This document is meant purely as 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
"M1 Commission Directive 1999/52/EC of 26 May 1999 L 142 26 5.6.1999
"M2 Commission Directive 2001/9/EC of 12 February 2001 L 48 18 17.2.2001
"M3 Commission Directive 2001/11/EC of 14 February 2001 L 48 20 17.2.2001
Corrected by:
"C1 Corrigendum, OJ L 49, 25.2.1999, p. 46 (96/96/EC)1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 1
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,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in
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) Whereas 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 trailers (4) has been
substantially amended on a number of occasions; whereas, now that itis to be further amended, the Directive should, for reasons of clarity, beconsolidated 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 competitiveconditions applying to carriers in the Member States;
(3) Whereas the growth of road traffic and the resultant increase in danger
and nuisances present all Member States with safety problems of asimilar nature and seriousness;
(4) Whereas the present standards and methods of testing vary from one
Member State to another and this situation affects the equivalence of
safety and environmental performance levels of tested vehiclesoperating in the Member States; whereas, moreover, this state ofaffairs is likely to disturb the conditions governing competition
between transport undertakings of the various Member States;
(5) Whereas it is therefore necessary to harmonize as far as is practicable
the frequency of tests and the compulsory items to be tested;
(6) Whereas testing during the life cycle of a vehicle should be relatively
simple, quick and inexpensive;
(7) Whereas the minimum Community standards and methods to be used
for testing the items listed in Annex II should therefore be defined inseparate Directives;
(8) Whereas, as a transitional measure, national standards remain
applicable in respect of items not covered by separate Directives;
(9) Whereas it is necessary to adapt rapidly to technical progress the
standards and methods laid down in the separate Directives and, inorder to facilitate implementation of the measures required for this
purpose, to establish a procedure for close cooperation between the
Member States and the Commission within a committee on theadaptation to technical progress of roadworthiness tests;
(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 methods within the Community;
(11) Whereas it is the intention to amend this Directive further so as to
include a harmonious and improved test methodology;!B
(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).1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 2
(12) Whereas, until such time as there are harmonized test procedures and
practices, Member States may use their judgment as to the testprocedure they use to establish whether the vehicles in question meetthe 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 application of this
Directive and report to the European Parliament and the Council atregular intervals on its findings;
(15) Whereas it is recognized by all concerned with vehicle testing that the
method of testing and, in particular, whether the vehicle is tested in a
laden, part-laden or unladen condition, can influence the degree ofconfidence testers have as to the roadworthiness of the braking system;
(16) Whereas the prescription of brake force reference values for various
laden conditions for each vehicle model would help restore that
confidence; whereas this Directive enables testing under this regime asan alternative to testing against minimum performance values for eachvehicle category;
(17) Whereas with regard to braking systems the scope of this Directive
relates in the main to vehicles which have been granted component
type-approval in accordance with Directive 71/320/EEC (
1) although it
is recognized that certain types of vehicle have been granted suchapproval in accordance with national standards which may differ from
the requirements of this Directive;
(18) Whereas Member States may extend the scope of the braking test to
include vehicles or test items outside the scope of this Directive;
(19) Whereas Member States may make the braking test more stringent or
increase the frequency of testing;
(20) Whereas this Directive is intended to maintain emissions at a low level
throughout the useful life of a vehicle by means of regular exhaust
emission tests and to ensure that vehicles which are major polluters are
withdrawn from service until they are brought to a proper state ofmaintenance;
(21) Whereas bad tuning and inadequate maintenance are detrimental not
only to the engine but also to the environment since they cause
increased pollution and fuel consumption; whereas it is important thatenvironment-friendly transport be developed;
(22) Whereas in the case of compression-ignition (diesel) engines
measurement of the opacity of the exhaust fumes is deemed to be an
adequate indicator of the condition of the vehicle’ s state of mainten-
ance, with regard to emissions;
(23) Whereas for positive-ignition (petrol) engines measurement of carbon
monoxide emissions from the exhaust pipe when the engine is idling isdeemed to be an adequate indicator of the vehicle’ s state of
maintenance, with regard to emissions;
(24) Whereas the failure rate in exhaust-emission tests for vehicles which
have not been regularly maintained may well be high;
(25) Whereas in the case of petrol-engined vehicles for which the
type-approval standards specify that they must be equipped with
advanced emission control systems such as three-way catalytic
converters which are lambda-probe controlled, the regular emissiontest standards must be more stringent than for conventional vehicles;
(26) Whereas Member States may, if appropriate, exclude from the scope of
this Directive certain vehicles that are considered to be of historic
interest; whereas they may also establish their own testing standards
for such vehicles; whereas, however, such a right must not lead to theapplication of stricter standards than those which the vehiclesconcerned were originally designed to meet;!B
(1) Council Directive 71/320/EEC of 26 July 1971 on the approximation of the laws of
the Member States relating to the braking devices of certain categories 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).1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 3
(27) Whereas it must be possible to adapt this Directive from time to time
to take account of developments in vehicle construction whichfacilitate in-service testing and in test methods which reflect moreclosely the actual conditions in which a vehicle is used;
(28) Whereas Council Directive 92/6/EEC (
1) requires the installation and
use of speed limitation devices in certain categories of road vehicles;
(29) Whereas pending developments in the technology of speed-limitation
devices which would make it easier to monitor them, certain parts of
such devices may nevertheless already undergo a series of checks at
the roadworthiness test where this is possible;
(30) Whereas the correct functioning of speed limitation devices is
currently left to Member States to determine using whatever means
they consider to be appropriate; whereas it is the intention to
harmonize the test methods and standards in due course;
(31) Whereas the Commission should assess in-service checks on the
correct functioning of speed-limitation devices and submit a report to
the Council; whereas the conclusions of that report will form the basis
of any further proposals for changes in the rules applicable tospeed-limitation devices;
(32) Whereas technical requirements relating to taxis and ambulances are
similar to those for private cars; whereas the items to be checked may
therefore be similar, although the frequency of tests is different;
(33) Whereas in view of the expected impact of this Directive on the sector
in question and in the light of the principle of subsidiarity, the
Community measures provided for in this Directive are necessary to
achieve harmonization of the rules on roadworthiness tests, to preventdistortion of competition between road hauliers and to guarantee thatvehicles are properly checked and maintained; whereas these aims
could not be achieved in full by the Member States acting individually;
(34) Whereas this Directive makes no difference to the obligations of the
Member States concerning the deadlines for transposition into nationallaw and for implementation of the Directives which have been
repealed,
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 roadworthiness tests in
accordance with this Directive and in particular its Annexes I and II.
2. The categories of vehicles to be tested, the frequency of the
roadworthiness tests and the items which must be tested are listed in Annexes
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 State or by bodies
or establishments designated and directly supervised by the State, including
duly authorized private bodies. In particular, when establishments designatedas vehicle testing centres also perform motor vehicle repairs, Member States
shall make every effort to ensure the objectivity and high quality of the
vehicle testing.!B
(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).1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 4
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 test 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 State showing that amotor vehicle registered on the territory of that other State, together with its
trailer or semi-trailer, have passed a roadworthiness test complying with 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 in theirterritory 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 law and orderand the fire service.
2. Member States may, after consulting the Commission, exclude from the
scope of this Directive or subject to special provisions, certain vehicles
operated or used in exceptional conditions and vehicles which are never, orhardly ever, used on public highways, including vehicles of historic interestmanufactured 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 registration,
— 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 vehicles registered on their territory higher minimum
standards for braking efficiency 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 roadworthiness
tests,
— reduce the number of items to be tested,— amend the categories of vehicles subject to compulsory roadworthiness
tests,!B1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 5
provided that all the light commercial vehicles referred to in section 5 of
Annex I are required to undergo roadworthiness tests in accordance with 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 this
category of vehicles as at 28 July 1988, paragraph 1 shall apply until 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 testing comparable to that intended by this Directive for this
category of vehicles as at 31 December 1991, paragraph 1 shall apply until 1January 1998.
CHAPTER III
Final provisions
Article 7
1. The Council, acting by a qualified majority on a proposal from the
Commission, shall adopt the separate Directives necessary to define the
minimum standards and methods for testing the 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 be adopted inaccordance with the procedure laid down in Article 8.
Article 8
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee on the adaptation to
technical progress of the Directive on roadworthiness tests for motor vehiclesand their trailers, hereinafter referred to as the ‘Committee’, which shallconsist 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 its opinion onthe draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to
the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid
down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which theCouncil is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes ofthe representatives of the Member States within the Committee shall be
weighted in the manner set 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 Commission shall,
without delay, submit to the Council a proposal relating to themeasures 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, with particular
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 the basis of the
experience gained, the tests laid down are sufficient to detect defective or
manipulated speed limitation devices or whether the rules need to beamended.!B1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 6
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 of the Member
States concerning the deadlines for transposition and implementation 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 correlation tables set outin 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 Commission thereof.
When Member States adopt these provisions, they shall contain a reference to
this Directive or be accompanied by such reference at the time of their official
publication. The methods of making such reference shall be laid down byMember 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 adopted must be
effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Article 12
This Directive shall enter into force on the 20th day following that of its
publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities .
Article 13
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.!B1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 7
ANNEX I
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 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 vehicles used for the carriage of goods and having a
maximum permissible mass exceeding 3 500 kgOne year after the date on which the vehicle was first used, and
thereafter annually
3. Trailers and semi-trailers with 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 vehicles having at least four wheels, normally used for
the road carriage of goods and with a maximum permissiblemass not exceeding 3 500 kg, excluding agricultural tractors
and machineryFour years after the date on which the vehicle was first used, and
thereafter every two years
6. Motor vehicles having at least four wheels, used for the
carriage of passengers and with not more than eight seatsexcluding the driver’ s seat"
C1Four years after the date on which the vehicle was first
used, and thereafter every two years 3!B1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 8
ANNEX II
ITEMS TO BE COMPULSORIL Y 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 State concerned.
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 for setting the
conditions under which the vehicle may be used before passing another roadworthinesstest.
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 AND 6
1. Braking systems
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 ofDirective 71/320/EEC (
1).
Items to be checked/tested Reasons for failure
1.1. Mechanical condition and operation
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 pressure/vacuum for the effective
operation of the brakes is excessive
— insufficient air pressure/vacuum to give assistance for at
least two applications of the brake after the warning devicehas operated (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
— connections loose or leak in system
— unsatisfactory operation
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 indicating incorrect adjust-
ment
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 pressure tank — damaged, corroded, leaking
— drain device inoperative
— insecure/inadequate mounting!
B1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 9
Items to be checked/tested Reasons for failure
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 warning lamp illuminated or defective— incorrect functioning of brake fluid level warning device
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 braking system
— any abnormal movement of levers/rods/linkage indicating
maladjustment or excessive wear
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 mechan-
ism
— 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 indicating — seized or abnormal movement, excessive wear or wrong
adjustment
— defective
1.1.19. Retarder system (where fitted or required) — insecure connectors or mountings
— defective
1.2. Service brake performance and efficiency1.2.1. Performance (progressively increased 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 sameaxle. 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 operation at any wheel
— excessive fluctuation of brake effort due to distorted discs
or oval drums!
B1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 10
Items to be checked/tested Reasons for failure
1.2.2. Efficiency — a braking ratio which relates to the maximum authorized
mass or, in the case of semi-trailers, to the sum of theauthorized axle loads where practicable, less than thefollowing: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 reference values if specifiedby the vehicle manufacturer for the vehicle axle (
6)
1.3. Secondary (emergency) brake performance and effi-
ciency (if met by separate system)
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)
of the service brake performance defined in 1.2.2 inrelation 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 efficiency1.4.1. Performance — brake inoperative on one side1.4.2. Efficiency — for all vehicle categories, a braking ratio less than 16 % in
relation to the maximum authorized mass, or, for motorvehicles, less than 12 % in relation to the maximumauthorized combination mass of the vehicle, whichever isgreater
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 laws of the Member States relating to the braking devices of
certain categories of motor vehicles and their trailers (OJ No L 202, 6. 9. 1971, p. 37). Directive as last amended by Directive 91/422/EEC (OJNo 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 putting into circulationwithout 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 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 byCommission 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 CommissionDirective 85/647/EEC, under Member States’ national legislation, whichever is the later.
(6)The reference value for the vehicle axle is the braking effort (expressed in newtons) necessary to achieve this minimum prescribed brakingforce at the particular weight 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).
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND 3 VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND 6
2. Steering and steering wheel 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!B1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 11
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND 3 VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND 6
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 mirrors 3.3. Rear-view mirrors
3.4. Windscreen wipers 3.4. Windscreen wipers3.5. Screenwashers 3.5. Screenwashers
4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment 4. Lighting equipment4.1. 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. Alignment4.1.3. Switches 4.1.3. Switches
4.1.4. Visual efficiency
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 lamps4.2.2. Colour and visual efficiency 4.2.2. Stop lamps
4.2.3. Direction-indicator lamps
4.2.4. Reserving lamps4.2.5. 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 operation4.4.2. 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 operation
4.6.2. Colour and visual efficiency
4.7. Rear registration plate lamp4.8. Retro reflectors
— condition and colour
4.9. Telltales4.10. Electrical connections between drawing vehicle and
trailer or semi-trailer
4.11. Electrical wiring5. Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension 5. Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension5.1. Axles 5.1. Axles5.2. Wheels and tyres 5.2. Wheels and tyres5.3. Suspension 5.3. Suspension!
B1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 12
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND 3 VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND 6
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 pipes6.1.4. 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 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. Doors and locks
6.2.3. Doors and locks6.2.4. Floor
6.2.5. Driver’ s seat
6.2.6. Running boards
7. Other equipment 7. Other equipment7.1. Safety belts 7.1. Mounting of driver’ s seat7.2. Fire extinguisher 7.2. Mounting of battery7.3. Locks and anti-theft device 7.3. Audible warning device7.4. Warning triangle 7.4. Warning triangle7.5. 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 warning device7.8. 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 circumfer-
ence or size of tyre matches the data given on thetachograph plate
— where practical, check that the seals of the
tachograph and, where appropriate, any othermeans of protecting the connections againstfraudulent 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 means ofprotecting the connections against fraudulent ma-nipulation are intact
"
M3 — check wherever practical that the set speed of the
speed limitation device conforms to the limits
according to Articles 2 and 3 of Directive 92/6/EEC
and that the speed limitation device preventsvehicles mentioned in those same Articles fromexceeding those pre-set values 3!
B1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 13
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND 3 VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND 6
8. Nuisance 8. Nuisance
8.1. 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 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 motorvehicles 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 emission
control system such as a three-way catalytic converter which is lambda-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 engine conditioning (taking account of
the vehicle manufacturer’ s recommendations) 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 notavailable or where Member States’ competent authorities decide notto use it as a reference value, the CO content must not exceed the
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 is lambda-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 measuring the 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 accordance
with the vehicle manufacturer’ s recommendations.
4. Exhaust pipe emissions — limit values
(a) 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 exceed 0,5 %vol.!
B
(1) Council Directive 70/220/EEC of 20 March 1970 on the approximation of the laws of
the Member States relating to measures to be taken against air pollution by emissionsfrom motor vehicles (OJ No L 76, 9. 3. 1970, p. 1) and corrigendum (OJ No L 81, 11. 4.
1970, p. 15), as last amended by European Parliament and Council Directive 94/12/EC
(OJ No L 100, 19. 4. 1994, p. 42).!M21996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 14
(b) Measurement at high idle speed, engine speed to be at least
2 000 revs/min.:
The maximum permissible CO content in the exhaust gases is
that stated by the vehicle manufacturer at high idle speed. Wherethis is not available, the maximum CO content must not exceed0,3 % vol.
The air/fuel ratio, Lambda shall be =1±3%o ri n accordance
with manufacturer’ s specifications.
(c) For motor vehicles equipped with on-board diagnostic systems in
accordance with Directive 98/69/EC, Member States may as an
alternative to the test specified in item (a) establish the correct
functioning of the emission system through the appropriatereading of the OBD device and simultaneous checking of theproper 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. Vehicles may be tested 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 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 least 80° C,
or normal operating temperature if lower, or the engine block
temperature measured by the level of infrared radiation to be at leastan equivalent temperature. If, owing to vehicle configuration, thismeasurement is impractical, the establishment of the engine’ s normaloperating temperature may be made by other means, for example bythe 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 meanswaiting 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 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 monitoring engine speed or by
allowing a sufficient time to elapse between initial throttle depression
and release, which in the case of vehicles in categories 1 and 2 ofAnnex 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 (
1).
2. Where this information is not available or where Member
States’ competent authorities decide not to use it as a
reference, the limit values of the coefficient of absorption are
as follows:maximum coefficient of absorption for:
— naturally aspirated diesel engines = 2,5 m
-1,!M2
(1) Council Directive 72/306/EEC of 2 August 1972 on the approximation of the laws of the
Member States relating to the measures to be taken against the emission of pollutants
from diesel engines for use in vehicles (OJ No L 190, 20. 8. 1972, p. 1), Directive as last
amended by Commission Directive 89/491/EEC (OJ No L 238, 15. 8. 1989, p. 43).!M11996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 15
— 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. Thismay be calculated by ignoring any measurements that departsignificantly 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 maximum number of testcycles.
5. To avoid unneccessary testing, Member States may, by way of
exception from the provisions of paragraph 8.2.2(d)(4), fail vehicleswhich have measured values significantly in excess of the limit valuesafter less than three free acceleration cycles or after the purgingcycles (or equivalent) specified in subparagraph (b)(3). Equally toavoid unneccessary testing, Member States may, by way of exceptionfrom the provisions of paragraph 8.2.2(d)(4), pass vehicles which
have measured values significantly below the limit values after less
than three free acceleration cycles or after the purging cycles (orequivalent) specified in subpragraph (b)(3).
8.2.3. Test equipement
Vehicle emissions are tested using equipment designed to establish accurately
whether the limit values prescribed or indicated by the manufacturer have beencomplied with.
8.2.4. Where, during EC type-approval, a type of vehicle is found not to have satisfied
the limit values laid down by this Directive, the Member States may lay down
higher limit values for that type of vehicle on the basis of proof supplied by themanufacturer. They must forthwith inform the Commission thereof and it inturn must inform the other Member States.
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND 3 VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND 6
8.3. Suppression of radio interference
9. Supplementary tests for public transport vehicles
9.1. Emergency exit(s) (including hammers for breaking
windows), signs indicating emergency exit(s)
9.2. Heating system9.3. Ventilation system9.4. Seat layout9.5. Interior lighting10. Vehicle identification 10. V ehicle identification10.1. Registration plate 10.1. Registration plate10.2. Chassis number 10.2. Chassis number!
M1
!B1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 16
ANNEX III
PA RT 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 relating to roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and theirtrailers and the Directives amending 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.
PA RT B
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 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!B1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 17
ANNEX IV
CORRELATION TABLE No 1
(enacting terms)
This Directive 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 (indents 1 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 1Article 9 (1) Article 3
Article 9 (2)
Article 10Article 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)!
B1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 18
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 (3)
Article 12 Article 2 (4)
Article 13
CORRELATION TABLE No 2
(vehicle categories subject to roadworthiness tests)
This Directive 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 3category 4 category 4
category 5 Article 1 (2)
category 6 Article 1 (2)!
B1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 19
CORRELATION TABLE No 3
(items to be checked/tested)
This Directive 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
Point 1.5
Point 1.6Article 1 (1)
Point 2
Point 7.8Article 1 (3)
Point 7.9
(title)(indents 1 to 3)Article 1 (3)
Point 7.10
(indents 1 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 (taxis and ambulances) is transferred from the left-hand column to the right-hand one (with categories 5 and 6) in Annex ΙΙ.!B1996L0096 — EN — 09.03.2001 — 002.001 — 20