MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 1
SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 65.15
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST 
REGULATIONS 
8th May, 1998;
1st October, 1999
LEGAL NOTICE 126 of 1999, as amended by Legal Notices 157 of 1999,
314 of 2001 and 159 of 2003.
PART I 
Preliminary
Title.
Roadworthiness Test Regulations.
Interpretation.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
2. In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise
requires:- 
"authorisation" means any authorisation in writing by the
authorised officer in terms and for the purposes of these
Regulations;
"authorised officer'' means the officer within the Malta Transport
Authority who is responsible for the administration of the vehicle
roadworthiness test;
Cap. 386.
"commercial vehicle" means a vehicle of any class or description
other than a public service vehicle, used exclusively for the
conveyance of goods or materials, and for the conveyance of
personnel in connection with the exercise of any trade, calling or
vocation and which is not used for private transport;
"company" has the same meaning as is assigned to it in article 2
of the Companies Act;
Cap. 332.
''competent authority'' and ''Authority'' mean the Malta Transport
Authority established under the Malta Transport Authority Act;
''Directorate'' means the Directorate within the Malta Transport
Authority responsible for the administration of the motor vehicle
roadworthiness test;
"gross vehicle weight" means the road weight specified by the
manufacturer as being the maximum design weight capacity of the
vehicle, such weight being the combined weight of the vehicle, the
maximum specified load, the driver, and a tank full of fuel;
"g.v.w." means gross vehicle weight;
"heavy vehicles" means all types of vehicles the gross vehicle
weight of which is 3,500kgs. and over, and which, for the purposes
of these Regulations, fall under Class III;
"licensed tester" means an individual duly qualified to hold a
licence issued by the authorised officer to carry out vehicle tests
according to these Regulations;
"light passenger vehicle" means a motor car or any other motor
vehicle which transports up to a maximum of nine passengers
including the driver;
2 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
"light vehicles" means all types of vehicles the gross vehicle
weight of which is less than 3,500kgs., and which, for the purposes
of these Regulations, fall under Class II;
"manuals" means those manuals, whether individually or
collectively, listed under the prescribed requirements;
"Minister" means the Minister responsible for Transport;
"motor vehicle" means a vehicle which is propelled by its own
power;
"normal working day" means -
( a ) in relation to an operator or a licensed tester, the times
of the week, excluding Sundays and public holidays,
during which vehicles will be accepted for testing;
( b ) in relation to the VRT Section of the Directorate, the
times of the week, excluding Sundays and public
holidays during which the authorised officer will deem
it necessary to effect inspections, and the times of the
week excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public
holidays during which the authorised officer will deem
it necessary to carry out any work directly connected
with vehicle testing;
"other vehicle" means a vehicle which is not a public service
vehicle, a commercial vehicle or a light passenger vehicle;
"operator" means an individual, partnership, or a company
contracted by the authorised officer in accordance with these
Regulations to operate a testing station;
Cap. 386.
"partnership'' includes an association between two or more
persons, whic is not registered under the Companies Act;
"prescribed requirements" means those requirements for the
testing of vehicles, which are listed in the First Schedule;
''public highway'' means national, arterial, distributor, access and
local access roads;
"public service vehicle" means any motor vehicle used or
intended to be used for public transport either on scheduled or
unscheduled service, namely route buses, coaches and private
buses, minibuses and midibuses, taxis, chauffeur driven vehicles,
and self-drive vehicles;
"serial number" in relation to a vehicle, the chassis of which has
not been constructed separately from its superstructure, means the
number given to, and for the purpose of identifying, the vehicle by
its manufacturer;
"station" means the premises in which the Directorate has
authorised the carrying out of vehicle tests;
''technical roadside inspection'' means an inspection of a
technical nature, not announced by the competent authority of
certain vehicles circulating on the public highway;
"test" means an examination of a vehicle in relation to the
prescribed requirements, carried out by a person licensed as a tester
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 3
in a garage which is duly licensed as a station or appointed to act as
a vehicle testing inspector by the authorised officer to effect such
tests either in Malta or in Gozo;
"trailer and other towed vehicle" means any wheeled vehicle
without mechanical power of its own designed to be drawn by a
motor vehicle for the purpose of carrying persons or goods;
"vehicle testing inspector" means any certifying officer or
licensed tester appointed under these Regulations and engaged with
the Directorate;
"V.R.T " means the vehicle roadworthiness test.
Prescribed 
requirements.
3. Every vehicle to which these Regulations apply and which
is submitted for testing in accordance with the provisions of these
Regulations shall be tested for the purpose of ascertaining whether
those of the prescribed requirements shown in the manuals, which
are applicable to the vehicle, have been complied with at the date of
the test.
Classification of 
vehicles and 
application of 
regulations.
4. (1) For the purposes of these Regulations motor vehicles
to which these Regulations apply shall be classified as shown in the
Second Schedule.
(2) Save as otherwise provided in regulation 5, these
Regulations shall apply to every vehicle of a class specified in the
Second Schedule.
Exemptions. 
class or type of vehicle from all or any of the provisions of these
Regulations. 
Applicability of 
Motor Vehicles 
Regulations.
S.L. 65.11
6. The Motor Vehicles Regulations shall apply to the vehicle
roadworthiness testing in so far as they are not inconsistent with
these Regulations. 
Issue of licence.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
S.L. 65.11
7. (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-regulation (4) of
regulation 19, no licence shall be issued by the Commissioner of
Police under the provisions of regulation 18 of the Motor Vehicle
Regulations, unless the applicant produces the passed test result to
prove that the vehicle has undergone and passed the roadworthiness
test according to the provisions of these Regulations within ninety
days prior to the issue of the licence. 
(2) Owners of vehicles shall at all times ensure that the vehicle
is in conformity with the provisions of these Regulations, and the
issue of a valid passed test result will not exonerate the owner of
the vehicle thereof from compliance with the prescribed
requirements at all times; and no liability whatsoever shall attach
either to the operator or to the authorised officer by virtue of the
issue of a passed test result.
PART II
Operators 
Applications for 
operators.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
8. (1) Applications for authorisations as operators may be
made by: 
( a ) an individual proposing to allow vehicle testing to be
4 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
carried out on his premises;
( b ) a partnership; or 
( c ) a company.
(2) Every application shall be made on the prescribed form, as
specified in the Third Schedule, and approved by the authorised
officer, and signed - 
( a ) where the application is made under paragraph ( a ) of
sub-regulation (1), by the individual making the
application; and 
( b ) where the application is made under paragraph ( b ) or
( c ) of sub-regulation (1), by a person duly authorised
by the partnership or company.
(3) The form referred to in sub-regulation (2) shall be
presented at the Directorate together with the documents mentioned
on the application.
(4) In the case where an applicant proposes to act as an
operator in more than one place, the authorised officer shall require
as many applications to be made as there are such places.
Authorisation.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
9. (1) When an application has been made in accordance with
regulation 8, the authorised officer may, after making such
investigations and carrying out such inspections as he may deem
fit, to ensure conformity with the specifications for testing
equipment as specified in the Fourth Schedule as well as
conformity with the specifications for testing stations as specified
in the Fifth Schedule, authorise the individual, partnership or
company by whom the application is made to be an operator in
terms of these Regulations.
(2) The authorisation referred to in subregulation (1) shall be
subject to the payment of two hundred and fifty liri (Lm 250) as an
annual licence fee per testing station.
Conditions for 
operators.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
10. (1) Every operator shall comply with such conditions of
contract as are specified in the Sixth Schedule, and also with the
following conditions:
( a ) the operator shall assume full responsibility for all the
testing procedures carried out in the station for which
the operator has been duly authorised to operate in
accordance with regulation 9;
( b ) the operator shall give notice to the authorised officer
of the names of all persons who are from time to time
authorised, in pursuance of arrangements made in
accordance with regulation 13, to carry out or
personally supervise tests at a station; and every such
notice shall be given within seven days after the date
of any such authorisation; in the case of a company or
partnership the notice shall be accompanied by a duly
signed authorisation certifying that the person signing
the notice is duly empowered to sign on behalf of the
company or partnership;
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 5
( c ) the operator shall put up and keep exhibited inside the
station in some conspicuous place so as to be legible to
persons submitting vehicles for testing at that station -
(i) the authorisation in which that station is
specified, and 
(ii) a list of the names of the persons for the time
being authorised to carry out or personally
supervise tests at that station;
( d ) the operator shall make the station and the equipment
at that station with which testing is carried out,
available for the purpose of a test to be carried out by
the authorised officer or his representative, for the
purpose of ensuring conformity with the prescribed
requirements;
( e ) the operator shall immediately inform the
Commissioner of Police of any vehicle, which is
brought in for a test, and which, according to
information received by the operator from the
authorised officer, is a stolen vehicle; 
( f ) the operator shall give seven days’ prior notice to the
authorised officer - 
(i) of his entering into any partnership with a view
to carrying on a business which will comprise
the carrying out of tests at that station, in the
case where he is the sole individual named in an
authorisation; and
(ii) of any change in the constitution of the
company, in the case where he is a company,
and such notice shall be treated as an application under
the provisions of regulation 9.
(2) The authorised officer may give notice to an operator that,
in the opinion of the authorised officer, any person employed in his
station should cease from carrying out or supervising tests, or to
endorse passed test results, and on receipt of that notice the
operator shall arrange that that person shall no longer carry out or
supervise tests or endorse passed test results, as the case may
require.
(3) Operators shall be bound to inform the authorised officer,
within seven days, of any termination of employment or
engagement of licensed testers within their staff complement.
Termination of 
authorisation.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
11. (1) An authorisation of an individual as an operator will
automatically cease to have effect if -
( a ) he dies; 
( b ) he becomes a patient in a mental hospital; or
( c ) he is convicted of an offence affecting public trust.
(2) An authorisation of a partnership as an operator will
automatically cease to have effect if -
( a ) the partnership is dissolved; or
6 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
( b ) one or more partners is or are, as the case may be,
convicted of an offence affecting public trust: 
Provided that the non-convicted partner or
partners shall be eligible to apply for an authorisation
in their individual capacity, or as a new partnership
without the convicted partner or partners.
(3) An authorisation of a company as an operator will
automatically cease to have effect if, in relation to the company - 
( a ) a winding-up order is made;
( b ) a resolution for voluntary winding-up is passed; 
( c ) a receiver or manager of the company’s undertaking is
appointed; or
( d ) the taking of possession, by or on behalf of the holders
of any debenture secured by a floating charge, or of
any property of the company comprised in or subject
to the charge, occurs.
(4) An operator may at any time give notice to the authorised
officer stating that, after such date as may be specified in the
notice, that operator does not propose to continue to act as an
operator under any of the authorisations of that operator or under
such authorisation as may be specified in the notice, and any
authorisation to which the said notice relates shall cease to have
effect on the date so specified in relation to it.
(5) The authorised officer may at any time give to an operator
a notice which states -
( a ) that, as from a date specified in the notice, such one or
more of the authorisations of that operator as are
specified in the notice shall, unless the notice is
cancelled before that date, cease;
( b ) in a case where the date on which the authorisation or
authorisations shall cease is less than twenty-eight
days from the date of the notice, that the authorised
officer considers it necessary that the notice shall have
an earlier effect; and
( c ) that within fourteen days from the date of the notice,
the operator (or any person acting on his behalf) may
make to the authorised officer written representations
to the effect that any authorisation to which that notice
relates should not cease or should be restored.
(6) An authorisation in respect of which a notice is given shall,
unless it is cancelled before that date, cease to have effect on the
date specified in the notice.
Forms and 
documents to be 
returned to the 
authorised officer.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
12. (1) If an authorisation of an operator ceases to have effect,
the operator shall send to the authorised officer such of the
following documents as are then in his possession: 
( a ) all unused forms of passed test results, inspection
reports, inspection cards and notices of refusal to issue
a passed test result; 
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 7
( b ) all copies of passed test results and notices of the
refusal of passed test results; 
( c ) all other records kept in accordance with regulation
22; and
( d ) in the case of the authorisation of a tester ceasing to
have effect, the document of authorisation.
(2) On receipt of any unused forms, which were originally
obtained from the authorised officer, of passed test results sent to
him in accordance with sub-regulation (1), the authorised officer
shall refund to the operator such amount as may have been paid for
the supply of the said forms.
(3) The authorised officer may, in respect of unissued forms of
passed test results which are returned to him as having been
cancelled because they have been spoilt or defaced, refund to the
operator the amount originally paid less an appropriate deduction
of fifty per cent. 
PART III
Licensed Testers
Applications for 
licensed testers.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
13. (1) Applications for licenses as licensed testers may be
made by:
( a ) an individual who:
(i) is over nineteen years of age on the date of the
application; and
(ii) is qualified in the automative mechanical field
or has at least five years’ unimpaired
experience;
( b ) an operator who satisfies the conditions laid down in
paragraph ( a ) of this sub-regulation.
(2) Every application shall be signed by the individual making
the application and shall be made on the prescribed form, as
specified in the Third   Schedule.
(3) The form referred to in sub-regulation (2) shall be
presented at the Directorate together with the documents showing
all the qualifications and/or references relating to such application.
(4) The authorised officer shall, having ascertained that the
requirements of the application are satisfied, issue the appropriate
licence upon payment, by the tester, of the fee of ten liri (Lm 10).
Conditions for 
licensed testers.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
14. (1) Every licensed tester shall comply with such
conditions as are specified in the Seventh   Schedule, and also with
the following conditions:
( a ) the licensed tester shall carry out tests of motor
vehicles of any such class as is specified in the tester’s
licence, and shall in all other respects comply with
each of the provisions of these Regulations as apply to
the tester:
Provided that no person shall be licensed to carry
8 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
out or supervise a test or endorse a passed test result
unless he has successfully completed a course of
instruction approved for the purpose by the authorised
officer;
( b ) the licensed tester shall abide, at all times, with the
regulations and standards concerning the vehicle’s
roadworthiness test as stipulated in these Regulations
and approved by the Directorate; 
( c ) the licensed tester shall, under no circumstances, pre-
condition a vehicle owner to effect repairs or
adjustments as indicated in the test result, at the same
premises, or carry out a roadworthiness test on a motor
vehicle on which he has, immediately prior to the test,
carried out repairs on testable items; and
( d ) the licensed tester shall, under no circumstances,
endorse a passed test result unless a complete test has
been carried out and all the testable items have been
found to be satisfactory, or endorse a passed test result
of a re-test unless the re-test confirms that the
necessary repairs to the testable items have been
carried out.
(2) The authorised officer may revoke the licence of a licensed
tester if the tester is in breach of any of the conditions laid down in
sub-regulation (1).
PART IV
Testing
Applications for 
vehicle testing.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
15. (1) An application for testing (including re-testing) of a
vehicle shall be made to an operator by arrangement made in
writing.
(2) Operators shall ensure that -
( a ) where an application is made in accordance with sub-
regulation (1), an appointment is forthwith offered for
the carrying out of the test at the earliest time at which
it is reasonably practicable for the test to be carried out
during any normal working day; 
( b ) where, in default of sub-regulation (1), a vehicle is
submitted for a test without any appointment for the
carrying out of the test having been previously made,
the applicant is informed either that the test can be
carried out forthwith or, if this is not possible, of the
earliest time at which it is reasonably practicable for
the test to be carried out during the normal working
day;
( c ) except in so far as prevented by circumstances beyond
the control of the tester or operator, tests are carried
out in accordance with the appointments made or the
information given in pursuance of the preceding
provisions of this regulation or at such other times as
may be arranged between the applicant and the
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 9
operator.
(3) On an appointment being made or a time being arranged
for the carrying out of a test in accordance with sub-regulation (2),
the operator shall record the hour and the date thereof and the name
of the person by whom the application for the test is made.
(4) Nothing in this regulation shall be taken as entitling an
operator to allow the testing of a vehicle not being of a type
included in the authorisation of the operator.
(5) When a re-test of a vehicle is required by order of the
authorised officer the operator is to ensure that he makes the station
available for such re-test, by an inspector duly appointed by the
Directorate, as and when required by the authorised officer.
Requirement as to 
vehicles submitted 
for testing.
16. An operator shall not be under any obligation to carry out a
test of a motor vehicle where - 
( a ) on the submission of the vehicle for a test, the
applicant does not, after being requested to do so,
produce the vehicle registration document relating to
the vehicle, or produces a vehicle registration
document the details of which do not comply with the
correct details of the vehicle submitted for testing;
( b ) the vehicle or any part thereof or any of its equipment
is so dirty as to make it difficult for the test to be
carried out in accordance with the provisions of these
Regulations;
( c ) the licensed tester is not able, with the facilities and
apparatus available to him at the place at which the
test would otherwise be carried out, to complete the
test without the vehicle being driven and the vehicle is
not, when submitted for testing, fit to be driven to such
extent as may be necessary for the purposes of the
carrying out of the test; and
( d ) before the carrying out of a test of a motor vehicle any
items which are in the vehicle, and are not part of its
equipment or accessories, are required by the tester or
by the inspector to be removed from the vehicle or to
be secured in such manner as he may think necessary,
and the items are not so removed or secured
accordingly. 
Conditions 
as to responsibility 
for damage to 
vehicles and third 
party liability.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
17. (1) Where a motor vehicle has been submitted for a test to
be carried out by a licensed tester or an inspector, the operator shall
be responsible for and shall be adequately covered by an
appropriate insurance policy against - 
( a ) loss of, or damage to, the vehicle or its equipment or
accessories occurring in connection with the carrying
out of the test during any period while the vehicle is,
in connection with the carrying out of the test, in the
custody of the operator; and
( b ) loss of, or damage to, any other property or personal
injury, (whether fatal or not), being loss, damage or
10 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
injury arising out of the use of the vehicle in
connection with the carrying out of the test.
This isnsurance cover is to be similar to a cover which
would rest on a person who, having the same facilities for carrying
out the test as are available to the person who is to carry out the
test, had undertaken for payment to accept the custody of the
vehicle and to carry out the same test under a contract making no
express provision with respect to the incidence of liability as
between the parties thereto for any such loss, damage or injury.
(2) No person submitting a vehicle for a test or having an
interest in such a vehicle shall be requested or required by an
operator, either directly or indirectly, to accept any responsibility
for, or to give any release or indemnity in respect of, any loss,
damage or injury for which the operator is responsible under the
provisions of sub-regulation (1). 
(3) Nothing contained in sub-regulation (1) or (2) shall
preclude any person from being requested or required to accept any
responsibility for, or to give a release or indemnity in respect of
loss of, or damage to, a vehicle or its equipment or accessories
occurring during any period while the vehicle is in the custody of
an operator, after the time when the vehicle is required to be
removed from such custody.
(4) The operator shall be liable for and hold the Government of
Malta, the authorised officer and their officers and employees,
harmless from and against any and all claims, damages or
liabilities, and expenses incidental thereto, arising from anything
done or purported to be done or omitted to be done by the operator
and/or his employees under the authorisation granted to the
operator according to these Regulations.
(5) In this regulation -
( a ) references to a test, in relation to a vehicle which, after
the carrying out of a test, remains in the custody of an
operator in order that a further test of that vehicle may
be carried out, include references to that further test;
and 
( b ) references to a period while a vehicle is in the custody
of the Directorate, include references to any period
while the vehicle is, in connection with the carrying
out of a test of the vehicle by an inspector, in the
control or care of such an inspector.
Test after serious 
accidents.
18. Vehicles involved in any accident which may reasonably
be expected to affect their roadworthiness will have to undergo a
roadworthiness test.
Results of tests. 
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
19. (1) Subject to the provisions of these Regulations,
licensed   testers and inspectors shall, after the testing of a motor
vehicle is completed and, on the same date as that on which the test
is completed -
( a ) endorse a passed test result, where it is found on the
testing of a vehicle that the prescribed requirements
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 11
are complied with; or 
( b ) endorse a notice of a negative test result, in the case
where the prescribed requirements have not been
complied with, and stating the grounds thereof:
Provided that if the necessary repairs to comply
with the prescribed requirements are effected, the
vehicle may be submitted for a re-test within twelve
working days, which appointment will have been set
prior to the vehicle owner leaving the station following
the original test, and if a passed test result is issued
after such re-test certifying that the necessary repairs
have been carried out on the motor vehicle to comply
with the prescribed requirements, a fee not exceeding
fifty per cent of the full test fee as specified in the
Eighth Schedule, shall be payable: 
Provided further that if the vehicle is not
submitted for the re-test within twelve working days,
all the provisions of these Regulations relating to tests
shall apply.
(2) Every passed test result and every notice of a negative test
result shall be in the format as required by the Directorate, shall
contain the name of the licensed tester responsible for carrying out
the test, and shall be certified as correct by the operator.
(3) Every passed test result and every notice of a negative test
result issued in accordance with the provisions of this regulation
and regulation 15 shall, after the test has been carried out, be
signed -
( a ) by the operator in whose station the test has been
carried out;
( b ) where the test is carried out by an inspector, by that
inspector, who shall specify the authority by whom he
has been authorised to carry out the test, 
and any signature on a passed test result or notice of a negative test
result by a operator or by an inspector, as the case may be, shall be
accompanied by an embossment or by a stamp of the operator or of
the Directorate on whose behalf the passed test result notice or
notice of a negative test result is signed.
S.L. 65.11
Vehicle Regulations, shall be issued by the authorised officer on
behalf of the Commissioner of Police unless the owner of the
vehicle concerned produces to the authorised officer the passed test
result in relation to the vehicle together with the relative receipt in
respect of the Directorate’s administration charge as specified in
the Ninth Schedule.
PART V
Fees
Fee for tests.
Amended by:
L.N. 157 of 1999.
20. (1) The fee payable for a test of a vehicle pursuant to an
application made under regulation 15 shall be that prescribed in the
12 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
Eighth Schedule, and shall be paid after the test has been carried
out.
(2) The full fee referred to in the Eighth Schedule shall include:
( a ) the fee payable to the operator;
( b ) the administration charge; and
Cap. 406.
( c ) any value added tax that may become payable under
the Value Added Tax Act.
(3) Roadworthiness tests shall be carried out at such times and
at such intervals as prescribed in the Eighth Schedule. 
PART VI
Breach of Contract
Breach of contract. 21. An operator who fails to comply with the conditions of
contract for operators as specified in the Sixth   Schedule shall be in
breach of the contract and shall be liable to the penalty laid down in
the said conditions of contract. 
PART VII
General Provisions
Records to be kept 
and returns to be 
furnished by 
operators.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
22. (1) Operators shall keep, in duplicate, a record relating to
all tests carried out at each specific station, which records shall be
kept in an appropriate form approved by the Directorate, and shall
contain the particulars required by that form.
 (2) During the first fortnight of each month, every operator
shall send to the authorised officer at the Directorate -
( a ) one copy of the record containing all the entries made
therein relating to a test, as a result of which a passed
test result or a notification of a negative test result has
been issued during the last preceding month; or
( b ) if no such passed test result or notification has been
issued, a notice to that effect.
 (3) The other copy of such records shall be kept by the
operator at the station at which the tests mentioned were carried
out, for a period sufficient to ensure that upon the inspection at any
time of that record under regulation 24, the entries relating to any
test carried out within the last preceding twenty-four months will
be available for inspection.
 (4) Each operator shall ensure that upon the issue by him or by
the inspector of a passed test result or of a notice of a negative test
result, a copy of that passed test result or notice is made and
preserved at that station for a period of not less than twenty-four
months.
Duplicate passed 
test results.
 23. (1) If a passed test result has been lost or defaced, an
application for the issue of a duplicate of the original passed test
result may be made to the operator where the test has been carried
out.
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 13
 (2) The operator to whom the application is made shall issue a
duplicate passed test result only when sufficient particulars of the
successful test of the vehicle are traced; and such passed test result
shall be marked "Duplicate", and shall have the same effect as the
original passed test result: 
Provided that no action to trace the passed test result shall
be taken if the original passed test result was issued more than
twenty-four months previously, or if the applicant does not furnish
with his application the approximate date when the original was
issued and any other information which could help to trace the
document.
Inspection of 
premises, 
apparatus and 
records.
24. An inspector may at any time, during the normal working
day, on production of his authority, if so required, enter any station
and upon such entry he shall be entitled to -
( a ) inspect the station and the apparatus provided at the
station for the purpose of carrying out examinations
and watch any testing which may be taking place;
( b ) satisfy himself as to the efficiency of such apparatus as
regards calibration and, in the case of apparatus
designed to give an indication of a measurement, to
require evidence to be furnished to him that it will do
so accurately within reasonable limits;
( c ) inspect all records and copies of passed test results,
and notifications of negative test results as well as
records concerning the calibration of all testing
equipment, which are required to be kept or preserved
at that station in accordance with these Regulations; 
(d) be furnished with such information as he may
reasonably require with respect to any of the said
matters; and
( e ) generally to ensure that the provisions of the Fifth
Schedule and the Sixth Schedule are being adhered to.
Forms and 
software.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
25. (1) The authorised officer may prepare and supply for use
for the purposes of these Regulations any form which by these
Regulations is required to be approved by him or which is required
for use as a passed test result, or a notice of a negative test result,
for the purposes of constituting the record required to be kept under
these Regulations, and may include on any such form such
additional matter as he may consider to be of assistance to persons
making use of these forms or to persons to whom such forms may
be issued when completed and no form other than one so prepared
and supplied shall be used in any such case.
(2) The forms referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be
provided by the authorised officer upon payment of a fee to be
shown thereon.
(3) The authorised officer may prepare and supply, upon the
payment of a fee, suitable software for use by the operators in
connection with roadworthiness tests:
14 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
Provided that once the software is made available from the
authorised officer, any other software used by operators in
connection with roadworthiness tests carried out shall conform
with specifications approved by the authorised officer.
PART VIII 
Roadside Technical Inspection of Certain Vehicles
Classes of vehicles 
to be subjected to 
roadside 
inspections.
Added by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
26. Class IIA vehicles (used for the transport of passengers)
and Class III vehicles, as defined in the Second Schedule, whether
registered in Malta or in another country, shall be subjected to
random roadside technical inspection when circulating on the
public highway in Malta.
Aspects of 
technical roadside 
inspections.
Added by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
27. Technical roadside inspections shall comprise one or more
of the following aspects:
( a ) visual assessment of the maintenance condition of the
vehicle when stationary;
( b ) check of documentation relating to roadworthiness test
or most recent technical inspection report;
( c ) inspection of irregularities covering one or more of the
items in the checklist in the Tenth Schedule.
Inspection of 
braking systems 
and exhaust 
systems.
Added by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
28. An inspection of braking systems and exhaust emissions
shall be carried out in accordance with rules laid down in the
Eleventh Schedule.
Exempted items.
Added by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
29. Items contained in the Tenth Schedule may be exempted
from inspection if such items were checked and passed the
roadworthiness test or a technical roadside inspection during the
preceding three months.
Notices.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
30. * Except as otherwise provided in these Regulations, every
notice issued by the authorised officer to operators shall be made in
writing and sent by mail or by facsimile to the operators at their
relative station.
*Re-numbered following the amendments made by L.N. 159 of 2003.
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 15
A. The requirements issued under the Vehicle Inspectorate of the United
Kingdom as contained in the following manuals and their subsequent updates
and amendments:
( a ) The MOT Inspection Manuals:
- Car and Light Commercial Vehicle Testing (1996 Consolidated Edition)
- Motor Cycle Testing (1992 Edition)
- Private Bus Testing (vehicles with 13 or more passenger seats)  (1994
Edition)
( b ) The Public Service Vehicle Inspection Manual (1997 Edition)
( c ) The Heavy Goods Vehicle Inspection Manual (1997 Edition)
B. the requirements in connection with public service vehicles that may be
issued from time to time by the Authority.
C. Exhaust sound level testing
Class I Vehicles - shall be tested to an exhaust sound level rating not
exceeding 119 dB (A) when the engine revolutions are at three-fourths of the
maximum rated speed.
Class II Vehicles and Class III Vehicles - shall be tested to a sound level as
listed below for various engines when revolutions are at three-fourths of the
maximum rated speed:
- all petrol engines at 100 dBA;
- all diesel engines less than 150KW (200bhp) at 101 dBA;
- all diesel engines equal to or in excess of 150KW (200bhp) at 105 dBA.
D Functional testing of speed limitation devices.
All Class III vehicles that, under the Motor Vehicles (Weights, Dimensions
and Equipment) Regulations, are required to be equipped with a speed
limitation device, shall be checked wherever practical, to ensure that the
speed limitation devices are fully operational and that the following
maximum speed limits are set for the following vehicle categories:
- Commercial vehicles at 86 kph
- Commercial vehicles used nationally for the carriage of dangerous
goods at a maximum of 86 kph
- Vehicles used for national transport of passengers at 100 kph.
FIRST SCHEDULE Amended by:L.N. 314 of 2001;
L.N. 159 of 2003.
Prescribed Requirements
16 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
All motor vehicles will be classified as follows for testing purposes:
CLASS I -  Motorcycles
• motorcycles
• motorcycle combinations
CLASS II -  Motor Vehicles the g.v.w. of which is less than 3,500 kgs.
A Motor Vehicles used for the transport of passengers:
• Midibuses, Minibuses and vans with more than eight seats,
excluding the driver’s seat
Commercial Vehicles
• Motor vehicles used for the road carriage of goods
Trailers, semi-trailers and other towed vehicles
B Motor vehicles used for the transport of passengers and with not more
than eight seats, excluding the driver’s seat
• Taxis
• Ambulances
• Chauffeur driven vehicles
• Self-drive vehicles
• Other light passenger vehicles
CLASS III -  Motor Vehicles the g.v.w. of which is 3,500 kgs and over.
Motor Vehicles used for the transport of passengers:
• Route buses, coaches, private buses, midibuses, minibuses and
vans with more than eight seats, excluding the driver’s seat
Commercial Vehicles
• Motor vehicles used for the road carriage of goods
Trailers, semi-trailers and other towed vehicles
Other vehicles.
Substituted by:
L.N. 157 of 1999.
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
SECOND SCHEDULE
(Regulation 4)
Classification of Vehicles
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 17
THIRD SCHEDULE Amended by:L.N. 159 of 2003.
[Regulations 8 and 13]
LICENSING AND TESTING DIRECTORATE
VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST REGULATIONS
APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE TO ACT AS AN OPERATOR
18 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 19
LICENSING AND TESTING DIRECTORATE
VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST REGULATIONS
APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE TO ACT AS LICENSED TESTER
20 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
The fully-computerised Test Lane/s shall incorporate: 
1.  Roller Brake Tester for motor vehicles and trailers with a Gross Vehicle
Weight of 3,500kgs and over;  or  Roller Brake Tester for motor vehicles and
trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight of less than 3,500Kg;  or  Roller Brake
Tester for motorcycles;  or  Plate Brake Tester as an option to above in
weight category;
2.  Headlamp Aim Beam Testers;
3.  Exhaust Gas Analyser (Petrol and Diesel); 
4.  Electronic Wheel Turning Plates;
5.  Electronic Sound Level Meter;
6.  Lift or Pit facilities with Axle Jacking Equipment.
Other Equipment
7.  Decelerometer - (portable) for testing brakes in the eventual failure of the
equipment mentioned in paragraph 1, and for use on vehicles which cannot
be tested by the above-mentioned equipment, e.g. permanent four-wheel
drive, vehicles with studded tyres, etc.;
8.  Thread gauge, tapping hammer, small lever and Low Volt Lamp and a set of
wheel chocks.
The fully computerised test lane/s will be required to: 
• test the braking efficiency of service, secondary and parking brakes to at
least 50% Gross Vehicle Weight, 25% Gross Vehicle Weight and 16% Gross
Vehicle Weight respectively, as well as a Brake imbalance limit of at least
70% on every axle;
• test the exhaust gas emissions of petrol engines at least for Carbon
Monoxide and Hydrocarbon gas levels to within manufacturers’
specifications of at least 0% volume and 50 ppm respectively;
• measure the engine revolutions per minute and engine oil temperature at
time of test;
• perform a Lambda test as per makers’ specification and have 1K as its limit
value;
• test exhaust gas opacity co-efficient of absorption of both naturally aspirated
and turbo-charged Diesel engines as per makers’ specifications (minimum
scale range is K= 0 to 6m -1 );
• test steering free play through the use of wheel turning plates;
• have facility to lift vehicles for under-vehicle inspection and to raise
separate axles to determine steering and suspension wear and tear;
• test Headlamp Aim to pre-set limits within the Band tolerances on the
equipment aiming screen as required for headlamp type and height setting;
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003 FOURTH SCHEDULE(Regulations 9 and 24)
SPECIFICATIONS FOR TESTING EQUIPMENT
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 21
• perform exhaust system sound level testing;
• print and transmit to link at Licensing and Testing Directorate, the limits
and actual values resulting from tests carried out, as well as the particulars
of the relative authorised testing station and of the vehicle undergoing the
test, and the date and time of test.
The software, hardware and communications equipment used by operators must be
capable of on-line retrieval and update of the vehicle databases in use by the
Licensing and Testing Directorate. 
The software, hardware and communications equipment used by operators must be
in accordance with Government standards.
22 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
FIFTH SCHEDULE 
(Regulations 9 and 24)
SPECIFICATIONS FOR TESTING STATIONS
All stations -
( a )  shall have the minimum dimensions of the entrance and inspection area for
the various classes of vehicles as shown hereunder:-
( b ) should have a maximum of two test lanes and should be suitable for the
testing of vehicles in the class applied for;
( c ) should be provided with a partitioned-off area within the premises, for
vehicle owners from where they could watch their vehicle being tested. 
( d ) should, in the case where other services are provided from the same
premises, ensure that the testing area is partitioned-off by means of a wall or
other permanent structure;
( e ) all premises, except those for the testing of motorcycles, should  preferably
be of the through-flow type, i.e., entering at one end and completing the test
at the other;
( f ) the test area shall have a floor capable of supporting the weight of vehicles
under test;
( g ) should  preferably  contain sufficient space for off-road parking;
( h ) should have safe access from and to the public road;
( i ) the testing site should be secured at close of business.
Entrance Inspection Area
Height Width Length Width
Heavy Vehicles 4.5m 3.5m 19.0m 4.5m
Light Vehicles 2.4m 2.5m 6.0m 3.5m
Motorcyles - - 3.0m 1.5m
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 23
Operators of testing stations shall sign a contract with the authorised officer, in
which they agree to accept conditions mentioned hereunder, and provide either:
(i) a bank guarantee of Lm10,000 for each station; or
(ii) a collective bank guarantee of not less than Lm35,000 provided
severally between all the stations that elect to give this guarantee,
and, in any case, if in the opinion of the authorised officer, the operator would have
violated the contract, that same operator shall deposit the amount of Lm5,000 in
favour of the authorised officer, in the absence of which, the said officer can take
action in order to be paid from the individual or collective guarantee, as the case may
be, and the operator shall immediately deposit the sum so that the guarantee is
returned to the original sum; in the case of a second offence, the operator loses the
guarantee (Lm10,000) and the authorised officer shall withdraw the licence relating
to the station:
( a )  shall have an authorisation from the Licensing and Testing Directorate to
permit the testing of vehicles in his station, on one or more of the three
classes of vehicles, i.e., motorcycles, light vehicles and heavy vehicles as
specified in the application;
( b ) shall be charged, by the authorised officer, an annual licence fee per test
lane as specified in the Police Licences Regulations;
( c ) shall have on the premises a minimum of one licensed qualified tester and an
assistant tester for each test lane;
( d ) shall not operate until they and their qualified personnel have successfully
completed the appropriate accredited training course as stipulated by the
Licensing and Testing Directorate in compliance with the Motor Vehicle
Roadworthiness Test Regulations;
( e ) shall not conduct vehicle testing unless the Licensing and Testing
Directorate ’ s testing unit is satisfied that facilities and equipment conform
with the prescribed requirements;
( f ) shall display the licence issued by the authorised officer for the authorised
vehicle testers employed in their station;
( g ) shall abide at all times with the Regulations and Standards concerning the
Vehicle Roadworthiness Test as stipulated in the Vehicle Roadworthiness
Test Regulations, and approved by the Licensing and Testing Directorate;
( h )  shall keep on the premises the approved and accredited testing manual/s;
( i ) shall provide proof that they, or their representative as the case may be, and
their authorised vehicle testers receive the necessary training in the use of
their testing equipment by the suppliers or the agents of such equipment;
( j ) shall provide the Licensing and Testing Directorate with a copy of all
manuals provided with the testing equipment;
( k ) shall allow regular inspections by VRT personnel regarding the record of
calibration of all equipment according to standards issued by manufacturers;
( l ) shall not refuse to test any vehicle of whatever age, make or type within the
SIXTH SCHEDULE Amended by:L.N. 159 of 2003.
(Regulations 10 and 21)
CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT FOR OPERATORS
24 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
classes for which authorisation is given, except in the following
circumstances:-
when the details contained in the registration document do not comply
with the correct details of the vehicle;
when the vehicle cannot be driven or has insufficient fuel or oil to
complete test;
when the vehicle is presented in such a dirty condition that examination
is difficult;
when an operator considers that an insecure load or other items would
prevent a proper test being carried out unless it can be unloaded;
when the vehicle is of such a size or weight that it cannot be properly or
safely tested on the approved facilities.
All the above points shall be checked prior to testing.
( m )  shall, in the case when an operator opts to cease to operate the testing station
for any period of time, obtain permission in writing from the authorised
officer to keep the station closed. If this period is indefinite, the authorised
officer may deem it necessary to revoke such licence - in which case all
documents and data shall be handed over to the Licensing and Testing
Directorate against a receipt;
( n ) shall make a fresh application for the re-acquisition of the licence if original
licence has been revoked;
( o ) shall, under no circumstance, precondition a vehicle owner to effect repairs
or adjustments as indicated in the test result, at the same premises;
( p ) shall permit ''through access'' to any representative of the Licensing and
Testing Directorate to inspect the premises, records, equipment, and the
operation going on at the station at all hours according to the exigencies of
the authorised officer;
( q ) shall, under no circumstance, issue a passed test result unless a complete test
has been carried out and all the testable items are satisfactory, or a re-test is
completed and the licensed vehicle tester confirms that the necessary repairs
have been carried out;
( r ) shall make available, at the station, a safe for the safekeeping of all
documents and forms in his possession, as well as the garage stamp; 
( s ) shall sign any forms or documents in indelible ink or ball point pen, and
write clearly and without alterations;
( t ) shall not issue or permit the issue of a passed test result when a refusal of a
passed test result should have been issued in relation to a motor vehicle
submitted for a test;
( u ) shall not charge a fee which is in excess of the prescribed amount;
( v ) shall not repeatedly, and without a valid reason, fail to keep the
appointments for the testing of motor vehicles; and
( w ) shall at all times maintain the testing equipment in calibration up to the
standard required by these Regulations.
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 25
Testers operating in the stations -
( a ) shall have a licence from the Licensing and Testing Directorate to perform
vehicle testing on one or more of the three classes of vehicles, i.e.
motorcycles, light vehicles and heavy vehicles as specified in their
application;
( b ) shall not perform vehicle testing unless the Licensing and Testing
Directorate’s testing unit is satisfied that facilities and equipment in the
station where they are employed conform with the prescribed requirements; 
( c )  shall consult at all times the approved and accredited testing manuals;
( d ) shall, as regards the use of the testing equipment which has been installed
and approved by the Licensing and Testing Directorate, ensure that they
receive the necessary training by the suppliers or agents of such equipment;
( e ) shall not refuse to test any vehicle of whatever age, make or type within the
classes for which authorisation is given, except in the following
circumstances:-
when the details contained in the registration document do not comply
with the correct details of the vehicle;
when the vehicle cannot be driven or has insufficient fuel or oil to
complete the test;
when the vehicle is presented in such a dirty condition that examination
is difficult;
when a licensed tester considers that an insecure load or other items
would prevent a proper test being carried out unless it can be unloaded;
when the vehicle is of such a size or weight that it cannot be properly or
safely tested on the approved facilities.
    All the above points shall be checked prior to testing.
SEVENTH SCHEDULE Amended by:L.N. 159 of 2003.
(Regulation 14)
CONDITIONS FOR LICENSED TESTERS
26 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
Fees and Frequency of Tests
Substituted by:
L.N. 157 of 1999;
Amended by:
L.N. 159 of 2003.
EIGHTH SCHEDULE
(Regulations 19 and 20)
 Category of vehicle Full Fee Lm Frequency  of Test
Class I
Motorcycles and motorcycle combinations 6.00 A
Class IIA
Midibuses, minibuses and vans (g.v.w. under 3,500kgs.) 11.00 B
Motor vehicles used for the road carriage of goods 
(commercial vehicles - g.v.w. under 3,500kgs.) 11.00 C
Trailers, semi-trailers and other towed vehicles (g.v.w. 
under 3,500kgs.) 11.00 C
Class IIB
Taxis (g.v.w. under 3,500kgs.) 8.50 B
Ambulances (g.v.w. under 3,500kgs.) 8.50 B
Chauffeur driven vehicles (g.v.w. under 3,500kgs.) 8.50 B
Self-drive vehicles (g.v.w. under 3,500kgs.) 8.50 C
Other light passenger vehicles (g.v.w. under 3,500kgs.) 8.50 D
Class III
Routebuses, coaches, private buses, midibuses, minibuses 
and vans (g.v.w. is 3,500kgs.and over) 13.00 B
Motor vehicles used for the road carriage of goods 
(commercial vehicles - g.v.w. is 3,500kgs. and
- New 13.00 B
- Other (Second-hand imported vehicles) 13.00 F
Trailers, semi-trailers and other towed vehicles (g.v.w. is 
3,500kgs. and over) 13.00 B
Classes I, IIA, IIB & III
All second-hand imported vehicles As above 
according to 
category E
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 27
A. Not subject to test.
B. One year after the date on which the vehicle was first registered, and annually thereafter.
C. Two years after the date on which the vehicle was first registered and thereafter biennially.
D. Four years after the date on which the vehicle was first registered, and thereafter biennially.
E. On first registration in Malta, and thereafter according to the above categories.
F. On first registration in Malta, the vehicle has to be accompanied by either a local VRT
passed test certificate or an equivalent certificate (based on the requirements of EU
Council Directive 96/96/EC and its subsequent amendments) issued by the competent
authority of any State within the European Economic Area. These vehicles are required to
be tested annually thereafter .
 Category of vehicle Full Fee Lm Frequency  of Test
28 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
Licensing and Testing Directorate Administration Charge
Substituted by:
L.N. 157 of 1999;
L.N. 159 of 2003
NINTH SCHEDULE
(Regulation 19)
 Category of vehicle
Administration 
charge 
Lm
Class I
Motorcycles and motorcycle combinations 0.35
Class IIA
Midibuses, minibuses and vans (g.v.w. under 3,500kgs.) 1.00
Motor vehicles used for the road carriage of goods (commercial 
vehicles - g.v.w. under 3,500kgs.) 1.00
Trailers, semi-trailers and other towed vehicles (g.v.w. under 
3,500kgs.) 1.00
Class IIB
Taxis (g.v.w. under 3,500kgs.) 0.80
Ambulances (g.v.w. under 3,500kgs.) 0.80
Chauffeur driven vehicles (g.v.w. under 3,500kgs.) 0.80
Self-drive vehicles (g.v.w. under 3,500kgs.) 0.80
Other light passenger vehicles (g.v.w. under 3,500kgs.) 0.80
Class III
Routebuses, coaches, private buses, midibuses, minibuses and vans 
(g.v.w. is 3,500kgs.and over) 1.20
Motor vehicles used for the road carriage of goods (commercial 
vehicles - g.v.w. is 3,500kgs. and over) 1.20
Trailers, semi-trailers and other towed vehicles (g.v.w. is 3,500kgs. 
and over) 1.20
Classes I, IIA, IIB & III
All second-hand imported vehicles As above accord-
ing to category
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 29
TECHNICAL ROADSIDE INSPECTION REPORT
INCORPORATING A CHECKLIST
1. Place of check ..............................................................................................
2. Date ............................................................................................................
3. Time ............................................................................................................
4. Vehicle nationality mark and registration number
.........................................
5. Trailer/semi-trailer nationality mark and registration number .......................
6. Class of vehicle ...........................................................................................
( a ) à Light goods vehicle (3.5 to 12 t) ( 1 ) ( e )  à Lorry (more than 12 t) ( 5 )
( b ) à Trailer ( 2 ) ( f )  à Semi-trailer ( 6 )
( c ) à Road train ( 3 ) ( g )  à Articulated vehicle ( 7 )
( d ) à Bus or coach ( 4 )
7. Undertaking carrying out transport/address ..................................................
8. Nationality ..................................................................................................
9. Driver ..........................................................................................................
10. Checklist
checked not checked failed
( a ) braking system and components ( 1 ) à à à
( b ) exhaust system ( 1 ) à à à
( c ) smoke opacity (diesel) ( 1 ) à à à
( d ) gaseous emissions (petrol, natural gas
or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) ( 1 ) à à à
( e ) steering linkages à à à
( f ) lamps, lighting and signalling devices à à à
( g ) Wheels / tyres à à à
( h ) suspension (visible defects) ( 8 ) à à à
( i ) chassis (visible defects) ( 8 ) à à à
( j ) tachograph (installation) ( 9 ) à à à
( k ) speed limiting device (installation) ( 10 ) à à à
( l ) evidence of fuel and`or oil spillage  à à à
11. Result of inspection:
Ban on using the vehicle, which has serious defects  à
12. Miscellaneous / remarks
TENTH SCHEDULE Added by:
L.N. 159 of 2003(Regulations 27 and 29)
30 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
13. Authority / officer or inspector having carried out the inspection
Signature of testing authority`agent or inspector.
( 1 ) Motor vehicles with at least four wheels and used for the carriage of goods
and having a maximum mass exceeding 3.5 t but not exceeding 12 t (category N2)
( 2 ) Any vehicle intended to be coupled to a motor vehicle, with the exception of
semi-trailers, which because of its design and equipment is used for the carriage of
goods; trailers of a maximum mass exceeding 3.5 t but not exceeding 10 t (category
03); trailers of a maximum mass exceeding 10 t (category 04).
( 3 ) Motor vehicle intended for the carriage of goods, with a maximum mass
exceeding 3.5 t (categories N2 and N3 coupled to a trailer (categories O3 and O4).
( 4 ) Motor vehicle with at least four wheels used for the carriage of passengers,
comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat (cat. M2 and M3)
( 5 ) Motor vehicles with a least four wheels used for the carriage of goods and
having a maximum mass exceeding 12 t (category N3)
( 6 ) Any vehicle intended to be coupled to a motor vehicle in such a way that
part of the semi-trailer rests on the motor vehicle and a substantial part of its weight
or of the weight of its load is supported by that vehicle and which, because of its
design and equipment, is used for the carriage of goods (categories O3 and O4).
( 7 ) Towing vehicle coupled to a semi-trailer.
( 8 ) Motor vehicles that operate nationally from 1st January 2005
( 9 ) Motor vehicles that operate internationally only
( 10 ) Motor vehicles manufactured after 2002 or from 1st January 2006 for
nationally operating vehicles manufactured 1988-2001.
MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST [ S.L.65.15 31
RULES FOR TESTING AND/OR CHECKING BRAKING SYSTEMS
AND EXHAUST EMISSIONS
1. Specific conditions concerning brakes
It is required that every part of the braking system and its means of
operation be maintained in good and efficient working order and be properly
adjusted. The vehicle’s brakes must fulfil the following braking functions:
( a ) For motor vehicles and their trailers and semi-trailers, a service brake
capable of slowing down the vehicle and of stopping it safely, rapidly
and efficiently, whatever its conditions of loading and whatever the
upward or downward gradient of the road on which it is moving;
( b ) For motor vehicles and their trailers and semi-trailers a parking brake
capable of holding the vehicle stationary, whatever its condition of
loading, and whatever the upward or downward gradient of the road.
2. Specific conditions concerning exhaust emissions
2.1 Motor vehicles equipped with positive-ignition (petrol) engines
( a ) Where the exhaust emissions are not controlled by an advanced
emission control system such as a three-way catalytic converter which
is lambda-probe controlled:
1. Visual inspection of the exhaust system in order to check that
there is no leakage;
2. if appropriate, visual inspection of the emission control system in
order to check that the required equipment has been fitted;
3. after a reasonable period of engine conditioning (taking account
of the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations) the carbon
monoxide (CO) content of the exhaust gases is measured when
the engine is idling (no load).
The maximum permissible CO content in the exhaust gases must
not exceed the following:
- for vehicles registered or put into service for the first time
between the date from which member States required the
vehicles to comply with Directive 70/220/EEC ( * ) and 1
October 1986: CO must not exceed 4.5% vol.
- for vehicles registered or put into service for the first time
after 1 October 1986: CO must not exceed 3.5% vol.
( b ) where the exhaust emissions are controlled by an advanced emission
control system such as a three-way catalytic converter which is lambda-
probe controlled:
1. visual inspection of the exhaust system in order to check that
ELEVENTH SCHEDULE Added by:
L.N. 159 of 2003(Regulation 28)
*Council Directive 70/220/EEC of 20 March 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles (O) L 76, 6.4.1970,
p.1). Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 1999/102/EC (O) 334, 28.12.1999, p.43).
32 [ S.L.65.15 MOTOR VEHICLE ROADWORTHINESS TEST
there are no leakages and that all parts are complete:
2. visual inspection of the emission control system in order to check
that the required equipment has been fitted:
3. Determination of the efficiency of the vehicle’s emission control
system by measurement of the lambda value and of the CO
content of the exhaust gases in accordance with section 4.
4. Exhaust pipe emissions - limit values
- measurement at engine idling speed: The maximum
permissible CO content in the exhaust gases must not
exceed 0.5 % vol.,
- Measurement at high idling speed (no load), engine speed to
be at least 2 000 min –1  CO content: maximum 0.3 % vol.,
Lambda: 1 ± 0.03 or in accordance with the manufacturer’s
specifications.
2.2 Motor vehicle equipped with compression (ignition) (diesel) engines
Measurement of exhaust gas opacity with free acceleration (no load from
idling up to cut-off speed). The level of concentration must not exceed the following
limit values of the coefficient of absorption:
- Naturally aspirated diesel engines = 2,5 m -1
- Turbo-charged diesel engines = 3,0 m -1
or equivalent values where use is made of equipment of a type different from that
complying with these requirements.
Vehicles registered or put into service for the first time before 1 January
1980 are exempted from these requirements.
2.3 Test equipment
Vehicle emissions are tested using equipment designated to establish
accurately whether the limit values prescribed or indicated by the manufacturer have
been complied with.
