Brussels, 11/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - After the European Parliament, the European Council gave its approval on Monday 10 December for the revision of the rules applicable to motorcycles or other light vehicles, such as mopeds, motorcycles with a side-car, tricycles and quads. The reviewed and amended rules should make these vehicles safer and more environmentally-friendly.
The new legislation regroups 15 directives into five regulations which will enter into force in 2016. “Less legislation means less costs and administrative burden for industry. At the same time we will considerably increase the safety of these vehicles and reduce their harmful emissions”, European Commissioner for Transport Antonio Tajani said.
The key element of the new legislation is that motorcycles (in other words, medium or high performance two-wheel motorcycles) will have to be fitted with an anti-lock brake system (ABS). Low performance two-wheel motorcycles can be fitted with either a combined brake system or an ABS. Headlamps will also become automatic, as will day-time running lights for all L-vehicle categories. In addition, the environmental impact of these vehicles will also have to be improved, particularly by the introduction of Euro 4 (2016) and Euro 5 (2020) emission steps. The legislative revision also contains requirements on the construction of vehicles, market surveillance, and the strengthening of rules on motor overhaul tests. (MD/transl.fl)