Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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268. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider introducing legislation on modified cars, regulating height noise and power of such cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34998/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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All vehicles used on the public road must comply with the requirements of Road Traffic legislation. It is the responsibility of the owner / driver of a vehicle to ensure that their vehicle is roadworthy and does not present a danger to any road users. The Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations contain requirements in a number of areas including in relation to height and noise. All vehicles are required to be fitted with silencers or other devices that are suitable and sufficient for reducing noise to a reasonable level. In particular, Article 85 of those regulations prohibit the use in a public place of a vehicle which causes excessive noise and compliance with this regulation is tested at the NCT.

Under the Road Traffic (NCT) Regulations 2014 (SI No. 322 of 2014) made in July last, where safety critical modifications have been made to a vehicle since its last NCT, the owner is required to present a Modifications Report in a particular format completed by the manufacturer or a suitably qualified individual.

In addition, the Road Safety Authority is currently conducting a review of systems to ensure that modifications made to vehicles meet a minimum safety standard and I will consider the outcome of that review when completed.