Changing the exhaust emissions test for light vehicles with a modern diesel engine

Overview

This consultation seeks your views on a proposal to change the annual roadworthiness test (MOT test) by introducing an alternative exhaust emissions test for cars and light goods vehicles fitted with a modern diesel engine. 

The proposal is to conduct the more effective exhaust emissions Particle Number (PN) test on cars and light goods vehicles fitted with a modern Euro 5b or younger diesel engine (i.e., vehicles first registered from 1 January 2013), as an alternative to the required smoke opacity (density) test.

Recent developments in diesel emissions test equipment have highlighted PN testing as a more suitable test method for younger diesel vehicles, which produce excessive levels of particulate matter if they are not properly maintained.

The DVA welcomes your views on its proposal to change the exhaust emission test for light vehicles with a modern diesel engine.

The consultation document and associated documents can also be made available in alternative formats on request. Please contact dva.consultations@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. 

You should note that individual responses will not be published and a summary report will only reflect the opinions received in general terms. For information regarding the Departmental Privacy Notice following the introduction of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) please go to: DfI Privacy. The Privacy Notice explains how we will use personal information as part of the processing of responses. 

You can view the Section 75 Screening form here.

What happens next?

The consultation responses will be considered before final decisions are taken on changing the exhaust emission test for light vehicles with a modern diesel engine.

We will publish the outcome of this consultation on the NI Direct website.