Introductory text

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Directive 96/53/EC of 25 July 1996 laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic^f1, and in particular Article 8b(4) thereof,

Whereas:

Improved aerodynamic performance of vehicles has a significant potential to reduce fuel consumption and thus to reduce CO₂ emissions. However, significant improvements in the aerodynamic performance of vehicles are not possible unless the authorised dimensions of road vehicles, including aerodynamic devices, allow this. Therefore, Directive 96/53/EC was amended in order to provide derogations to the maximum authorised length for vehicles, at the front and at the rear, subject to certain conditions.

To ensure the safety of retractable or foldable aerodynamic rear devices, the situations where such devices may be used, or closed, should be specified, in particular, with regard to the proximity of other road users, the special characteristics of the area and the speed limits. The compatibility of retractable or foldable aerodynamic rear devices with intermodal transport operations should also be ensured, notably when manoeuvring on and off intermodal transport units and to withstand wind forces when being transported on such units.

It should also be noted that vehicles or vehicle combinations which are mounted with aerodynamic rear devices shall comply with the requirements of Directive 96/53/EC, and in particular those relating to the swept circle set out in point 1.5 of its Annex I.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee referred to in Article 10i(2) of Directive 96/53/EC,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: