The proposed directive fell within the context of the type-approval procedure for two or three-wheel motor vehicles which was the subject of framework Council Directive 92/61/EEC of 30 June 1992. It set out the rules applicable to the following devices and characteristics:
- tyres
- lighting and light-signalling devices
- external projections
- rear-view mirrors
- measures to counter air pollution
- fuel tanks
- measures to counter tampering
- electromagnetic compatibility
- the permissible sound level and exhaust systems
- coupling devices for trailers and sidecar attachments;
- safety belt anchorages and safety belts;
- glazing, windscreen wipers and washers and de-icing and demisting devices.
The proposal largely took account of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE/UN) Regulations.
Some provisions deserved particular scrutiny in view of their environmental impact:
- pollutant emissions from vehicles: measures to establish limit values for carbon monoxide (CO), unburnt hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). It was proposed to proceed in stages, with a first stage - fixing limit values - coming into force as soon as possible, and a second (around four years after the first came into force) when a decision would be taken on tightening up the values for motorcycles and tricycles;
- noise emissions: the proposed measures aimed to establish limit values in A-weighted decibels according to the category of vehicle. A 1978 directive, amended in 1989, fixed limit values from October 1993 for motorcycles with a cylinder capacity below 80 cm3 and above 175 cm3, and from 1995 for motorcycles with a capacity between 80 and 175 cm3. In view of the problems in implementing this directive, it was proposed as a first stage that the date for these limit values to come into force should be 1 July 1997;
- possibilities for tampering with mopeds and motorcycles: the proposed measures were a response to the need to stop young users from tampering with these vehicles in such a way that their performance becomes disproportionate to the braking system, tyres and lighting.
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