References to the repealed Directives shall be construed as reference to
thisDirective and s hould be read in accordance with the correlation
tabless et out in Annex IV.
Article 11
1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and
administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive no
later than 9 March 1998. They shall forthwith inform the Commissionthereof.
When Member States adopt these provisions, they shall contain a refer-
ence to thisDirective or be accompanied by s uch reference at the timeof their official publication. The methodsof making s uch referenceshall be 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
by thisDirective.
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
ThisDirective s hall enter into force on the 20th day following that of
itspublication in the Official Journal of the European Communities .
Article 13
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 7
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ANNEX I
CATEGORIES OF VEHICLES SUBJECT TO ROADWORTHINESS
TESTSANDFREQUENCYOFTHETESTS
Categoriesof vehicle Frequency of tes ts
1. Motor vehiclesus ed for the
carriage of passengers and with more
than eight seats, excluding the driver's
seatOne year after the date on which the
vehicle was first used, and thereafter
annually
2. Motor vehiclesus ed for the
carriage of goodsand having a
maximum permissible mass exceeding
3 500 kgOne year after the date on which the
vehicle was first used, and thereafter
annually
3. Trailersand s emi-trailerswith a
maximum permissible mass exceeding
3 500 kgOne year after the date on which the
vehicle was first used, and thereafter
annually
4. Taxis, ambulances One year after the date on which the
vehicle was first used, and thereafter
annually
5. Motor vehicleshaving at leas t four
wheels, normally used for the road
carriage of goodsand with a
maximum permissible mass not
exceeding 3 500 kg, excluding agri-
cultural tractorsand machineryFour yearsafter the date on which the
vehicle was first used, and thereafter
every two years
6. Motor vehicleshaving at leas t four
wheels, used for the carriage of
passengers and with not more than
eight seats excluding the driver's seat►C1Four yearsafter the date on
which the vehicle was first used, and
thereafter every two years ◄1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 8
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ANNEX II
ITEMSTOBECOMPULSORILYTESTED
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
State concerned.
The tests covered by this Annex may be carried out visually without disas-
sembly of vehicle parts.
Where the vehicle isfound to be defective with regard to the tes t itemsbelow,
the competent authoritiesin the Member Statesmus t adopt a procedure for
setting the conditions under which the vehicle may be used before passing
another roadworthiness test.
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 AND 6
1.Brakingsystems
The following items are to be included in the roadworthiness test of vehicle
braking systems. The test results achieved during the checks on the braking
systems must be equivalent as far as is practicable to the technical requirements
of Directive 71/320/EEC (1).
Items to be checked/tested Reasons for failure
1.1. Mechanical condition and opera-tion
1.1.1. Footbrake pedal pivot — too tight
— bearing worn— excessive wear/play
1.1.2. Pedal condition and travel of
the brake operating device— excessive or insufficient reserve
travel
— brake control not releasing
correctly
— anti-slip provision on brake pedal
missing, loose or worn smooth
1.1.3. Vacuum pump or compressor
and reservoirs— time taken to build up air pres-
sure/vacuum for the effective
operation of the brakesisexces -
sive
— insufficient air pressure/vacuum to
give assistance for at least two
applicationsof the brake after the
warning device hasoperated (or
gauge shows unsafe reading)
— air leak causing a noticeable drop
in pressure or audible air leaks
1.1.4. Low pressure warning indicator
or gauge— malfunctioning or 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
— connectionsloos e or leak in
system
— unsatisfactory operation1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 9
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Items to be checked/tested Reasons for failure
1.1.6. Parking brake, lever control,
parking brake ratchet— parking brake ratchet not holding
correctly
— excessive wear at lever pivot or
ratchet mechanism
— excessive movement of lever indi-
cating incorrect adjustment
1.1.7. Braking valves(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 pres-
sure 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 ineffec-
tive
— master cylinder defective or
leaking
— master cylinder insecure— insufficient quantity of brake fluid— master cylinder reservoir cap
missing
— brake fluid warning lamp illumi-
nated or defective
— incorrect functioning of brake
fluid level warning device
1.1.11. Rigid brake pipes— ris k of failure or fracture
— leaksfrom pipesor connectionsto
coupling
— damaged or excessively corroded— misplaced
1.1.12. Flexible brake hoses — risk of failure or fracture
— damaged, chafing, brake hoses too
short, twisted
— leaksfrom hos esor 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— cablesdamaged, knotted
— excessively worn or corroded— cable or rod joint insecure— cable guide defective— any restriction to free movement
of the braking system
— any abnormal movement of levers/
rods/linkage indicating maladjust-
ment or excessive wear1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 10
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Items to be checked/tested Reasons for failure
1.1.16. Brake actuators(including
spring brakes or hydraulic wheel
cylinders)— cracked or damaged
— leaking
— insecure/inadequate mounting— excessively corroded— excessive travel of operating
piston or diaphragm mechanism
— dust protection cover missing or
excessively damaged
1.1.17. Load sensing valve — defective linkage
— incorrect adjustment
— seized, not working— missing
1.1.18. Automatic slack adjusters in-
dicating— seized or abnormal movement,
excessive wear or wrong adjust-
ment
— 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 in-
creased to maximum effort)— inadequate braking effort on one
or more wheels
— braking effort from any wheel is
less than 70 % of the highest
recorded effort from another
wheel on the same axle. In the
case of brake testing on the road,
the vehicle'sdeviation from a
straight line is excessive
— no gradual variation of brake
effort (grabbing)
— abnormal time lag in brake opera-
tion at any wheel
— excessive fluctuation of brake
effort due to distorted discs or
oval drums
1.2.2. Efficiency — a braking ratio which relatesto the
maximum authorized mass or, in
the case of semi-trailers, to the
sum of the authorized axle loads
where practicable, less than the
following:
minimum braking efficiency
category 1: 50 % (
2)
category 2: 43 % (3)
category 3: 40 % (4)
category 4: 50 %category 5: 45 % (
5)
category 6: 50 %
—o r
a braking effort less than the refer-
ence valuesif s pecified by the
vehicle manufacturer for the
vehicle axle (6)
1.3. Secondary (emergency) brake
performance and efficiency (if met
by separate system)1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 11
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Items to be checked/tested Reasons for failure
1.3.1. Performance — brake inoperative on one side
— braking effort from any wheel is
less than 70 % of the highest
recorded effort from another
wheel on the same axle
— no gradual variation of efficiency
(grabbing)
— automatic brake system not
working in the case of trailers
1.3.2. Efficiency — for all vehicle categories, a
braking ratio less than 50 % (7)o f
the service brake performance
defined in 1.2.2 in relation to the
maximum authorized mass or, in
the case of semi-trailers, to the
sum of the authorized axle loads
1.4. Parking brake 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 maximum author-
ized mass, or, for motor vehicles,
less than 12 % in relation to the
maximum authorized combination
mass of the vehicle, whichever is
greater
1.5. Retarder or exhaust brake system
performance— 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 lawsof the
Member Statesrelating to the braking devicesof certain categoriesof motor vehicles
and their trailers(OJ No L 202, 6. 9. 1971, p. 37). Directive aslas t amended by Direc-
tive 91/422/EEC (OJ No L 233, 22. 8. 1991, p. 21).
(2) 48 % for category 1 vehiclesnot fitted with ABS, or type-approved before 1 October
1991 (date of prohibition of first putting into circulation without EC component type-approval) (Directive 71/320/EEC, as amended by Commission Directive 88/194/EEC,
(OJ No L 92, 9. 4. 1988, p. 47).
(
3) 45 % for vehiclesregis tered after 1988 or from the date of application of Directive 71/
320/EEC, asamended by Commis s ion 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, asamended by Commis s ion Directive 85/647/
EEC, under Member States' national legislation, whichever is the later..
(5) 50 % for category 5 vehiclesregis tered after 1988 or from the date of application of
Directive 71/320/EEC, asamended by Commis s ion Directive 85/647/EEC, underMember States' national legislation, whichever is the later.
(
6) The reference value for the vehicle axle isthe braking effort (expres s ed in newtons )
necessary to achieve this minimum prescribed braking force at the particular weightthat the vehicle ispres ented.
(
7) For categories 2 and 5 vehicles the minimum secondary brake performance must be
2,2 m/s2(asthe s econdary brake performance wasnot covered by Directive 71/320/
EEC, as amended by Commission Directive 85/647/EEC).1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 12
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VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND
3VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND
6
2.Steeringandsteeringwheel 2.Steering
2.1. Mechanical condition 2.1. Mechanical condition
2.2. Steering wheel 2.2. Steering play
2.3. Steering play 2.3. Steering system attachment
2.4. Wheel bearings
3.Visibility 3.Visibility3.1. Field of vision 3.1. Field of vision
3.2. Condition of glass 3.2. Condition of glass
3.3. Rear-view mirrors3.3. Rear-view mirrors
3.4. Windscreen wipers 3.4. Windscreen wipers
3.5. Screenwashers 3.5. Screenwashers
4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical
equipment4.Lightingequipment
4.1. Main and dipped-beam head-
lamps4.1. Main and dipped-beam head-
lamps
4.1.1. Condition and operation 4.1.1. Condition and operation
4.1.2. Alignment 4.1.2. Alignment
4.1.3. Switches4.1.3. Switches4.1.4. Visual efficiency
4.2. Side lampsand end-outline
marker lamps4.2. Condition and operation, condi-
tion of lenses, colour and visual effi-
ciency 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. Reserving lamps
4.2.5. Fog lamps
4.2.6. Rear registration plate lamps
4.2.7. Retro reflectors4.2.8. Hazard warning lamps
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. Flashing frequency
4.5. Front and rear fog lamps
4.5.1. Position
4.5.2. Condition and operation
4.5.3. Colour and visual efficiency
4.6. Reversing lamps
4.6.1. Condition and operation1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 13
▼B
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND
3VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND
6
4.6.2. Colour and visual efficiency
4.7. Rear registration plate lamp
4.8. Retro reflectors
— condition and colour
4.9. Telltales4.10. Electrical connectionsbetween
drawing vehicle and trailer or semi-
trailer
4.11. Electrical wiring
5.Axles,wheels,tyres,suspension 5.Axles,wheels,tyres,suspension5.1. Axles5.1. Axles5.2. Wheelsand tyres 5.2. Wheelsand tyres
5.3. Suspension 5.3. Suspension
6.Chassisandchassisattachments 6.Chassisandchassisattachments6.1. 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 pipes6.1.3. Fuel tank or pipes
6.1.4. Geometric propertiesand
condition of rear protective device,
heavy lorries6.1.4. Spare-wheel carrier
6.1.5. Spare-wheel carrier 6.1.5. Security of coupling mechanism
(if fitted)
6.1.6. Coupling mechanism on
drawing vehicles, trailers and semi-
trailers
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. Doorsand locks
6.2.3. Doorsand locks
6.2.4. Floor
6.2.5. Driver'ss eat6.2.6. Running boards
7.Otherequipment 7.Otherequipment
7.1. Safety belts7.1. Mounting of driver's s eat7.2. Fire extinguisher 7.2. Mounting of battery7.3. Locksand anti-theft device 7.3. Audible warning device
7.4. Warning triangle 7.4. Warning triangle
7.5. First-aid kit 7.5. Safety belts
7.5.1. Security of mountings
7.5.2. Condition of belts
7.5.3. Operation1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 14
▼B
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND
3VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND
6
7.6. Wheel chock(s)
7.7. Audible warning device
7.8. Speedometer
7.9. Tachograph (presence of, and
integrity of seals)
— check validity of tachograph plate
if required by Regulation (EEC)
No 3821/85 (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 meansof
protecting the connectionsagains t
fraudulent manipulation are intact
7.10. Speed limitation device
— where possible, check whether
speed limiter is fitted as required
by Directive 92/6/EEC (2)
— check validity of speed limiter
plate
— where practical, check that the
seals of the speed limiter and,
where appropriate, any other
meansof protecting the connec-
tionsagains t fraudulent manipula-
tion are intact
►M4— check wherever practical
that the speed limitation device
preventsvehiclesmentioned in
Article 2 and Article 3 of Direc-
tive 92/6/EEC from exceeding the
prescribed values ◄
8.Nuisance 8.Nuisance8.1. Noise 8.1. Noise
(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 CommissionRegulation (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 devicesfor certain categoriesof motor vehiclesin the Community (OJ No L57, 2. 3. 1992, p. 27).
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 AND 6
8.2. Exhaust emissions
8.2.1. Motor vehiclesequipped with pos itive-ignition enginesand fuelled by
petrol
(a) Where the exhaust emissions are not controlled by an advanced emis-
sion control system such as a three-way catalytic converter that is
lambda-probe controlled:
1. Visual inspection of the exhaust system in order to check that it is
complete and in a satisfactory condition and that there are no
leaks.1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 15
▼M4
▼M4
2. Visual inspection of any emission control equipment fitted by the
manufacturer in order to check that it is complete and in a satis-
factory condition and that there are no leaks.
After a reasonable period of engine conditioning (taking account
of manufacturer'srecommendations ) the carbon monoxide (CO)
content of the exhaust gases is measured when the engine is idling
(no load).
The maximum permissible CO content in the exhaust gases is that
stated by the vehicle manufacturer. Where this information is not
available or where the Member States' competent authorities
decide not to use it as a reference value, the CO content must
not exceed the following:
(i) for vehicles registered or put into service for the first time
between the date from which Member Statesrequired the
vehiclesto comply with Directive 70/220/EEC (1) and 1
October 1986: CO — 4,5 % vol.
(ii) For vehicles registered or put into service for the first time
after 1 October 1986 — 3,5 % vol.
(b) Where the exhaust emissions are controlled by an advanced emission
control system such as a three-way catalytic converter that is lambda-
probe controlled:
1. Visual inspection of the exhaust system in order to check that it is
complete and in a satisfactory condition and that there are no
leaks.
2. Visual inspection of any emission control equipment fitted by the
manufacturer in order to check that it is complete and in a satis-
factory condition and that there are no leaks.
3. Determination of the efficiency of the vehicle's emission control
system by measuring the lambda value and the CO content of the
exhaust gases in accordance with section 4 or with the procedures
proposed by the manufacturers and approved at the time of type-
approval. For each of the tests the engine is conditioned in accor-
dance with the vehicle manufacturer'srecommendations .
4. Exhaust pipe emissions — limit values
The maximum permissible CO content in the exhaust gases is that
stated by the vehicle manufacturer. Where this information is not
available the CO content must not exceed the following:
(i) Measurement at engine idling speed:
The maximum permissible CO content in the exhaust gases
must not exceed 0,5 % vol. and for vehicles that have been
type-approved according to the limit valuess hown in row A
or row B of the table in section 5.3.1.4. of Annex I to Direc-
tive 70/220/EEC, asamended by Directive 98/69/EC (2)o r
later amendmentsthe maximum CO content mus t not exceed
0,3 % vol. Where identification to Directive 70/220/EEC, as
amended by Directive 98/69/EC is not possible then the
above shall apply to vehicles registered or first put into
service after 1 July 2002.
(ii) Measurement at high idle speed (no load), engine speed to be
at least 2 000 min-1:
CO content: maximum 0,3 % vol. and for vehiclesthat have
been type-approved according to the limit valuess hown in
row A or row B of the table in section 5.3.1.4. of Annex I
to Directive 70/220/EEC, asamended by Directive 98/69/EC
or later amendmentsthe maximum CO content mus t not
exceed 0,2 % vol. Where identification to Directive 70/220/
EEC, as amended by Directive 98/69/EC is not possible then
the above shall apply to vehicles registered or first put into
service after 1 July 2002.
Lambda: 1± 0,03 or in accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications.
(iii) For motor vehiclesequipped with on-board diagnos tic
systems (OBD) in accordance with Directive 70/220/EEC (as
amended by Directive 98/69/EC and subsequent amendments)
Member States may as an alternative to the test specified in
item (i) establish the correct functioning of the emission1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 16
(1) OJ L 76, 9.3.1970, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 350, 28.12.1998, p. 1.
▼M4
system through the appropriate reading of the OBD device
and the simultaneous checking of the proper functioning of
the OBD system.
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 clutch
engaged.
(b) Vehicle preconditioning:
1. Vehiclesmay be tes ted without preconditioning although for
safety reasons checks should be made that the engine is warm
and in a satisfactory mechanical condition.
2. Except as specified in subparagraph (d)(5), no vehicle will be
failed unless it has been preconditioned according to the following
requirements:
(i) Engine shall be fully warm, for instance the engine oil
temperature measured by a probe in the oil level dipstick
tube to be at least 80 ºC, or normal operating temperature if
lower, or the engine block temperature measured by the level
of infrared radiation to be at least an equivalent temperature.
If, owing to vehicle configuration, thismeas urement is
impractical, the establishment of the engine's normal operating
temperature may be made by other means, for example by the
operation of the engine cooling fan.
(ii) Exhaust system shall be purged by at least three free accelera-
tion cyclesor by an equivalent method.
(c) Test procedure:
1. Visual inspection of any emission control equipment fitted by the
manufacturer in order to check that it is complete and in a satis-
factory condition and 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 means
waiting for 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 the
injection pump.
4. During each free acceleration cycle, the engine shall reach cut-off
speed or, for vehicles with automatic transmissions, the speed
specified by the manufacturer or if this data is not available then
two thirds of the cut-off speed, before the throttle is released. This
could be checked, for instance, by monitoring engine speed or by
allowing a sufficient time to elapse between initial throttle depres-
sion and release, which in the case of vehicles of category 1 and 2
of Annex 1, 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 Directive 72/306/EEC (1).
2. Where thisinformation isnot available or where Member States '
competent authoritiesdecide not to us e it asa reference, the level
of concentration must not exceed the level stated by the manufac-
turer or the limit valuesof the coefficient of abs orption that are as
follows:
Maximum coefficient of absorption for:
— naturally aspirated diesel engines = 2,5 m-1
— turbo-charged diesel engines = 3,0 m-1
— a limit of 1,5 m-1shall apply to the following vehicles that
have been type-approved according to the limit valuess hown
in:
(a) row B of the table in section 5.3.1.4 of Annex I to Direc-
tive 70/220/EEC, asamended by Directive 98/69/EC —
(Light Duty Vehicle Diesel — Euro4);1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 17
(1) OJ L 190, 20.8.1972, p. 1.
▼M4
(b) row B1 of the tablesin s ection 6.2.1 of Annex I to Direc-
tive 88/77/EEC, asamended by Directive 1999/96/EC (1)
— (Heavy Duty Vehicle Diesel — Euro4);
(c) row B2 of the tablesin s ection 6.2.1 of Annex I to Direc-
tive 88/77/EEC, asamended by Directive 1999/96/EC —
(Heavy Duty Vehicle Diesel — Euro5);
(d) row C of the tablesin s ection 6.2.1 of Annex I to Direc-
tive 88/77/EEC, asamended by Directive 1999/96/EC —
(Heavy Duty Vehicle — EEV)
or limit valuesin later amendmentsof Directive 70/220/
EEC asamended by Directive 98/69/EC, or limit values
in later amendmentsof Directive 88/77/EEC asamended
by Directive 1999/96/EC, or equivalent valueswhere us e
ismade of equipment of a type different from that us ed
for EC type-approval.
Where identification to section 5.3.1.4 of Annex I to
Directive 70/220/EEC, asamended by Directive 98/69/EC
or to section 6.2.1 of Annex I to Directive 88/77/EEC, as
amended by Directive 1999/96/EC is not possible then the
above shall apply to vehicles registered or first put into
service after 1 July 2008.
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.
Thismay be calculated by ignoring any meas urement that departs
significantly from the measured mean, or the result of any other
statistical calculation that takes account of the scattering of the
measurements. Member States may limit the number of test
cycles.
5. To avoid unnecessary testing, Member States may, by way of
exception from the provisions of paragraph 8.2.2(d)(4), fail vehi-
cles which have measured values significantly in excess of the
limit valuesafter les sthan three free acceleration cyclesor after
the purging cycles (or equivalent) specified in subparagraph
8.2.2(b)2(ii). Equally to avoid unnecessary testing, Member States
may, by way of exception from the provisions of 8.2.2(d)(4) pass
vehicles which have measured values significantly below the
limitsafter les sthan three free acceleration cyclesor after the
purging cycles (or equivalent) specified in subparagraph
8.2.2(b)2(ii).
8.2.3. Test equipment
Vehicle emissions are tested using equipment designed to establish accu-
rately whether the limit valuespres cribed or indicated by the
manufacturer have been complied with.
8.2.4. Where, during EC type-approval, a type of vehicle isfound not to have
satisfied the limit values laid down by this directive, the Member States
may lay down higher limit valuesfor that type of vehicle on the bas isof
proof supplied by the manufacturer. They must forthwith inform the
Commission thereof and it in turn must inform the other Member States.
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND
3VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND
6
8.3. Suppression of radio interference
9. Supplementary tests for public
transportvehicles
9.1. Emergency exit(s) (including
hammersfor breaking windows ),
signs indicating emergency exit(s)
9.2. Heating system9.3. Ventilation system1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 18
(1) OJ L 44, 16.2.2000, p. 1.▼B
▼B
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND
3VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND
6
9.4. Seat layout
9.5. Interior lighting
10.Vehicleidentification 10.Vehicleidentification
10.1. Registration plate 10.1. Registration plate10.2. Chassis number 10.2. Chassis number1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 19
▼B
ANNEX III
PARTA
RepealedDirectives
(referred toinArticle10)
Council Directive 77/143/EEC of 29 December 1976 on the approximation of
the laws of the Member states relating to roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles
and their trailersand the Directivesamending that 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.
PARTB
DirectiveDeadlines
for transposition for implementation
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 vehiclesreferred to in
section 8.2.1 (a) of Annex II:1 January 1994
for the vehiclesreferred to in
section 8.2.2 of Annex II:1 January 1996
for the vehiclesreferred 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 19971996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 20
ANNEX IV
CORRELATION TABLE No 1
(enactingterms)
ThisDirective 77/143/EEC 88/449/EEC 91/225/EEC 91/328/EEC 92/54/EEC 92/55/EEC 94/23/EC
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 (indents1 to 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
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▼B1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 21
CORRELATION TABLE No 2
(vehicle categories subjecttoroadworthinesstests)
ThisDirective 77/143/EEC 88/449/EEC 91/225/EEC 91/328/EEC 92/54/EEC 92/55/EEC 94/23/EC
Annex I Annex I
category 1 category 1
category 2 category 2
category 3 category 3
category 4 category 4category 5 Article 1 (2)
category 6 Article 1 (2)
CORRELATION TABLE No 3
(itemstobechecked/tested)
ThisDirective 77/143/EEC 88/449/EEC 91/225/EEC 91/328/EEC 92/54/EEC 92/55/EEC 94/23/EC
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▼B1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 22
ThisDirective 77/143/EEC 88/449/EEC 91/225/EEC 91/328/EEC 92/54/EEC 92/55/EEC 94/23/EC
Point 1.5
Point 1.6Article 1 (1)
Point 2
Point 7.8Article 1 (3)
Point 7.9
(title)(indents1 to 3)Article 1 (3)
Point 7.10
(indents1 to 3)
Point 8
Point 8.1Article 1 (3)
Point 8.2
Point 8.2.4Article 1 (1)
Point 8.3
Point 10.2Article 1 (3)
(*) N.B.: Category 4 (taxisand ambulances ) istrans ferred from the left-hand column to the right-hand one (with categories5 and 6) in Annex ΙΙ.▼B1996L0096 — EN — 28.04.2003 — 003.001 — 23