Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

305. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider making illegal the use of modified cars (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31711/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Road traffic legislation places the onus on users of vehicles on public roads to ensure that their vehicles comply with the law, are safe and maintained in a roadworthy condition at all times. All vehicles when in use on a public road must meet the requirements of road traffic regulations including those applying to noise and exhaust systems.  Vehicles that present for the National Car Test with excessively noisy exhausts which exceed predefined limits will fail the roadworthiness test. Enforcement of road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Siochana.  

I understand that the Road Safety Authority initiated a public consultation on post registration vehicle modifications in February 2013. It invited views from vehicle owners, interest groups, road users and members of the public regarding vehicle modifications including those to the noise and exhaust systems.  The responses received are currently being reviewed by the RSA and I understand that the RSA will submit proposals to me in due course on this issue.