RSA proposes noise checks under NCT plan

Vehicles with excessive exhaust noise and tinted windows may fail the National Car Test (NCT) from next year under new proposals published by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) today.

The Authority has sought opinions from motorists and those in the motor trade to a list of proposals that would be introduced at the start of 2010.

The introduction of an annual test for cars which are more than 10 years old is also under consideration, rather than every two years. This measure would see an extra 120,000 car tests annually and extra cost for owners of older vehicles. The RSA is not proposing to introduce tests for cars which are 30 years old or more, which are currently exempt.

The RSA said it believed the new test items would improve the safety of vehicles on the roads and help cut road deaths.

Excessively tinted windscreens or front-side windows present a significant safety hazard for drivers and their occupants, according to the RSA. It is proposed that the glass in the windscreen and front side windows will be required to have a light transmission level of not less than 65 per cent in order to pass the test, according to the consultation document.

It is also proposed to test rear fog lamps, reversing lights and rear registration plate lamp are working correctly. Checks for malfunction indicator lights on a car’s dashboard for airbags, electronic stability control systems electronic and anti-lock braking systems will also be checked.

Cars that do not have tyres with have an "E" mark, indicating it is certified to comply with international regulations, will also fail the test, under today's RSA proposal.

Responses to the proposals can be submitted to Road Safety Authority by March 27th.

The RSA will presents its proposals to the Department of Transport once the consultation is finished.