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Directive 2009/40/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (repealed)Show full title

Directive 2009/40/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 May 2009 on roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers (Recast) (Text with EEA relevance) (repealed)

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Changes over time for: VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 AND 6

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Version Superseded: 28/07/2010

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EU Directives are published on this site to aid cross referencing from UK legislation. Since IP completion day (31 December 2020 11.00 p.m.) no amendments have been applied to this version.

VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 AND 6U.K.

8.2.Exhaust emissionsU.K.

8.2.1.Motor vehicles equipped with positive-ignition engines and fuelled by petrolU.K.
(a)Where the exhaust emissions are not controlled by an advanced emission control system such as a three-way catalytic converter that is lambda-probe controlled:U.K.
1.

Visual inspection of the exhaust system in order to check that it is complete and in a satisfactory condition and that there are no leaks.

2.

Visual inspection of any emission control equipment fitted by the manufacturer in order to check that it is complete and in a satisfactory condition and that there are no leaks.

After a reasonable period of engine conditioning (taking account of 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 is that stated by the vehicle manufacturer. Where this information is not available or where the Member States’ competent authorities decide not to use it as a reference value, the CO content must not exceed the following:

(i)

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(1) and 1 October 1986: CO — 4,5 % vol.;

(ii)

for vehicles registered or put into service for the first time after 1 October 1986 — 3,5 % vol.

(b)Where the exhaust emissions are controlled by an advanced emission control system such as a three-way catalytic converter that is lambda-probe controlled:U.K.
1.

Visual inspection of the exhaust system in order to check that it is complete and in a satisfactory condition and that there are no leaks.

2.

Visual inspection of any emission control equipment fitted by the manufacturer in order to check that it is complete and in a satisfactory condition and that there are no leaks.

3.

Determination of the efficiency of the vehicle’s emission control system by measuring the lambda value and the CO content of the exhaust gases in accordance with point 4 or with the procedures proposed by the manufacturers and approved at the time of type-approval. For each of the tests the engine is conditioned in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

4.

Exhaust pipe emissions — limit values

The maximum permissible CO content in the exhaust gases is that stated by the vehicle manufacturer.

Where this information is not available the CO content must not exceed the following:

(i)

Measurement at engine idling speed:

The maximum permissible CO content in the exhaust gases must not exceed 0,5 % vol. and for vehicles that have been type-approved according to the limit values shown in row A or row B of the table in point 5.3.1.4 of Annex I to Directive 70/220/EEC; the maximum CO content must not exceed 0,3 % vol. Where compliance with Directive 70/220/EEC is not possible then the above shall apply to vehicles registered or first put into service after 1 July 2002.

(ii)

Measurement at high idle speed (no load), engine speed to be at least 2 000 min-1:

CO content: maximum 0,3 % vol. and for vehicles that have been type-approved according to the limit values shown in row A or row B of the table in point 5.3.1.4 of Annex I to Directive 70/220/EEC; the maximum CO content must not exceed 0,2 % vol. Where compliance with Directive 70/220/EEC is not possible then the above shall apply to vehicles registered or first put into service after 1 July 2002.

Lambda: 1 ± 0,03 or in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

(iii)

For motor vehicles equipped with on-board diagnostic systems (OBD) in accordance with Directive 70/220/EEC Member States may as an alternative to the test specified in item (i) establish the correct functioning of the emission system through the appropriate reading of the OBD device and the simultaneous checking of the proper functioning of the OBD system.

8.2.2.Motor vehicles equipped with compression-ignition (diesel) enginesU.K.
(a)Exhaust gas opacity to be measured during free acceleration (no load from idle up to cut-off speed) with gear lever in neutral and clutch engaged.U.K.
(b)Vehicle preconditioning:U.K.
1.

Vehicles may be tested without preconditioning although for safety reasons checks should be made that the engine is warm and in a satisfactory mechanical condition.

2.

Except as specified in point (d)(5), no vehicle will be failed unless it has been preconditioned according to the following requirements:

(i)

Engine shall be fully warm, for instance the engine oil temperature measured by a probe in the oil level dipstick tube to be at least 80 °C, or normal operating temperature if lower, or the engine block temperature measured by the level of infrared radiation to be at least an equivalent temperature. If, owing to vehicle configuration, this measurement is impractical, the establishment of the engine’s normal operating temperature may be made by other means, for example by the operation of the engine cooling fan.

(ii)

Exhaust system shall be purged by at least three free acceleration cycles or by an equivalent method.

(c)Test procedure:U.K.
1.

Visual inspection of any emission control equipment fitted by the manufacturer in order to check that it is complete and in a satisfactory condition and that there are no leaks.

2.

Engine and any turbocharger fitted, to be at idle before the start of each free acceleration cycle. For heavy-duty diesels, this means waiting for at least 10 seconds after the release of the throttle.

3.

To initiate each free acceleration cycle, the throttle pedal must be fully depressed quickly and continuously (in less than one second) but not violently, so as to obtain maximum delivery from the injection pump.

4.

During each free acceleration cycle, the engine shall reach cut-off speed or, for vehicles with automatic transmissions, the speed specified by the manufacturer or if this data is not available then two-thirds of the cut-off speed, before the throttle is released. This could be checked, for instance, by monitoring engine speed or by allowing a sufficient time to elapse between initial throttle depression and release, which in the case of vehicles of category 1 and 2 of Annex I should be at least two seconds.

(d)Limit values:U.K.
1.

The level of concentration must not exceed the level recorded on the plate pursuant to Directive 72/306/EEC(2).

2.

Where this information is not available or where Member States’ competent authorities decide not to use it as a reference, the level of concentration must not exceed the level stated by the manufacturer or the limit values of the coefficient of absorption that are as follows:

Maximum coefficient of absorption for:

  • naturally aspirated diesel engines = 2,5 m-1,

  • turbo-charged diesel engines = 3,0 m-1,

  • a limit of 1,5 m-1 shall apply to the following vehicles that have been type-approved according to the limit values shown in:

    (a)

    row B of the table in point 5.3.1.4 of Annex I to Directive 70/220/EEC (Light Duty Vehicle Diesel — Euro 4);

    (b)

    row B1 of the tables in point 6.2.1 of Annex I to Directive 88/77/EEC(3) (Heavy Duty Vehicle Diesel — Euro 4);

    (c)

    row B2 of the tables in point 6.2.1 of Annex I to Directive 88/77/EEC (Heavy Duty Vehicle Diesel — Euro 5);

    (d)

    row C of the tables in point 6.2.1 of Annex I to Directive 88/77/EEC (Heavy Duty Vehicle — EEV)

    or limit values in later amendments of Directive 70/220/EEC or limit values in later amendments of Directive 88/77/EEC or equivalent values where use is made of equipment of a type different from that used for EC type-approval.

Where compliance with point 5.3.1.4 of Annex I to Directive 70/220/EEC or with point 6.2.1 of Annex I to Directive 88/77/EEC is not possible then the above shall apply to vehicles registered or first put into service after 1 July 2008.

3.

Vehicles registered or put into service for the first time before 1 January 1980 are exempted from these requirements.

4.

Vehicles shall only be failed if the arithmetic means of at least the last three free acceleration cycles are in excess of the limit value. This may be calculated by ignoring any measurement that departs significantly from the measured mean, or the result of any other statistical calculation that takes account of the scattering of the measurements. Member States may limit the number of test cycles.

5.

To avoid unnecessary testing, Member States may, by way of exception from the provisions of point 8.2.2(d)(4), fail vehicles which have measured values significantly in excess of the limit values after less than three free acceleration cycles or after the purging cycles (or equivalent) specified in point 8.2.2(b)2(ii). Equally to avoid unnecessary testing, Member States may, by way of exception from the provisions of point 8.2.2(d)(4), pass vehicles which have measured values significantly below the limits after less than three free acceleration cycles or after the purging cycles (or equivalent) specified in point 8.2.2(b)2(ii).

8.2.3.Test equipmentU.K.

Vehicle emissions are tested using equipment designed to establish accurately whether the limit values prescribed or indicated by the manufacturer have been complied with.

8.2.4.Where, during EC type-approval, a type of vehicle is found not to have satisfied the limit values laid down by this directive, the Member States may lay down higher limit values for that type of vehicle on the basis of proof supplied by the manufacturer. They must forthwith inform the Commission thereof and it in turn must inform the other Member States.U.K.
VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND 3VEHICLES IN CATEGORIES 4, 5 AND 6
8.3.Suppression of radio interference
9. Supplementary tests for public transport vehicles
9.1.Emergency exit(s) (including hammers for breaking windows), signs indicating emergency exit(s)
9.2.Heating system
9.3.Ventilation system
9.4.Seat layout
9.5.Interior lighting
10. Vehicle identification
10. Vehicle identification
10.1.Registration plate
10.1.Registration plate
10.2.Chassis number
10.2.Chassis number
(1)

Council Directive 70/220/EEC of 20 March 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States on measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles (OJ L 76, 6.4.1970, p. 1).

(2)

Council Directive 72/306/EEC of 2 August 1972 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the measures to be taken against the emission of pollutants from diesel engines for use in vehicles (OJ L 190, 20.8.1972, p. 1).

(3)

Council Directive 88/77/EEC of 3 December 1987 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the measures to be taken against the emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants from compression-ignition engines for use in vehicles, and the emission of gaseous pollutants from positive ignition engines fuelled with natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas for use in vehicles (OJ L 36, 9.2.1988, p. 33).

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