What law specifies car technical requirements?

CiniO

We all know that cars must go through NCT every so often.
And there is a great manual describing all the requirements for the test.
It is very precise and describes nearly doubtlessly what are the requirements and what should pass or fail.

What I'm wondering though, if there is any law which sets the same requirements for all the cars being driven on public roads.

Fact that car has to go through NCT test every year or two, doesn't mean it will fulfil all those requirements at all times in between the tests. So I'm wondering if it's actually illegal to drive a car not fulfilling any of the NCT test requirements?

Kenny Logins

Have a read here maybe?

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1999/en/si/0395.html

mickdw

CiniO wrote: »

We all know that cars must go through NCT every so often.
And there is a great manual describing all the requirements for the test.
It is very precise and describes nearly doubtlessly what are the requirements and what should pass or fail.

What I'm wondering though, if there is any law which sets the same requirements for all the cars being driven on public roads.

Fact that car has to go through NCT test every year or two, doesn't mean it will fulfil all those requirements at all times in between the tests. So I'm wondering if it's actually illegal to drive a car not fulfilling any of the NCT test requirements?

Well the obvious one would be tyres and the minimum thread depth as required on public road is clearly defined and must be maintained regardless of valid nct being present or not.

CiniO

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Have a read here maybe?

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1999/en/si/0395.html

I had a look, but this only really specifies everything about NCT, but doesn't say anywhere that every vehicle on public road must fulfill those requirements.

CiniO

mickdw wrote: »

Well the obvious one would be tyres and the minimum thread depth as required on public road is clearly defined.

I'm sure it must be defined somewhere, but I just can't find it

djimi

CiniO wrote: »

I had a look, but this only really specifies everything about NCT, but doesn't say anywhere that every vehicle on public road must fulfill those requirements.

The law states that the car must be roadworthy by the standards of the NCT. I would assume that nothing is going to be written to law to specify what those standards are, as it is easier to change NCT regulation than it is to change the statute book.

In much the same way as the law states that cars must have and display a valid tax disc, but it is not written into the statute book what it actually takes to get hold of said tax disc (in this case the cost) as it is likely to change frequently.

CiniO

djimi wrote: »

The law states that the car must be roadworthy by the standards of the NCT.

This would clarify all my doubts.
Would you have a link where this law can be found?

I would assume that nothing is going to be written to law to specify what those standards are, as it is easier to change NCT regulation than it is to change the statute book.

In much the same way as the law states that cars must have and display a valid tax disc, but it is not written into the statute book what it actually takes to get hold of said tax disc (in this case the cost) as it is likely to change frequently.

Hmm, that's not exactly as you say, because all the NCT standards, as well as motortax rates are specified in appropriate S.I. which you can find on statue book.

timmy4u2

There are various Acts covering the requirements. The CE&use of vehicles Act to name just one, Lighting of Vehicles another is the EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval.
The NCT is akin to the Rules of The Road.
A small crack on the swept area of the windscreen will get you an NCT fail/refusal but wont get you a summons.

mickdw

S.I. No. 358/1991 goes into various and mentions the 1.6 thread limit.