For the purpose of this Directive:
‘vehicle’ means any motor vehicle as defined in Article 2 of Directive 70/156/EEC, intended for use on the road, being complete or incomplete, having at least four wheels and a maximum design speed exceeding 25 km/h, and its trailers, with the exception of vehicles which run on rails and of agricultural and forestry tractors and all mobile machinery,
‘mechanical coupling type’ means a mechanical coupling device for which type-approval of a component within the meaning of Article 2 of Directive 70/156/EEC may be granted.
Member States may not refuse:
EEC type-approval or national type-approval for a vehicle, or refuse or prohibit the sale, registration, entry into service or use of a vehicle on grounds relating to its optional equipment with mechanical coupling devices,
EEC component type-approval or national component type-approval for a mechanical coupling, or prohibit the sale or use of a mechanical coupling device, if the requirements of the Annexes are satisfied.
Member States shall adopt and publish the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive within 18 months of the date of its adoption. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.
When Member States adopt these measures, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference on the occasion of their official publication. The method of making such a reference shall be laid down by the Member States.
They shall apply these provisions 18 months following the date of adoption of this Directive.
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 30 May 1994.
For the European Parliament
The President
E. KLEPSCH
For the Council
The President
Th. PANGALOS