RSA Launches New Proposals For National Car Test

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has announced a consultation paper containing a host of tough new measures for the car safety test.

The RSA said the new test items would improve the safety of vehicles on Ireland's and bring Ireland's road safety record into line with "best practice" countries throughout the World.

The proposals include new tests on windscreen clarity, which will mean the end for excessively tinted windows, and tougher inspections of the rear fog lamp and reverse lamps, to increase visibility in foggy conditions.

Tyres will also be getting a closer look. An RSA spokesman said that the standards to which tyres are designed and built, is critical to ensuring adequate grip is maintained with the road surface. The "E" mark indicates that the tyre complies with international regulations vehicles will fail if an E or e mark is not visible.

Cars over ten years old will now be tested annually, while those over 30 years will continue to be exempt from the test.

Other tests proposed include inspections of vehicle exhaust noise and the rear registration plate lamp.

Dashboard warning systems will also be given a thorough examination.

A spokesman said: "They are important safety features and it is in the interest of the driver and road safety that all safety systems in the vehicle are in full working order. Vehicles will be checked to ensure that, where fitted, the malfunction indicators for Airbags, Electronic Stability Control systems and Electronic Braking Systems/Anti-Lock Brake system are in correct working order.

(DW/BMcC)