Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
244. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has concerns related to difficulties caused by high-intensity LED headlights on new cars for oncoming drivers; if this matter has been discussed with the European Commission which is responsible for regulation of this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1403/25]
View answerAll new vehicles are required to meet European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) standards before they can be driven on Irish roads. ECWVTA is based on the principle that vehicles are manufactured to conform to an approved type. Vehicles with ECWVTA are issued with an EC Certificate of Conformity, allowing them to be registered in any EU Member State. Type approval removes barriers to trade for manufacturers and ensures that new vehicles are manufactured to uniform safety and environmental standards.
The use of HID and LED headlights in the EU is regulated by the European type-approval system, under Regulation (EU) 2018/858, eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/858/oj/eng, transposed by SI 556/2020 www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2020/si/556/made/en/print,- European Union (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval and Market Surveillance) Regulations 2020. This system establishes the technical and safety standards required for the sale or use of a vehicle or vehicle component in EU Member States. To gain type-approval, headlight components and technology must meet specific safety standards. Accordingly, if a headlight has been type-approved and entered into service it is considered safe to use in the EU.
Factors which can contribute headlamp glare include misaligned headlamp aim, dirty or damaged headlamps or incorrect bulbs. During roadworthiness testing (NCT and CVRT), the lighting system is checked for working order and correct alignment, for the safe performance of the vehicle.
As headlight standards are regulated at EU level, my Department currently has no plans to carry out any study on their use in the State. However, I understand that the UNECE Working Party on Lighting and Light-Signalling unece.org/transportvehicle-regulations/working-party-lighting-and-light-signalling-introduction is planning on establishing a task force to investigate this issue.
