The Minister for Local Government and Public Health, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by the Road Traffic Act, 1933 , and in particular by Sections 4, 15 and 17 of the said Act, hereby makes the following regulations, that is to say :—

PART I.

PRELIMINARY.

1 Short Title.

1. These Regulations may be cited as "The Mechanically Propelled Vehicles (Construction, Equipment and Use) Order, 1934."

2 Interpretation

2. The Interpretation Act, 1923 , applies for the purpose of the interpretation of these Regulations as it applies for the purpose of the interpretation of an Act of the Oireachtas.

3 Definitions

3. In these Regulations the following expressions shall have the meanings assigned to them respectively by this Article :—

" Vehicle " means a mechanically-propelled vehicle.

" Tractor " means a vehicle which is not a motor cycle and which is not constructed itself to carry any load except the following articles or any of them, that is to say : water, fuel, accumulators and other equipment used for the purposes of propulsion, loose tools, and loose equipment.

" Land tractor " means a tractor designed and used primarily for work on the land in connexion with agriculture, forestry, land levelling, dredging and similar operations, which is driven on a road only when proceeding to and from the site of such work and which when so driven hauls nothing except land implements and agricultural trailers.

" Large tractor " and " Large land tractor " mean respectively a tractor or a land tractor the weight unladen of which exceeds seven and one quarter tons.

" Small tractor " and " Small land tractor " mean respectively a tractor or a land tractor the weight unladen of which does not exceed seven and one quarter tons.

" Heavy motor car " means a heavy motor vehicle which is not a tractor.

" Motor car " means a light motor vehicle which is not a tractor.

" Trailer " means any vehicle used for the purpose of being drawn by a vehicle except a vehicle used solely for carrying water for the purpose of the drawing vehicle or a vehicle not constructed to carry any load.

" Land implement " means any implement or machinery used with a land tractor in connexion with agriculture, forestry, land levelling, dredging or similar operations, and includes a living van and the necessary gear and equipment of the land tractor which draws it.

" Agricultural trailer " means a trailer the property of a person engaged in agriculture which is used on a road for the conveyance of the produce of or of articles for the purposes of agriculture.

" Articulated vehicle " means a vehicle other than a motor cycle with a trailer drawn thereby which is so constructed and by partial super-imposition attached to the vehicle that a substantial part of the weight of the trailer is borne by the vehicle.

" Soft tyre " means a tyre other than a pneumatic tyre of soft or elastic material, which material is either—

(a) continuous round the circumference of the wheel, or

(b) in segments so fitted that so far as reasonably practicable, no space is left between the ends thereof,

and of such thickness as to minimise, so far as is reasonably possible, vibration when the vehicle is in motion, and so constructed as to be free from any defect which might in any way cause damage to the surface of a road.

" Safety glass " means glass, so constructed or treated that if fractured it does not fly into fragments capable of causing severe cuts.

4 Brake drums

4. For the purpose of these Regulations a brake drum shall be deemed to form part of the wheel and not of the braking system.

5 Calculation on number of wheels

5. For the purpose of these regulations any two wheels of a vehicle or trailer shall be regarded as one wheel if the distance between the centres of the portions of the wheels which come in contact with the ground is less than 18 inches.

6 Measurement of Vehicles

6.—(1) The length of a vehicle shall be measured in the direction in which the vehicle travels, and the word longitudinal shall be interpreted accordingly.

(2) In calculating the overall length of a vehicle the length of the starting handle (if any) and of the hood (if any) shall be ignored.

(3) The " Overall width " of a vehicle shall be measured between parallel planes, passing through the extreme projecting points of the vehicle, and for that purpose a driving mirror shall not be regarded as part of the vehicle.

(4) " Overhang " means the distance measured horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle between two vertical planes at right angles to such axis, the one passing through that point of the vehicle which projects furthest to the rear and the other passing—

(a) in the case of a vehicle having two axles, one of which is not a steering axle, through the centre point of that axle and

(b) in the case of a vehicle having three axles :

(i) where the front axle is the only steering axle, through a point four inches in rear of the centre of a straight line joining the centre points of the rear and middle axles, and

(ii) where the rear axle is the only steering axle, through the centre point of the middle axle, and

(iii) where all the axles but one are steering axles, through the centre point of the axle which is not a steering axle, and

(c) in the case of a vehicle (whether having two axles or three axles) where all the axles are steering axles and in the case of a vehicle having four or more axles, through a point situated on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and such that a line drawn from it at right angles to that axis will pass through the centre of the minimum turning circle of the vehicle.

Provided that for the purposes of this definition a hood shall not be regarded as part of the vehicle.

7 Pneumatic tyre

7. The following shall be the characteristics and qualities to be possessed by a tyre in order that it may be a pneumatic tyre for the purposes of the Act and of these regulations—

(a) it shall be provided with a continuous closed chamber containing air at a pressure substantially exceeding atmospheric pressure when a tyre is in the condition in which it is normally used, but is not subjected to any load ;

(b) it shall be capable of being inflated and deflated without removal from the wheel or vehicle ;

8 Saver for existing vehicle

8. In the case of a vehicle which has been registered in Saorstát Eireann under the Roads Act, 1920, before the 1st January, 1935, it shall not be necessary before 1st day of January, 1939, in order to comply with Part II of these regulations either—

(a) to make any alterations in the construction of such vehicle which were not required to be made therein by any statute or order in force at the making of these regulations, or

(b) to fit on such vehicle any equipment other than the mirror required by these regulations which was not required to be fitted thereto by any statute or order in force at the making of these regulations.

9 Application of regulations

9.—(1) These regulations shall apply in relation to a locomotive which is not a tractor and the unladen weight of which exceeds two and one half tons as if such locomotive were a heavy motor car.

(2) These regulations shall apply in relation to a locomotive which is not a tractor and the unladen weight of which does not exceed two and one half tons as if such locomotive were a motor car.

PART II.

REGULATIONS IN RELATION TO THE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES AND TRAILERS.

GENERAL PROVISIONS.

10 Overall length.

10. The overall length of a vehicle with four wheels shall not exceed 27 feet 6 inches and of a vehicle with more than four wheels shall not exceed 30 feet. The overall length of an articulated vehicle shall not exceed 33 feet.

11 Distribution of weight

11. Every vehicle or trailer with more than four wheels and every trailer having more than two wheels in contact with the ground being part of an articulated vehicle shall be so constructed that under any condition of loading when it is at rest upon a level surface all the wheels shall be in contact with the ground, and if any wheel is lifted and supported at a distance of 6 inches above such surface the weight transmitted to the road surface by any wheel shall not be increased by more than ten per cent.

12 Springs

12. Every vehicle other than a motor cycle or a mobile crane and every trailer drawn thereby shall be equipped with suitable and sufficient springs between each wheel and the frame of the vehicle :

Provided that this regulation shall not apply—

(a) to any small tractor not exceeding 4 tons in weight unladen if all unsprung wheels of such tractor are equipped with pneumatic tyres ;

(b) to any land tractor, land implement, agricultural trailer or trailer used solely for the haulage of felled trees ;

(c) to any small tractor not exceeding 4 tons in weight unladen used in connection with railway shunting operations which is only used on the road when passing from one portion of the railway track to another for the purpose of such operations.

13 Parking brakes

13. Except in the case of motor cycles with or without sidecars attached every vehicle shall be equipped with a braking system (which may be one of the braking systems hereinafter prescribed) so designed and constructed that it can be set so as effectually to prevent two at least, or in the case of a vehicle with only three wheels one of the wheels from revolving when the vehicle is not being driven or is left unattended.

14 Wheels

14. Every vehicle and trailer shall be so constructed that the entire weight of the vehicle is transmitted directly to the road surface by circular wheels:

Provided that it shall be lawful to use on a road a track-laying land tractor subject to the following conditions—

(a) the parts of the track which come into contact with the road surface shall be flat and have a minimum width of half an inch. The total area of each track actually in contact with the road surface at any one time shall be not less than 36 square inches in respect of each ton of the unladen weight of the tractor ;

(b) A track-laying small tractor shall not draw any trailer other than a land implement.

15 Diameter of wheels

15. All wheels of a vehicle and all wheels of a trailer in contact with the road surface when the trailer is being drawn on a road which are equipped with tyres other than pneumatic tyres shall have a rim diameter of not less than 670 mm. :

Provided that this regulation shall not apply—

(i) to any vehicle or trailer not exceeding 30 cwt. in weight unladen designed for use in works or on private premises and used on a road only in passing from one part of the works or premises to another or to works or premises in the immediate neighbourhood ;

(ii) to any vehicle or trailer designed and used by or on behalf of local authorities for street cleansing or the collection or disposal of refuse ;

(iii) to any mobile crane ;

(iv) to any land implement.

16 Reversing

16. Every vehicle which exceeds in weight unladen, 8 cwts. shall be capable of being so worked that it may be moved by its own power either forwards or backwards.

17 View of road, etc

17. Every vehicle shall be so constructed that the driver, while controlling the vehicle in motion on a road from the position provided for the purpose, can have such view of the road and of vehicles and pedestrians on the road in front and to the sides of such vehicle as is necessary to enable him to avoid collision and to drive the vehicle along the road with reasonable safety.

18 Mirrors

18. Every vehicle, other than a motor cycle, shall be equipped with a mirror, so constructed and fitted to the vehicle as to enable the driver of the vehicle to be or become aware of the presence in the rear thereof of any other vehicle, the driver of which is desirous of passing such vehicle:

Provided that this regulation shall not apply to a vehicle when drawing a trailer if a person is carried on the trailer in a position which affords an uninterrupted view to the rear and such person is provided with efficient means of communicating to the driver the effect of signals given by the drivers of other vehicles in rear thereof.

19 Safety glass

19. All glass fitted to wind-screens or windows facing to the front on the outside of any vehicle except glass fitted to the upper deck of a double-decked vehicle shall be safety glass.

20 Warning instrument

20. Every vehicle shall carry an instrument capable of giving audible and sufficient warning of its approach or position.

21 Silencers

21. Every vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine shall be so constructed that the exhaust gases from the engine cannot at any time or under any conditions escape into the atmosphere without first passing through a silencer, expansion chamber or other contrivance suitable and sufficient for reducing as far as may be reasonable the noise which would otherwise be caused by the escape of the said gas.

22 Devices to prevent unauthorised Driving

22.—(1) Every vehicle other than a motor cycle which is propelled by means of an internal combustion engine shall be fitted with a device complying with this Article for preventing unauthorised driving.

(2) The device for preventing unauthorised driving shall be either

(a) a door or doors capable of being locked with a detachable key and such that when closed access to the controls of the vehicle is impossible ; or

(b) a device, operated by means of a detachable key or capable of being locked by a detachable key; by which the ignition of the vehicle can be interrupted in such a manner that such ignition cannot be made to operate without opening the separate portion of the vehicle containing the engine ;

(c) a device operated by means of a detachable key whereby the engine, the wheels, the transmission, the steering gear or any other mechanism, the movement of which is essential to the movement of the vehicle as a whole and not forming part of the ignition can be locked in position and made immovable.

23 Emission of smoke, sparks, cinders, etc

23.—(1) Every vehicle shall be constructed so as to prevent, to such extent as is reasonably possible, the emission of smoke or visible vapour.

(2) Every vehicle using solid fuel shall be fitted with an efficient appliance for the purpose of preventing the emission of sparks or grit, and also with a tray or shield to prevent ashes and cinders from falling on to the road.

24 Closets, etc

24. No vehicle shall be equipped with any closet, urinal, lavatory, basin or sink.

LOCOMOTIVES WHICH ARE NOT TRACTORS.

25 Unladen weight.

25. The unladen weight of a locomotive which is not a tractor, with not more than four wheels shall not exceed 7¼ tons, with six wheels shall not exceed 10 tons, and with more than six wheels shall not exceed 11 tons.

In the case of a locomotive which is not a tractor weighing more than 7¼ tons fitted with a crane, dynamo, welding plant or other special appliance or apparatus which is a permanent or essentially permanent fixture the unladen weight shall be deemed not to exceed 7¼ tons, 10 tons or 11 tons according as the vehicle has not more than four wheels, six wheels or more than six wheels provided that the provisions of these regulations with regard to the weight which may be transmitted to the road surface by the wheels of the vehicle and the total laden weight thereof are complied with.

LARGE TRACTORS.

26 Overall width.

26. The overall width of a large tractor shall not exceed 9 feet.

27 Unladen weight

27.—(a) The unladen weight of a large tractor shall not exceed 15½ tons:

Provided that if a large tractor carries as a permanent fitting a jib crane dynamo or extra winding drum, or any one or more of such fittings the maximum unladen weight shall be increased by 1½ tons, and if a large tractor is equipped on all wheels with soft tyres or pneumatic tyres the maximum unladen weight shall be increased by 2 tons, such increases to be cumulative where both conditions are satisfied.

(b) In the case of cable ploughing engines the winding or windlass gear shall not be included in computing the unladen weight.

28 Distribution of weight

28. Not more than ¾ths of the total weight of a large tractor shall be transmitted to the road surface by any two wheels.

29 Tyres

29. The tyres of every wheel of a large tractor shall be of soft or elastic material. The said material shall either extend continuously round the circumference of each wheel or may be fitted in sections:

Provided that—

(a) at no point shall any section of the said material be separated by more than ¾ths of an inch from any adjacent section ; and

(b) the aggregate extent of all spaces between sections of the said material on any one wheel measured along any line taken round the outer surface of the tyre and parallel to its edge shall not exceed 6 inches.

Provided that this regulation shall not apply to a large land tractor if such large land tractor complies with the following conditions:—

(i) the tyres of all steered wheels shall be smooth-soled and where the tyres touch the surface of the road they shall not be less than 5 inches in width; and

(ii) the tyres of all driving wheels shall not be less than 12 inches in width and shall be smooth-soled or shod with diagonal cross-bars of not less than 3 inches in width nor more than ¾ths of an inch in thickness, extending the full breadth of the tyre and so arranged that the space intervening between each pair of cross-bars shall not exceed 3 inches.

30 Brakes

30. Every large tractor shall be equipped with an efficient braking system, the brakes of which act upon all the wheels of the vehicle other than the steered wheels, so designed and constructed that the application of the brakes will bring the vehicle to rest within a reasonable distance.

SMALL TRACTORS.

31 Overall width.

31. The overall width of a small tractor shall not exceed 7 feet 6 inches.

32 Overhang

32. The overhang of a small tractor shall not exceed 6 feet.

33 Brakes

33.—(1) Every small motor tractor shall be equipped with at least two independent and efficient braking systems, the brakes of each of which act upon all the wheels of the vehicle other than the steered wheels, or where all the wheels are steered wheels, on not less than half the total number of wheels of the vehicle, so designed and constructed that the application of the brakes of either system will bring the vehicle to rest within a reasonable distance :

Provided that in the case of a small tractor which is propelled by steam the engine of such tractor shall be deemed to be one such braking system if it is capable of being reversed:

Provided also that in the case of a road roller or a land tractor it shall be a sufficient compliance with this regulation if the vehicle is equipped with one such efficient braking system, and is not propelled by steam.

(2) In the case of a small tractor other than a land tractor the brakes of at least one of the braking systems shall act directly on all the wheels other than the steered wheels and not through the transmission gear :

Provided that where the small tractor has more than four wheels and the drive is transmitted to all wheels other than the steered wheels without the interposition of a differential driving gear or similar mechanism between the axles carrying the driving wheels, it shall be deemed to be a sufficient compliance with this paragraph if one brake acts directly on two driving wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle and the other brake acts on all the other driving wheels.

(3) Braking systems which are so constructed that the failure of any part of the mechanism operating the brakes of one braking system may adversely affect the operation of the brakes of the other braking system shall not be deemed to be independent for the purposes of this regulation.

34 Tyres

34. All the wheels of a small tractor shall be equipped with pneumatic tyres or soft tyres:

Provided that this regulation shall not apply to a land tractor if such tractor complies with the following conditions :—

(a) the tyre of each steered wheel shall be smooth-soled and where the tyre touches the surface of the road it shall be not less than 2½ inches in width ; and

(b) the tyre of each driving wheel shall be not less than 6 inches in width and shall be smooth-soled or shod with diagonal cross-bars of not less than 3 inches in width nor more than ¾ths of an inch in thickness, extending the full breadth of the tyre, and so arranged that the space intervening between each pair of cross-bars shall not exceed 3 inches.

HEAVY MOTOR CARS.

35 Overall width.

35. The overall width of a heavy motor car shall not exceed 7 feet 6 inches :

Provided that in the case of a vehicle registered under the Roads Act, 1920, on or before 1st January, 1935, this width may be exceededby 6 inches in cases where the excess width has been necessarily caused by the conversion of the vehicle from use with solid tyres to use with pneumatic tyres.

36 Overhang

36. The overhang of a heavy motor car shall not exceed 7/24ths of the overall length of the vehicle.

37 Brakes

37.—(1) Every heavy motor car shall be equipped with two entirely independent and efficient braking systems or with one efficient braking system having two independent means of operation in each case so designed and constructed that notwithstanding the failure of any part of any braking system there shall still be available for application by the driver to not less than half the number of the wheels of the vehicle brakes sufficient under the most adverse conditions to bring the vehicle to rest within a reasonable distance.

(2) In all cases the brakes operated by one of the means of operation shall be capable of being applied by direct mechanical action without the intervention of any hydraulic, electric or pneumatic device.

(3) Where one braking system only is fitted:—

(i) all the wheels of the heavy motor car shall be fitted with brakes all of which are operated by one of the means of operation; and

(ii) one at least of the means of operation shall cause brakes to be applied by direct mechanical means, and not through the transmission gear, to not less than half the number of the wheels of the vehicle.

(4) Where two independent braking systems are fitted to a heavy motor car, the brakes of at least one of the braking systems shall act directly and not through the transmission gear on at least half the number of the wheels of the vehicle:

Provided that where a heavy motor car has more than four wheels and the drive is transmitted to all wheels other than the steered wheels without the interposition of a differential driving gear or similar mechanism between the axles carrying the driving wheels it shall be deemed to be a sufficient compliance with this paragraph if the brakes of one braking system act directly on two driving wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle and the brakes of the other braking system act on all the other driving wheels.

(5) For the purpose of this regulation :—

(i) not more than one front wheel shall be taken into account in reckoning half the number of the wheels of the vehicle ;

(ii) braking systems shall not be deemed to be entirely independent if they are capable of being applied by the same means of operation ;

(iii) any shaft, fixed or moving, to which any part of a braking system or any means of operation thereof is connected or by which it is supported shall be deemed to be part of that system ;

(iv) a brake anchor pin shall not be deemed to be part of the braking system ;

(v) in the case of a heavy motor car propelled by steam and not used as a public service vehicle within the meaning of the Road Traffic Act, 1933 , the engine of such heavy motor car shall be deemed to be an independent braking system if

(a) the heavy motor car is equipped with another entirely independent and efficient braking system, and

(b) the engine is capable of being reversed and is incapable of being disconnected from all the wheels of the vehicle other than the steered wheels except by the sustained effort of the driver.

38 Tyres

38. All the wheels of a heavy motor car shall be equipped with pneumatic tyres:

Provided that this regulation shall not apply to heavy motor cars exceeding 4 tons in weight unladen mainly used in operations which necessitate working on rough ground or unmade roads, or to vehicles designed and used by or on behalf of local authorities for street cleansing or the collection or disposal of refuse or to turntable fire escapes or to tower wagons.

39 Wings

39. A heavy motor car shall be provided with wings or other similar means to catch, so far as practicable, mud or water thrown up by the rotation of the wheels, unless adequate protection is afforded by the body of the vehicle.

MOTOR CARS.

40 Overall width.

40. The overall width of a motor car shall not exceed 7 feet 2 inches and in no case shall any other dimension or the weight transmitted to the road by any wheel of a motor car exceed the corresponding dimension or weight prescribed for a heavy motor car by these regulations.

41 Overhang

41. The overhang of a motor car shall not exceed 7/24ths of the overall length of the vehicle.

42 Brakes

42.—(a) A motor car shall be equipped with two entirely independent and efficient braking systems, or with one efficient braking system having two independent means of operation, in each case so designed and constructed that the failure of any single portion of any braking system shall not prevent the brakes on two wheels, or in the case of a vehicle having less than four wheels, on one wheel, from operating effectively so as to bring the vehicle to rest within a reasonable distance :

Provided that in the case of a single braking system the two means of operation shall not be deemed to be otherwise than independent solely by reason of the fact that they are connected either directly or indirectly to the same cross shaft.

(b) In the case of a motor car having more than three wheels and equipped with two independent braking systems, each such system shall be so designed and constructed, that if the brakes thereof act either directly or indirectly on two wheels only, they shall act on two wheels on the same axle.

(c) Where, in the case of a single braking system, the means of operation are connected directly or indirectly to the same cross shaft, the brakes applied by one of such means shall act on all of the wheels of the motor car directly and not through the transmission gear.

(d) In all cases the brakes operated by one of the means of operation shall be applied by direct mechanical action without the intervention of any hydraulic, electric or pneumatic device.

(e) In all cases the brakes operated by one of the means of operation shall act directly upon the wheels and not through the transmission gear.

43 Wings

43. A motor car shall be provided with wings or other similar means to catch, so far as practicable, mud or water thrown up by the rotation of the wheels unless adequate protection is afforded by the body of the vehicle.

MOTOR CYCLES.

44 Brakes.

44. Every motor cycle shall be equipped with two entirely independent and efficient braking systems, or with one efficient braking system having two independent means of operation, in each case so designed and constructed that the failure of any single portion of any braking system shall not prevent the brakes on one wheel from operating effectively so as to bring the vehicle to rest within a reasonable distance:

45 Wings

45. Every motor cycle shall be equipped with wings or other similar means to catch, so far as practicable, mud or water thrown up by the rotation of the wheels.

TRAILERS.

46 Overall Leng.

46.—(1) The overall length of a trailer which does not form part of an articulated vehicle shall not exceed 22 feet:

(2) For the purposes of this regulation a draw bar shall not be regarded as part of the trailer.

47 Overall width

47. The overall width of a trailer (other than a land implement) drawn by a vehicle shall not exceed 7 feet 6 inches.

48 Brakes

48. Every trailer the unladen weight of which exceeds 2 cwts. other than a land implement shall have an efficient braking system the brakes of which act upon

(a) at least two wheels in the case of a trailer having not more than four wheels, and

(b) at least four wheels in the case of a trailer having more than four wheels,

so constructed that the brakes are capable of being set so as effectually to prevent two at least of the wheels from revolving when the trailer is not being drawn:

Provided that this regulation shall not apply, to any trailer designed and used by or on behalf of local authorities for street cleansing which does not carry any load other than its necessary gear and equipment.

49 Tyres

49. All the wheels of a trailer other than a land implement or agricultural trailer in contact with the road surface when the trailer is being drawn on a road shall be equipped with pneumatic tyres or soft tyres.

PART III

REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF VEHICLES AND TRAILERS.

50 Markings on Vehicles.

50. On and after the 1st July, 1934, the owner of a vehicle the weight of which exceeds two tons which is neither a motor cycle nor a light motor vehicle shall cause the weight of the vehicle unladen to be painted or otherwise plainly marked upon some conspicuous part of the right or offside of the vehicle.

51 Laden weight of large tractor

51. The total weight of a large tractor shall not exceed the unladen weight permitted by these regulations by more than 3 tons.

52 Laden weight of trailers drawn by a large tractor

52. The total weight of all trailers drawn by a large tractor shall not exceed 40 tons.

53 Laden weight of small tractor or heavy motor car with trailer

53. The sum of the weights transmitted to the road surface by all the wheels of a trailer and of the small tractor or heavy motor car drawing such trailer shall not exceed 22 tons.

54 Laden weight of heavy motor car

54.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this regulation the sum of the weights transmitted to the road surface by all the wheels of a heavy motor car shall not exceed:

(a) if the vehicle has more than six wheels, 22 tons;

(b) if the vehicle has six wheels, 19 tons;

(2) Subject to the provisions of this regulation the weight transmitted to the road surface by any two wheels of a heavy motor car in line transversely shall not exceed:

(a) if the vehicle has four wheels, 8 tons;

(b) if the vehicle has more than four wheels, 7½ tons.

(3) In the case of a heavy motor car propelled by steam with four wheels the weight transmitted to the road surface by any two wheels in line transversely may equal but shall not exceed 9 tons.

(4) In the case of a heavy motor car propelled by steam with four wheels all of which are fitted with pneumatic tyres the sum of the weights transmitted to the road surface by all such wheels may equal but shall not exceed 13 tons.

(5) The weight transmitted to the road surface by any one wheel of a heavy motor car when no other wheel is in the same line transversely shall not exceed 4 tons.

55 Laden weight of trailer

55.—(1) Subject to the exception hereinafter mentioned the total weight transmitted to the road surface by any two wheels of a trailer in line transversely shall not exceed 6½ tons.

(2) If and so long as only one trailer is being drawn by a vehicle, and such trailer is a two-wheeled trailer, and both of the wheels of such trailer are fitted with pneumatiic tyres, the total weight transmitted to the road surface by such wheels may equal but shall not exceed 8 tons.

56 Distribution of weight

56. The total weight of a heavy motor car, together with its load and the total weight of any trailer together with its load, shall at all times be such and so distributed that the weight transmitted to any strip of the surface upon which the vehicle rests contained between any two parallel lines drawn 2 ft. apart on that surface at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, shall not exceed 10 tons.

57 Provisions in regard to load

57. Every load carried by a vehicle or trailer shall be of such weight and size and so distributed, packed, adjusted and attached to the vehicle or trailer that, so far as can reasonably be foreseen, no danger is caused or is likely to be caused to person or property.

58 Maintenance of trailers

58. Every trailer and all parts and accessories of a trailer shall at all times be in such condition that, so far as can reasonably be foreseen, no danger is caused or is likely to be caused to person or property.

59 Maintenance of Brakes

59. All brakes prescribed by these regulations shall at all times while the vehicle or trailer is used on a road be maintained in good and efficient working order and shall be properly adjusted.

60 Maintenance of Tyres

60. No person shall use a vehicle or trailer unless, so far as can be discovered by the exercise of ordinary care, the tyres of such vehicle or trailer are in such condition as not to cause unnecessary damage to the road or to render the vehicle or trailer dangerous to person or property.

61 Maintenance of glass

61. All glass or safety glass fitted to vehicles shall be maintained in such a condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while the vehicle is being driven on a road.

62 Maintenance of vehicle so as not to emit smoke, etc

62. Every vehicle shall be maintained in such condition, and shall be so driven and used on a road that there shall not be emitted therefrom any smoke, visible vapour, grit, sparks, ashes, cinders or oily substance, the emission of which could be prevented or avoided by the taking of any reasonable steps or the exercise of reasonable care, or the emission of which might cause damage to person or property or endanger the safety of any other users of the road in consequence of any harmful content therein.

63 Excessive noise

63.—(1) No person shall use or permit to be used on the road any vehicle or trailer which causes any excessive noise either directly or indirectly as a result of :—

(a) any defect (including a defect in design or construction) lack of repair or faulty adjustment in the vehicle or in any trailer drawn thereby or any part or accessory of the vehicle or trailer, or

(2) It shall be a good defence to proceedings taken under the preceding paragraph :

(i) to prove that the noise or continuance of the noise in respect of which the proceedings are taken, was due to some temporary or accidental cause and could not have been prevented by the exercise of due diligence and care on the part of the owner or driver of the vehicle ; or

(ii) in the case of proceedings against a driver of a vehicle who is not the owner thereof, to prove that the noise arose through a defect in design or construction of the vehicle or trailer or through the negligence or fault of some other person whose duty it was to keep the vehicle or trailer in proper condition or in a proper state of repair or adjustment, or properly to pack or adjust the load of the vehicle or trailer as the case may be, and could not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable diligence and care on the part of such driver or other person in charge of the vehicle.

(3) No person shall drive a vehicle in such manner as to cause any excessive noise which could have been avoided by the exercise of reasonable care on the part of the driver.

64 Stopping of engine when vehicle is stationary

64. The driver of every vehicle shall, when the vehicle is stationary otherwise than through enforced stoppage owing to the necessities of traffic, stop the action of any machinery attached to, or forming part of, such vehicle, so far as may be necessary for the prevention of noise:

Provided that this regulation shall not apply so as to prevent the examination or working of the machinery attached to or forming part of, a vehicle where any such examination or working is renderednecessary by any failure or derangement of the said machinery or where the engine of the vehicle is required to be worked for some ancillary purpose.

65 Warning of Approach, etc

65.—(1) The driver of every vehicle shall, whenever necessary, give audible and sufficient warning of the approach or position of the vehicle, by sounding the instrument prescribed by these regulations for that purpose.

(2) No person shall use or permit to be used any instrument provided on a vehicle for the purpose of giving audible warning, whether the vehicle is or is not in motion, except when such use is reasonably necessary on grounds of safety.

66 Unnecessary reversing

66. The driver of any vehicle except a road roller shall not cause the vehicle to travel backwards on a road for a greater distance or time than may be required for the safety or reasonable convenience of the occupants of that vehicle or of other traffic on the road.

67 Duties of driver of stationary vehicle

67. When a vehicle is allowed to remain stationary on a road:

(1) the driver shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent unnecessary interference with other persons and vehicles using the road;

(2) The driver shall not leave the vehicle unattended unless the following rules are complied with, that is to say:

(a) The engine of the vehicle must not be running.

(b) Where the engine is contained in a separate portion of the vehicle capable of being closed such portion must be closed.

(c) Where the vehicle is fitted with a brake capable of being set, such brake must be set so as effectually to prevent at least two wheels of a vehicle having not less than four wheels and at least one wheel of a vehicle having less than four wheels from revolving.

(d) Where the vehicle is not a motor cycle and is fitted with the device for preventing unauthorised driving required by Part II of these regulations, such device must be locked so as to prevent driving and the key must be removed from the vehicle.

(e) Where the vehicle is not a motor cycle, is propelled by an internal combustion engine and, being exempt from the requirements of these regulations in regard to the fitting of a device to prevent unauthorised driving, is not fitted with such a device, such adjustments must be made to the mechanism as will prevent the vehicle beingdriven away without opening the separate portion of the vehicle containing the engine.

(f) Where the vehicle is a motor cycle either one wheel must be locked by means of a lock having a detachable key so that it cannot be revolved or the motor cycle must be locked to some permanent building or structure by means of a lock having a detachable key, and in either case the key must be removed from the vehicle.

68 Interference with driver's control

68. A vehicle shall not be allowed to be in motion on a road if the driver's power of control over the vehicle or his field of view over the road is seriously diminished either by reason of the driver's position in the vehicle, by reason of anything being permanently or temporarily carried on the vehicle or by reason of the position or number of the passengers in the vehicle, or for any other reason.

69 Attending furnace of steam vehicles

69 (1). The driver of every vehicle propelled by steam (other than a motor car) shall unless two persons are carried upon it for the purpose of driving or attending to the vehicle, stop the vehicle whenever it is necessary to attend to the furnace.

(2) No person shall rake out or otherwise remove the contents of the furnace of a vehicle propelled by steam unless all reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent the deposit of sparks, ashes or cinders on the surface of the road.

70 Application of brakes of trailer

70. Where a trailer is drawn by a vehicle other than a large tractor, a person other than the driver thereof shall be in a position and competent efficiently to apply the brakes of the trailer unless such driver is in a position to operate the brakes of the trailer as well as the brakes of the vehicle; and

Provided that in the case of a trailer not exceeding one ton in weight unladen it shall be sufficient compliance with this regulation if the brakes of the trailer automatically come into operation on the over run of the trailer.

71 Length of Tow Rope

71. No vehicle shall tow any other vehicle unless the tow rope or chain be so adjusted that the distance separating the nearest points of the two vehicles shall not exceed 15 feet, and steps shall be taken to render the tow rope or chain easily distinguishable by other users of the road.

72 Provisions in the use of trailers

72.—(1) No vehicle which exceeds 26 feet in length shall draw a trailer.

(2) a large tractor shall not draw more than three trailers;

(3) a small tractor shall not draw more than one laden or two unladen trailers;

(4) a motor car or a heavy motor car shall not draw more than one trailer.

(5) No trailer shall be used for the conveyance of passengers for hire or reward.

73 Fittings of side car

73. A side-car shall not be attached to a motor cycle in such a manner that the wheel of the side car is wholly outside planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the motor cycle passing through the extreme projecting points in the front or in the rear of the motor cycle.

74 Stopping on request

74.—(1) The driver of a vehicle shall stop the vehicle on being so requested by a member of the Gárda Síochána in uniform or by any person having charge of a horse.

(2) A request to stop for the purposes of this regulation may be given by means of the uplifted hand.

75 Competitions requiring high speed

75.—(1) No person shall drive a vehicle on a road in any race trial of speed, or other competition in which competitors are required to cover in vehicles a fixed distance in the shortest possible time, or which is likely for any reason to induce competitors to drive vehicles at a high speed.

(2) Nothing in this Article shall prevent the driver of a vehicle from taking part in a race or other competition on a road which is for the time being closed by order of the Minister made under Section 29 of the Local Government Act, 1925 , provided that such race, trial or competition is held with the consent of the council charged with the maintenance of the road.

(3) Nothing in this Article shall prevent the driver of a vehicle from taking part on a road in a test of the reliability of the vehicle if the test does not require or encourage the driving of the vehicle at more than a reasonable speed.

PART IV.

SPECIAL PERMITS.

76 Meaning of " surveyor ".

76. In this Part of these regulations the expression "surveyor" means—

(a) in relation to a road which is in a county borough—the borough surveyor;

(b) in relation to a road in a borough (not being a county borough) with the maintenance of which the council of such borough is charged—the borough surveyor;

(c) in relation to a road in an urban district with the maintenance of which the council of such district is charged—the town surveyor;

(d) in relation to any other road—the county surveyor.

77 Application for special permit

77.—(1) Any person may apply to the surveyor for the issue to him of a permit (hereinafter referred to as a "special permit")authorising any particular vehicle or vehicles which contravene one or more of these regulations to be driven on a specified road notwithstanding such contravention.

(2) An application for a special permit shall specify and describe the vehicle or vehicles for which the permit is required, the nature, dimensions and weight of the load to be carried (if any), and the date and time of the journey.

78 Notice to Commissioner

78.—(1) Before making an application under this part of these regulations for a special permit the applicant shall give to the Commissioner seven clear days' notice of such application.

(2) Such notice shall specify and describe the vehicle or vehicles for which the permit is required, the nature, dimensions and weight of the load to be carried, the route to be followed and the date and time of the journey.

79 Undertaking to refund damage

79. Every application for a special permit shall contain an undertaking by the applicant to refund to the council charged with the maintenance of the road the amount of any damage caused to the road by the driving of the vehicle or vehicles under the special permit which may be granted as a result of such application, provided that a claim for such refund is made by such council before the expiration of twelve months from the last date when a vehicle is driven on the road under the special permit.

80 Issue of special permit

80. Subject to the provisions of this part of these regulations the surveyor to whom an application for a special permit is made, if he is satisfied that the requirements of this part of these regulations have been complied with and after consideration of any representations made to him by or on behalf of the Commissioner may issue such permit.

81 Deposit of security

81. Where an application for a special permit is made to a surveyor he shall, before issuing such special permit, satisfy himself that the undertaking in such application to refund damage can be enforced if necessary and for that purpose may require the applicant as a condition to the issue of the special permit either to deposit with the surveyor a sum sufficient to cover the amount of such damage, or to furnish other sufficient security.

82 Contents of special permit

82. Every special permit shall contain the following particulars:—

(1) a specification and description of the vehicle or vehicles to which the special permit relates;

(2) the nature, dimensions and weight of the load to be carried;

(3) the road to which the special permit relates;

(4) the date and time of the journey.

83 Limitations, Conditions, etc., in special permit

83. The surveyor by whom a special permit is issued may insert in such special permit any limitations, restrictions or conditions which he considers advisable to prevent unnecessary damage to the road, or which (after consultation with the Commissioner) he considers expedient to protect other users of the road.

PART V.

EXCEPTIONS FOR SPECIAL CLASSES OF VEHICLES.

84 Millitary vehicles.

84. Any vehicle or trailer which is constructed or adapted for actual combative purposes or for military training in connection therewith, or for the carriage of guns, machine guns, ammunition, equipment or stores in connection therewith may be used on roads notwithstanding that such vehicles do not in all respects comply with these regulations.

85 Road Rollers

85. Regulations 11, 12, 18, 20, 28, 29 and 34 shall not apply to road rollers.

Given under the Official Seal of the Minister for Local Government and Public Health, this 26th day of June, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Thirty-four.

(Signed) SEÁN T. O'CEALLAIGH,

Minister for Local Government and

Public Health.