Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Motor Vehicles (EC Type Approval) Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/2051) (“the principal Regulations”), which set out the procedure and technical requirements for the type approval of what the Road Traffic Act 1988 terms “light passenger vehicles”. Generally speaking, these are passenger vehicles with less than 8 seats (not including the driver’s seat) regardless of their maximum weight.

The Table in Schedule 1 to the principal Regulations (“the Table”) lists separate Directives under the Framework Directive, which lay down technical standards for vehicle components or features of construction. Directives 2005/39/EC^f1, 2005/40/EC^f2 and 2005/41/EC^f3 amend the separate Directives relating to seat strength, seat belt and seat belt anchorage respectively. By inserting references to these Directives at the appropriate place in the Table, regulation 2 requires the original separate Directives to be read together with the amending Directives for the purposes of the type-approval of light vehicles.

In line with the principal Regulations, the use of the symbol † denotes that the Directive specified is a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it has no impact on the costs of businesses.

A Transposition Note has been prepared, and is available from Gus Gander of the Vehicle Certification Agency of the Department for Transport, 1 Eastgate Office Centre, Eastgate Road, Bristol BS5 6XX (Tel: 01179 524119; e-mail [email protected]).

Copies of the Transposition Note may also be accessed on the Office of Public Sector Information website: www.opsi.gov.uk.