The Motor Cycles (Eye Protectors) Regulations 1999

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations revoke and consolidate with amendments the Motor Cycles (Eye Protectors) Regulations 1985 and their amending instruments (the “1985 Regulations”).

Regulation 4 prescribes certain types of eye protectors as authorised for use by persons driving or riding on a motor bicycle. The eye protectors are so prescribed by reference to–

(a) conformity with certain grades within certain British Standards;

(b) conformity with any other standard accepted by a European Economic Area (“EEA”) State which offers in use equivalent levels of safety, suitability and fitness for purpose;

(c) conformity with the requirements of Council Directive 89/686/EEC as amended by Council Directives 93/68/EEC, 93/95/EEC and 96/58/EEC (the relevant technical specification either being the harmonised European Standard (EN 1938: 1998 Personal eye protection—Goggles for motorcycle and moped users), or a technical specification verified as meeting the requirements of the Directive by a body approved to do so under the Directive); or

(d) in relation to eye protectors first used before 1st April 1989 conformity with the requirements specified in regulation 4(1)(c).

In the context of (b) “equivalent levels” means levels which are the same or greater in respect of the factors specified.

An eye protector that conforms to the prescribed British standard or any other standard accepted by an EEA State must be marked with the relevant standard with which it conforms and an approved certification mark of an approved body. The 1985 Regulations did not prescribe types of eye protector by reference to standards accepted by EEA States, or by reference to Council Directive 89/686/EEC (as amended).

The types of eye protector specified in paragraph (1) of regulation 4 are not prescribed for use by persons falling within paragraph (4) and no type is prescribed for these persons.

These Regulations have been notified to the European Commission pursuant to Directive 83/189/EEC of 28th March 1983 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations (O.J. 1983 No. L109, p.9) as amended by Council Directive 88/182/EEC of 22nd March 1988 (O.J. 1988 No. L81, p.75) and European Parliament and Council Directive 94/10/EEC of 23rd March 1994 (O.J. 1994 No. L100, p.30). Since notification to the European Commission in accordance with this procedure, Directive 98/34/EC of 22nd June 1998 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulation (O.J. 1998 No. L204, p.37) has come into force. By virtue of article 13 and Part A of Annex III to Directive 98/34/EC, Directive 83/189/EEC and its amendments have been repealed. As the required notification to the European Commission has already taken place, notification pursuant to the new Directive is not necessary.

The requirements set out in sub-paragraph (1)(b) of regulation 4 apply only to motorcyclists' goggles. The Personal Protective Equipment (EC Directive) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 1992/3139) amended by 1993/3074, 1994/2326 and 1996/3039 have the effect of requiring all motorcyclists' goggles which are placed on the market to meet these requirements.

The requirements for every person driving or riding (otherwise than in a side-car) on a motor bicycle on a road to wear protective headgear are contained in the Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 1998 (S.I. 1998/1807).

The British Standards and amendments may be obtained from any outlet operated by the British Standards Institution (BSI) or by post from BSI at 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL (Telephone number: 0181 996 9000).

Copies of the Council Directives and Regulations referred to in these Regulations and this Explanatory Note can be obtained from the Stationery Office.