Section 4

Vehicle safety

There are standards set by law for the condition of your vehicle. You must know these standards and make sure your vehicle complies with the law. This section sets out the basic information you need to know. For further information on the testing of your vehicle please see www.ncts.ie or lo-call 1890 927 977 (9am- 4pm).

As a driver, you must make sure that your vehicle is in good working order. You must ensure that the steering, brakes, front and rear lamps, reflectors, rear view mirrors, safety belts, speedometer, tyres, windscreen wipers, horn and silencer are checked regularly.

REMEMBER
It is a serious offence to drive an unsafe vehicle on a public road.

Motor vehicles must be tested for their roadworthiness. This section sets out the minimum standards required for your vehicle. You should check the following on a regular basis:

Tyres

Tread depth: Do not allow your tyres to wear down too much. Most vehicles on the road must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm over the main treads. For motorcycles and vintage vehicles the minimum tread depth is 1 mm. However, make sure you replace your tyres before they become this worn.

Pressure: Regularly check the pressure of every tyre, including the spare tyre, and pay attention to the recommended pressure levels.

Checking for damage: Regularly examine your tyres for cuts, cracks and bulges, which could cause unexpected 'blow-outs'.

Replacing tyres: Buy replacement tyres only from reputable dealers and do not mix radial and cross-ply tyres on any one axle.

Temporary use (space saver) spare tyres: Use only these tyres to complete a journey or make a journey to a tyre dealer. Do not travel at a speed in excess of the recommended speed stamped on the tyre.

Lights and reflectors

Motor vehicles (except motorcycles or electric vehicles with a maximum speed of 38km/h) must have the following lights and reflectors.

Motor vehicles (except motorcycles or electric vehicles with a maximum speed of 38km/h) must have the following lights and reflectors.

At the front:

Two headlights (white or yellow)

Two white sidelights

Direction indicator lights (amber only)

At the back

Two red lights (commonly known as tail lights)

Two red brake lights

Two red reflectors

Number plate lighting

Direction indicator lights (amber only)

REMEMBER
Your lights, reflectors, number plate lighting and direction indicators will be effective only if you keep them clean and in good working order.

Remember:

You must use fog lights only in dense fog or falling snow. Turn them off in clear weather or you will risk causing glare or dazzling other drivers.

You may fit high mounted rear brake lights if you wish, but fitting other optional lighting is controlled by law.

Sections 16, 17 and 20 deal with the required lighting for motorcycles, bicycles and horse drawn vehicles.

Before you change or alter the physical apperance of your vehicle, for example by fitting spot lights, bull bars or ornaments, take care not to increase the risk to road users, in particular the more vunerable ones, for example cyclists and pedestrians.

You must not fit blue or red flashing lights which are solely reserved for Garda., ambulance and other designated service vehicles. See www.transport.ie for details.

You should not make any technical modifications to your vehicle without professional advice as these may have legal and safety implications.

You should also inform your insurance company, as some modifications can invalidate your insurance policy.

Windscreen

Type of windscreen: Laminated glass must be used for the windscreens of motor vehicles registered since January 1986. It must also be used when replacing damaged windscreens of older vehicles.

Windscreen wipers: Keep your windscreen wipers and wiper blades in good working condition and keep your windscreen washer liquid topped up.

Clear vision: Keep your windscreen and windows clean and free of clutter to make sure you can see the road and other road users clearly.

Mirrors

Your vehicle must have mirrors fitted so that you always know what is behind and to each side. Heavy goods vehicles (HGV's) and buses should have 'cyclops' and 'wide angle mirrors' to eliminate blind spots and protect pedestrians and cyclists to the front and sides of the vehicles.

When to use mirrors: You must use your vehicle's mirrors before moving off, changing lanes, overtaking, slowing down, stopping, turning, or opening doors. You should check your mirrors regularly when driving.

Clear vision: As with lights and reflectors, you must keep your mirrors clean, in good condition and correctly positioned to make sure they are effective.

Section 4 - Part 2

BMW series 1 116i Tuition Car