John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 669: To ask the Minister for Transport the legislation which defines the maximum legal sound levels from various categories of motor vehicles; the maximum levels in respect of each vehicle category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30120/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is a requirement for the registration and entry into service of new motor vehicles in the European Union that they have type-approval in accordance with Directive 70/157/EEC as amended, which sets down the permissible sound levels and exhaust systems for motor vehicles. Vehicle in-service standards are specified in the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 which require vehicles to be fitted with a silencer or other device to reduce to a reasonable level the noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the engine. Article 85 of these Regulations prohibits the use in a public place of a vehicle which causes excessive noise. Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority is responsible for vehicle standards.