vehicles with any type of type of adjustment might stop working an MoT if new EU policies get the eco-friendly light from member states, a motoring group is warning.
The association of vehicle lovers (ACE) states even aftermarket wheels or stereos would bring a fail, as well as indicate vehicles would have to go through costly, time-consuming automobile approval testing before they might be thought about roadworthy.
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It’s all down to an EU proposal to modification the meaning of the roadworthiness test to ensure that “components of the automobile need to abide by attributes at the time of very first registration” – successfully outlawing any type of deviation from factory spec. ACE’s Barry Cornes told automobile reveal that under the present wording, “potentially something as minor as altering the stereo might result in an MoT failure”.
AA technical expert Vanessa Guyll said: “The AA is extremely anxious about this. It seems totally over the top.” She alerted that the guidelines would be as well draconian even if watered down to include only parts that impact performance, security or emissions.
Owners would requirement to get costly original parts – even for older cars. as well as designs made by defunct brands, where original parts are no longer available, would have to go with automobile approval testing after any type of repair.
Barry Cornes of the association of vehicle Enthusiasts told us: “If this proposal becomes legislation in its present wording, then every vehicle would have to stay as it was when it left the factory.”
Cornes fears this will impact all vehicle owners – not only those who go in for substantial modifications. “Unless parts of the ruling are relaxed, any type of modification will make a vehicle non-standard,” he added.
“Even tow bars may be failures. If it’s not factory-fitted or approved, you’d be required to choose private automobile approval tests with the car.”