Vehicle standards

All vehicles must comply with certain standards before they are deemed roadworthy.

Why Standards matter

There is a strong link between defective vehicles and road traffic collisions. Governments can create vehicle safety requirements, but drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles roadworthy.

Vehicle Categories

Vehicles are categorised by a letter which indicates their intended use. Here you will find information on the various vehicle categories including the requirements for Entry into Service and Roadworthiness testing.

Trucks, Buses, Coaches & vans

Some new commercial vehicles cannot use Irish roads without receiving ‘type approval’ under EU legislation or national regulations. 
Find out which types of commercial vehicles manufactured at which dates are subject to these regulations.

Motor Caravans

Motor caravans / motor homes / camper vans are a special-purpose vehicle which  include living accommodation.  From April 29th 2012 they will be required to adhere to ECWVTA approval before it can be registered for road use in Ireland.

Cars

Passenger cars must be manufactured to strict standards and regulations before they can be registered for use on a public road.  Cars must also take regular roadworthiness testing throughout their life.

Motorcycles,mopeds,trikes & quads

Mopeds, motorcycles, trikes and quads must meet relevant standards for safety and environmental impact.

Trailers

If you have a trailer that you use on public roads, you must be sure that it meets with national and EU safety standards. We'll outline what those standards are and who needs to follow them.

End of Series Vehicles

What is an end of series vehicle, who can apply for an end of series exemption and what information we need to process an application for exemption.

Abnormal loads

There is a permit system for the movement of abnormal loads. A new streamlined system for issuing special permits for the movement of long wide loads was introduced in May 2009.

Vehicle recall

Motor vehicles are legally required to be manufactured in such a way as to be sufficiently safe and environmentally acceptable for road use. In some cases vehicles may be subject to a recall

Vehicle type approval

Find out more about the vehicle type approval standards required for entry into service & registration of motor vehicles in Ireland.

E-mark tyres

An e-mark confirms that the tyre meets the minimum agreed standard  in relation to its dimensions, load and speed rating. Find out why it is important to have e-marked tyres.

Safety Belts on Buses

From 29 October 2010 bus owners will be required to present documentation at their roadworthiness test which confirms that the safety belts fitted to a bus meets a minimum standard.