(This note is not part of the Regulations.)
These Regulations further amend the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1989 (the “1989 Regulations”).
Regulation 2 inserts a new regulation 83B in relation to the use of a light passenger vehicle, first used on or after 20th April 1999 and in respect of which an EC certificate of conformity has effect under the terms of European Whole Vehicle Type Approval, if it is fitted with any mechanical coupling device.
The effect of the new regulation is to make it unlawful to use or cause or permit such a vehicle to be used on a road unless any mechanical coupling device attached to it complies with the relevant technical, installation and marking requirements of Directive 94/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to mechanical coupling devices of motor vehicles and their trailers and their attachment to those vehicles. In a case where a vehicle is drawing a trailer, a mechanical coupling device shall not be regarded as being attached to the vehicle if it forms part of the trailer.
Regulation 3 makes a consequential amendment to Table I of Schedule 1 to the 1989 Regulations.
A copy of Directive 94/20/EC (O.J. No. L195, 29.7.94, p. 1) can be obtained from The Stationery Office Bookshop, 16 Arthur Street, Belfast BT1 4GD.