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(Cap 374, section 9) [25 August 1984] L.N. 297 of 1984 (L.N. 286 of 1983) _______________________________________________________________________________ Notes: * 1. The operation of these Regulations is affected by the transitional provisions contained in s. 3 of L.N. 113 of 1998, which section is reproduced as follows- "3. Transitional (1) The provisions as amended by this Regulation shall, from the commencement of this Regulation, apply to buses, light buses, goods vehicles, special purpose vehicles and trailers registered on or after 1 June 1998. (2) The provisions as amended by this Regulation shall, from a day to be appointed by the Commissioner by notice in the Gazette, apply to buses, light buses, goods vehicles, special purpose vehicles and trailers, registered before 1 June 1998. (3) A notice under subsection (2) may fix different days for different provisions as amended by this Regulation to apply in respect of different vehicles and different notices may fix different days for different circumstances in respect of different vehicles.". 2. L.N. 113 of 1998 came into operation on 20 February 1998. Cap 374A reg 1 Citation PART I PRELIMINARY (1) These regulations may be cited as the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations (Spent words omitted). (2) (Omitted as spent) Cap 374A reg 2 Interpretation In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires- "agricultural implement" (农具) means an agricultural implement or agricultural machine, being in either case a vehicle; "agricultural tractor" (农业用拖拉机) means a motor vehicle which is designed or adapted for use primarily in agriculture and which is not used on a road for the conveyance of any goods other than agricultural produce or articles required for the purposes of agriculture; "agricultural trailer" (农业用拖车) means a trailer other than an agricultural trailed appliance, which is constructed or adapted for the purpose of agriculture, horticulture or forestry and which is only used for one or more of those purposes; (L.N. 203 of 1990) "air pollutant" (空气污染物) has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap 311); (L.N. 160 of 2000) "articulated vehicle" (挂接车辆) means a motor vehicle with a trailer so attached that part of the trailer is superimposed upon the motor vehicle, and when the trailer is uniformly loaded a substantial part of the weight of the load is borne by the motor vehicle; "Authority" (监督) has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap 311); (L.N. 160 of 2000) "axle weight" (车轴重量), in relation to each axle of a motor vehicle or trailer, means the sum of the weights transmitted to the road surface by all the wheels of that axle; and in counting the number of axles and in determining the sum of the weights transmitted to the road surface by any one axle of a vehicle, where the centres of the areas of contact between all the wheels and the road surface can be included between any 2 vertical planes at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle less than one metre apart, those wheels shall be treated as constituting one axle; (L.N. 218 of 1984) "braking efficiency" (制动效能), in relation to the application of brakes to a motor vehicle at any time, means the maximum braking force capable of being developed by the application of those brakes, expressed as a percentage of the gross vehicle weight of the vehicle; "close-coupled" (紧耦合), in relation to a trailer, means that the wheels on the same side of the trailer are so fitted that all times while it is in motion they remain parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trailer, and that the distance between the centres of their respective areas of contact with the road surface does not exceed 850 millimetres; "combination of vehicles" (组合式车辆) means coupled vehicles which travel on the road as a unit; "compression-ignition engine" (压燃式引擎) means an engine in which the fuel is injected into the cylinders or combustion space of the engine and is there ignited during normal running solely by the heat of compression of the cylinder charge; "1926 Convention" (1926年国际公约) and "1949 Convention" (1949年国际公约) have the meanings assigned to them by regulation 2 of the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg. E); (L.N. 258 of 1984) "deck" (层、车厢地板) means a floor or platform of a vehicle upon which seats are provided for the accommodation of passengers; "dipped beam" (低光) means a beam of light emitted by a headlamp carried on a vehicle, being a beam which is deflected downwards or both downwards and to the left to such an extent that it is at all times incapable of dazzling any person who is on the same horizontal plane as the vehicle at a greater distance than 8 metres from the headlamp and whose eye-level is not less than one metre above that plane; "direction indicator" (转向指示器) means a device required to be fitted to a motor vehicle or trailer for the purpose of indicating the intention of the driver to change the direction of the vehicle to the right or to the left; "double-decked bus" (双层巴士) means a bus having 2 decks one of which is wholly or partly above the other and each deck of which is provided with a gangway serving seats on that deck only; "dual purpose lamp" (双用途灯) means a lamp combining an obligatory front lamp and an obligatory rear lamp; "emergency exit" (紧急出口) means an exit on a vehicle which is provided for use only in case of emergency as required by these regulations; "engineering plant" (工程装置) means- (a) movable plant or equipment being a motor vehicle or trailer, specially designed and constructed for the purposes of road construction, maintenance or marking, or other engineering operations, and which- (i) cannot, owing to the requirements of those purposes, comply in all respects with the requirements of these regulations; and (ii) is not constructed primarily to carry a load other than a load which is either excavated materials raised from the ground by apparatus on the motor vehicle or trailer, or materials which the vehicle or trailer is specially designed to use or treat while carried thereon; or(b) a mobile crane which does not comply in all respects with the requirements of these regulations;"entrance" (入口) means any aperture or space provided to enable passengers to board a vehicle; "exhaust emission" (排气污染物) means any air pollutant emitted from the tail pipe of a motor vehicle; (L.N. 160 of 2000) "exit" (出口) means any aperture or space provided to enable passengers to leave a vehicle; "extreme rear" (尾端) means the rearmost point for the time being of a vehicle or a sidecar, inclusive of any luggage carrier and any tailboard or other adjustable part except when the tailboard or adjustable part is extended whilst the vehicle is stationary and being loaded or unloaded; "fare receipt" (车费收据), in relation to a taxi means a receipt within the meaning of regulation 49A(1) of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations (Cap 374 sub. leg. D) which complies with the requirements of that regulation; (L.N. 148 of 1997) "fog lamp" (雾灯) means a lamp on a motor vehicle which is to be used primarily in conditions of fog or mist; "front corner marker lamp" (前角标志灯) means a lamp required to be carried by a trailer by regulation 108 and which shows a white light to the side and front of the trailer through an arc extending 90 degrees forward from a line at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the trailer; "gangway" (过道), in relation to a bus or light bus, means the space provided for obtaining access from any entrance to the passengers' seats or from any such seat to an exit, other than an emergency exit, but does not include a staircase or any space in front of a seat which is required only for the use of passengers occupying that seat or that row of seats; "goods-carrying trailer" (载货拖车) means a trailer constructed or adapted for use for the carriage of goods of any description and which is either- (a) a semi-trailer; or (b) a trailer with 4 or more wheels drawn by a goods vehicle or an industrial tractor or land tractor;"gross combined weight" (组合式车辆总重) means the actual weight transmitted to the road surface by all the wheels of a combination of vehicles; "half-decked bus" (一层半式巴士) means any bus which is neither a single-decked bus nor a double-decked bus; "head restraint" (头部保护装置) means a device the function of which is to limit the rearward displacement of the head of a seated passenger in relation to his torso in order to reduce the danger of injury to the cervical vertebrae of the passenger in the event of an accident; (L.N. 147 of 2002) "headlamp" (大灯) means a lamp, other than a fog lamp, required to be carried by a vehicle and which is designed, when lit, to illuminate the road in front of the vehicle; "hours of darkness" (黑夜时间) has the meaning assigned to it by regulation 2(1) and (2) of the Road Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg.); "illuminated area" (照明面积), in relation to a lamp on a vehicle, means the area of the orthogonal projection on a vertical plane at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle of that part of the lamp through which the light is emitted; "industrial tractor" (工业用拖拉机) means a motor tractor, other than a land tractor, which- (a) is designed and used primarily for work off roads, or for work on roads in connection only with road construction, maintenance or refuse collection (including any such motor vehicle when fitted with an implement or implements designed primarily for use in connection with such work, whether or not any such implement is of itself designed to carry a load); and (b) is so constructed as to be incapable of exceeding a speed of 30 kilometres per hour on the level under its own power;"internal combustion engine" (内燃引擎) means a compression-ignition engine or a positive-ignition engine; "international circulation permit" (国际通行许可证) has the meaning assigned to it by regulation 2 of the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap 374 sub. leg.); "land implement" (土地机具) means any implement or machinery used with a land locomotive or a land tractor in connexion with agriculture, grass cutting, forestry, land levelling, dredging or similar operations and any trailer which for the time being carries only the necessary gear or equipment of the land locomotive or land tractor which tows it; "land implement conveyor" (土地机具运轮装置) means a trailer, having an unladen weight not exceeding 510 kilograms, which is specially designed and constructed for the conveyance of not more than one land implement and which is marked with its unladen weight, has each of its wheels fitted with a pneumatic tyre and is towed by a land locomotive or land tractor; "land locomotive" (土地机车) means a locomotive designed and used primarily for work on the land in connection with agriculture, forestry, land levelling, dredging or 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 other than land implements or land implement conveyors; "land tractor" (土地拖拉机) means a motor tractor designed and used primarily for work on the land in connection with agriculture, grass cutting, forestry, land levelling, dredging or similar operations, which is not constructed or adapted itself to carry a load other than- (a) water, fuel, accumulators and other equipment used for the purpose of propulsion, loose tools and loose equipment; (b) an implement fitted to the tractor and used for work on the land in connection with any agricultural or forestry operations;"liquefied petroleum gas" (石油气) has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Gas Safety Ordinance (Cap 51); (L.N. 160 of 2000) "locomotive" (机车) means a motor vehicle which is not constructed itself to carry a load, other than water, fuel, accumulators and other equipment used for the purpose of propulsion, loose tools and loose equipment, and the unladen weight of which exceeds 8 tonnes; "main beam" (主光) means a beam of light emitted by a headlamp, being a beam which is not a dipped beam; "matched pair of headlamps" (配对大灯) means a pair of headlamps on a vehicle, one on each side of the vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the vehicle (disregarding, for the purpose of ascertaining such axis, any sidecar attached thereto) which comply with the following requirements- (a) each headlamp in the pair is at the same height above the ground; and (b) the distance between the centre of each headlamp in the pair and the said vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the vehicle does not vary by more than 25 millimetres;"matched pair of obligatory headlamps" (配对强制性大灯) means a matched pair of headlamps required to be carried by a vehicle by regulation 96, 97 or 98; "motor tractor" (机动拖拉机) means a motor vehicle which is not constructed itself to carry a load, other than water, fuel, accumulators and other equipment used for the purpose of propulsion, loose tools and loose equipment and the unladen weight of which does not exceed 8 tonnes; "multi-pull means of operation" (多次拉力操作工具), in relation to a braking system, means a device which causes the muscular energy of the driver to apply the brakes of that system progressively as a result of successive applications of that device by the driver; "obligatory front lamp" (强制性前灯) means a lamp, showing to the front of a vehicle a white light, required to be carried by regulation 89; "obligatory headlamp" (强制性大灯) means any headlamp required to be carried by a vehicle by regulation 96, 97 or 98; "obligatory rear lamp" (强制性后灯) means a lamp, capable of showing to the rear of a vehicle a red light, required to be carried by regulation 103; (L.N. 258 of 1984) "obligatory reflector" (强制性反光体) means a red reflector required to be fitted to a vehicle by regulation 106; "outermost part" (最外部分), in relation to a vehicle, does not include a door, hinged side or other adjustable part of the vehicle when opened or extended or a driving mirror or a direction indicator; "overall height" (全高度) means the height of a vehicle standing on a level surface with all tyres inflated to normal pressure, measured vertically from such surface to the highest point of such vehicle or of the load on such vehicle whichever is the higher; "overall length" (全长度) means the length of a vehicle measured between vertical planes at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and passing through the extreme projecting points thereof exclusive of- (a) any driving mirror; (b) any starting handle; (c) any hood when down; (d) any expanding or extensible contrivance forming part of a turntable fire escape fixed to the vehicle; and (e) any front corner marker lamp or side marker lamp,and in ascertaining the extreme projecting points of a vehicle account shall be taken of any device or any receptacle on or attached to the vehicle which increases the carrying capacity of the vehicle unless- (i) it is a tailboard which is let down while the vehicle is stationary in order to facilitate its loading or unloading; (ii) it is a tailboard which is let down in order to facilitate the carriage of, but which is not essential for the support of, loads which are in themselves so long as to extend at least as far as the tailboard when in the upright position; or (iii) it is a receptacle which is constructed or adapted for the purpose of being lifted on or off vehicles with goods contained therein and is from time to time actually used for that purpose;"overall width" (全宽度) means the width of a vehicle measured between vertical planes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and passing through the extreme projecting points thereof exclusive of- (a) any driving mirror; (b) any direction indicator; (c) so much of the distortion of any tyre as is caused by the weight of the vehicle; and (d) any front corner marker lamp or side marker lamp,and in ascertaining the extreme projecting points of a vehicle account shall be taken of any device or any receptacle on or attached to the vehicle which increases the carrying capacity of the vehicle unless- (i) it is a sideboard which is let down while the vehicle is stationary in order to facilitate its loading or unloading; or (ii) it is a receptacle which is constructed or adapted for the purpose of being lifted on or off vehicles with goods contained therein and is from time to time actually used for that purpose;"overhang" (悬出量) means the distance measured horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal axis of a vehicle between the vertical planes at right angles to that axis passing through the 2 points respectively specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this definition- (a) the rearmost point of the vehicle exclusive of- (i) any hood when down; (ii) any expanding or extensible contrivance forming part of a turntable fire escape fixed to the vehicle; (iii) in the case of a motor vehicle constructed solely for the carriage of passengers and their effects and adapted to carry not more than 7 passengers, any luggage carrier fitted to the vehicle; and (iv) in the case of a vehicle constructed to tow a trailer, any part of the vehicle designed primarily for use as a means of attaching the trailer and any fitting designed for use in connection with such part, being a part and fitting the total length of which measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle does not exceed 300 millimetres; and(b) (i) in the case of a motor vehicle having not more than 3 axles of which only one is not a steering axle, the centre point of that axle; (ii) in the case of a motor vehicle having 3 axles of which the front axle is the only steering axle and of a motor vehicle having 4 axles of which the 2 foremost are the only steering axles, a point 100 millimetres to the rear of the centre of a straight line joining the centre points of the 2 rearmost axles; and (iii) in any other case, 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;"passenger vehicle" (客运车辆) means a vehicle constructed solely for the carriage of passengers and their effects; "pedestrian-controlled vehicle" (徒步控制车辆) means a vehicle, other than a rickshaw, which is controlled by a pedestrian and not constructed or adapted for use or used for the carriage of a driver or passenger; "permanent top" (固定车顶) means any covering of a vehicle, other than a hood made of canvas or other flexible material which is capable of being readily folded back so that no portion of such hood or any fixed structure of the roof remains vertically above any part of any seat of the vehicle, or, in the case of a double-decked bus, of any seat on the upper deck of the bus; "pneumatic tyre" (充气轮胎) means a tyre which is- (a) provided with a continuous closed chamber containing air at a pressure substantially exceeding atmospheric pressure when the tyre is in the condition in which it is normally used, but is not subjected to any load; (b) capable of being inflated and deflated without removal from the wheel or vehicle; and (c) of such construction that when it is deflated and is subjected to a normal load, the sides of the tyre collapse;"poor visibility conditions" (能见度低的情况) has the meaning assigned to it by regulation 2(1) of the Road Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations (Cap 374 sub. leg.); "positive-ignition engine" (强制点火式引擎) means an engine operating on the otto cycle in which a mixture of fuel and air is drawn into cylinders and ignited after compression by means of an electric spark applied at a known and predetermined moment of the cycle; "primary emergency exit" (主要紧急出口) means an emergency exit, being an exit provided in a single-decked bus or in the lower deck of a double-decked bus, of which the dimensions are not less than 1350 millimetres by 500 millimetres; "printing" (打印) includes any electronic or mechanical mode of representing words in a visible form; (L.N. 148 of 1997) "rear lamp" (后灯) means a lamp showing to the rear of a vehicle a red light visible from a reasonable distance; "rear marking" (车尾标记) means a rear marking of the type shown in any of the diagrams numbered 1 to 5 set out in Part I of the Eleventh Schedule; "rear platform" (车尾平台) means a platform at the rear of a vehicle from which passengers can step directly to the ground through an exit without any step intervening; "receipt printing device" (收据打印设备), in relation to a taxi, means the device installed in respect of the taxi in accordance with regulation 42A; (L.N. 148 of 1997) "recut pneumatic tyre" (重切充气轮胎) means any pneumatic tyre in which an existing tread pattern has been cut or burnt deeper or a new tread pattern has been cut or burnt except where the pattern is cut entirely in additional material added to the tyre for the purpose; "reflecting area" (反光面积), in relation to a reflector on a vehicle, means the area of the orthogonal projection on a vertical plane at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle of that part of the reflector designed to reflect light; "retractable belt" (可回卷安全带) has the same meaning as in the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg.); (L.N. 147 of 2002) "reversing lamp" (倒车灯) means a lamp showing to the rear of a vehicle a white light for the purpose of reversing; "rigid vehicle" (整体式车辆) means a motor vehicle which is not constructed or adapted to form part of an articulated vehicle; "safety glass" (安全玻璃) means glass so constructed or treated that if fractured it does not fly into fragments capable of causing severe cuts; "safety glazing" (安全透明物料) means material (other than glass) so constructed or treated that if fractured it does not fly into fragments capable of causing severe cuts; "sealed beam lamp" (封闭式大灯) means a lamp unit comprising a reflector system, a lens system and one or more electrical filaments, which has been sealed in the course of manufacture and which cannot be dismantled without rendering the unit unusable as a lamp; "secondary emergency exit" (备用紧急出口) means an emergency exit, other than a primary emergency exit provided in a bus, of which the dimensions are not less than 900 millimetres by 500 millimetres; "side marker lamp" (旁标志灯) means a lamp required to be carried by a trailer by regulation 109 and which shows a white light to the side of the trailer through an arc extending a minimum of 70 degrees forward from a line at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the trailer and a red light to the side through an arc extending a minimum of 70 degrees rearward from that line; "single-decked bus" (单层巴士) means a bus upon which no part of a deck or gangway is vertically above another deck or gangway; "specified date" (指明日期) means the date of commencement of the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2002 (L.N. 147 of 2002); (L.N. 147 of 2002) "split braking system" (分路式制动系统), in relation to a motor vehicle, means a braking system so designed and constructed that- (a) it comprises two independent sections of mechanism capable of developing braking force such that, excluding the means of operation, a failure of any part (other than a fixed member or a brake shoe anchor pin) of one of the said sections shall not cause a decrease in the braking force capable of being developed by the other section; (b) the said two sections are operated by a means of operation which is common to both sections; and (c) the braking efficiency of either of the said two sections can be readily checked;"stop lamp" (停车灯) means a lamp required to be fitted to a motor vehicle, or to a trailer towed by a motor vehicle, for the purpose of warning other road users, when the lamp is lit, that the brakes of the motor vehicle or, in the case of a trailer, the brakes of the towing vehicle or of the combination of vehicles, are being applied; "stored energy" (储存能量), in relation to a braking system of a vehicle, means energy (other than the muscular energy of the driver or the mechanical energy of a spring) stored in a reservoir for the purpose of applying the brakes under the control of the driver, either directly or as a supplement to his muscular energy; "straddle carrier" (跨运车) means a motor vehicle constructed to straddle and lift its load for the purpose of transportation; "supplementary main beam" (辅助主光) means a main beam which is emitted by an obligatory headlamp which can also emit a dipped beam and which can only be used in conjunction with a main beam from another obligatory headlamp on the same side of the vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; "tangential plane" (切向平面), in relation to sideguard requirements, means the vertical plane formed by the external face of the outermost tyre at the rear and on the same side as the sideguard; (L.N. 203 of 1990) "towing implement" (拖曳机具) means any device on wheels designed for the purpose of enabling a motor vehicle to tow another vehicle by the attachment of that device to that other vehicle in such a manner that part of that other vehicle is secured to and either rests on or is suspended from the device and some but not all of the wheels on which that other vehicle normally runs are raised off the ground; "track laying vehicle" (履带式车辆) means a vehicle that is so designed and constructed that its weight is transmitted to the road surface either by means of continuous tracks or by a combination of wheels and continuous tracks in such circumstances that the weight transmitted to the road surface by the tracks is not less than half the weight of the vehicle; "two-tone horn" (双音喇叭) means an instrument or apparatus which, when operated, automatically produces a sound which alternates at regular intervals between 2 fixed notes; "unladen weight" (净重量), in relation to a vehicle, means the weight of the vehicle inclusive of the body and all parts (the heavier being taken where alternative bodies or parts are used) including the weight of water or accumulators which are necessary to, or ordinarily used with, the vehicle when working on a road, but exclusive of the weight of fuel, loose tools and loose equipment in the vehicle; "unleaded petrol" (无铅汽油) has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) Regulation (Cap 311 sub. leg.); (L.N. 160 of 2000) "warning instrument" (警报仪器) means any instrument required to be fitted to or carried on or in a vehicle for audibly signalling its approach or presence; "wheel" (车轮), in the case of a motor vehicle or trailer, means a wheel the tyre or rim of which when the vehicle is in motion on a road is in contact with the ground; and any two such wheels shall be treated as one wheel if the distance between the centres of the areas of contact between them and the road surface is less than 460 millimetres; "wheel span" (轮距) means the distance between the foremost and rearmost axles; "wide tyre" (宽轮胎) means a pneumatic tyre which has an area of contact with the road surface of not less than 300 millimetres in width when measured at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Cap 374A reg 3 Application These regulations, except in so far as they apply to the weights and dimensions of vehicles, shall not apply to- (a) any motor vehicle brought temporarily into Hong Kong by a person resident in a place outside Hong Kong or in Hong Kong intending to make only a temporary stay in Hong Kong, for a period not exceeding 1 year from the date of the arrival of the vehicle in Hong Kong while the said vehicle is being used by such person during his stay, if such vehicle complies in every respect with the requirements of paragraphs I, III and VIII of Article 3 of the 1926 Convention and with paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Article 22 of the 1949 Convention; (L.N. 258 of 1984) (b) unlicensed vehicles used on roads only pursuant to a movement permit issued under regulation 53 of the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap 374 sub. leg.) for the purpose of proceeding from one site to another. Cap 374A reg 4 Power of Commissioner to exempt The Commissioner may exempt any vehicle or class of vehicle from the provisions of these regulations or of any part thereof if he considers that it would be in the public interest to do so. Cap 374A reg 5 Construction and maintenance PART II GENERAL (1) Every vehicle including all body work and fittings shall be- (a) soundly and properly constructed of suitable materials; (b) in good and serviceable condition; and (c) of such design and method of construction as to be capable of withstanding the loads and stresses likely to be encountered in operation.(2) The side door latches and hinges of all vehicles shall be of adequate strength. (3) Subject to paragraph (5), no part of a motor vehicle, other than the wheels or tracks of such vehicle, and, in the case of a goods vehicle carrying inflammable goods, the earthing chain of such vehicle, shall touch the road. (4) Every windscreen wiper and every direction indicator required by these regulations to be fitted to a motor vehicle, and every part of every braking system and of the means of operation thereof fitted to a motor vehicle or trailer, and all steering gear fitted to a motor vehicle, shall at all times while the motor vehicle or trailer is used on a road be maintained in good and efficient working order and be properly adjusted. (5) Paragraph (3) shall not apply to engineering plant, an industrial tractor, land locomotive and land tractor. Cap 374A reg 6 Maximum dimensions of vehicles (1) Subject to paragraph (2), the dimensions of a vehicle of a class listed in column 1 of the First Schedule shall not exceed the overall dimensions specified in relation to that vehicle in columns 2, 3 and 4 of that Schedule. (2) The Commissioner may by permit in writing, subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified in the permit, authorize the use of a vehicle exceeding the dimensions specified in the First Schedule. Cap 374A reg 7 Maximum weight of vehicles (1) The gross vehicle weight of a vehicle of a class listed in column 1 of Part I of the Second Schedule, other than a vehicle to which Part II, III or IV of that Schedule applies, shall not exceed the maximum gross vehicle weight specified in relation to that vehicle in column 2 of that Part. (2) The gross vehicle weight of a rigid vehicle of a class listed in column 1 of Part II of the Second Schedule shall not exceed the maximum gross vehicle weight specified in column 3 of that Part in relation to the wheel span measurement specified in column 2 of that Part. (3) (a) In the case of an articulated vehicle of a class listed in column 1 of Part III of the Second Schedule, the gross vehicle weight shall not exceed the maximum gross vehicle weight specified in column 3 of that Part in relation to the wheel span measurement specified in column 2 of that Part. (b) In the case of a 2 axled semi-trailer, the gross axle weight shall not exceed the maximum gross axle weight for 2 closely spaced axles specified in column 3 of Part III of the Second Schedule in relation to the distance between those axles specified in column 2 of that Part. (c) In the case of 3 axled semi-trailer, the gross axle weight shall not exceed the maximum gross axle weight for 3 closely spaced axles specified in column 3 of Part III of the Second Schedule in relation to the distance between the outer axles of those axles specified in column 2 of that Part.(4) The gross combined weight of a combination of articulated vehicles of the type listed in column 1 of Part IV of the Second Schedule shall not exceed the maximum gross combined weight specified in column 3 of that Part in relation to the inner axle spacing specified in column 2 of that Part. (5) Where 2 closely spaced axles of a vehicle are spaced at such distance apart as is specified in column 1 of Part V of the Second Schedule, the gross axle weight of each axle shall not exceed the maximum axle weight for any one axle specified in column 2 of that Part in relation to the distance between those axles. (6) Where the outer axles of 3 closely spaced axles of a vehicle are spaced at such distance apart as is specified in column 1 of Part VI of the Second Schedule, the gross axle weight of each axle shall not exceed the maximum axle weight for any one axle specified in column 2 of that Part in relation to the distance between those outer axles. (7) Subject to this regulation, the permitted gross vehicle weight of a goods vehicle or special purpose vehicle shall be that assigned or deemed to have been assigned to the vehicle under the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap 374 sub. leg.). (7A) The permitted gross vehicle weight of any vehicle, other than a goods vehicle or special purpose vehicle, shall be its maximum gross vehicle weight or maximum gross combined weight, as the case may be, determined under this regulation. (8) The Commissioner may by permit in writing, subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified in the permit, authorize the use of a vehicle exceeding its maximum gross vehicle weight or maximum gross combined weight, as the case may be, specified in relation to that class or type of vehicle in column 3 of Part II, III or IV of the Second Schedule. (L.N. 242 of 1985) Cap 374A reg 8 Overhang (1) Subject to paragraphs (2), (3) and (4), the overhang of a motor vehicle shall not exceed 60 per cent of the distance between the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle which passes through the centre or centres of the front wheel or wheels and the foremost vertical plane from which the overhang is to be measured. (2) In the case of a vehicle designed for use and mainly used for the purpose of heating a road or other like surface in the process of construction, repair or maintenance, no part of the heating plant shall be taken into account when calculating the overhang under paragraph (1). (3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), where a vehicle is to be used on a road and the Commissioner considers that the percentage of overhang permitted by that paragraph could create a hazard to traffic he may specify such lesser percentage of overhang as he considers appropriate, and the overhang of that vehicle shall not exceed such lesser specified percentage. (4) This regulation shall not apply to- (a) a vehicle designed for use and used solely in connection with street cleansing, the collection or disposal of refuse or the collection or disposal of the contents of gullies or cesspools; and (b) a goods vehicle so designed that it can dispose of its load by tipping to the rear provided the overhang does not exceed 1.2 metres. Cap 374A reg 9 Motive power (1) Subject to paragraph (2), every motor vehicle intended for use or used on a road shall be propelled by- (a) a positive-ignition engine; (b) a compression-ignition engine; or (c) an electric motor.(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Commissioner may approve in writing a motor vehicle powered by other means for use on a road if he considers the vehicle suitable for use on roads in Hong Kong. (3) Before granting approval in respect of a vehicle under paragraph (2) the Commissioner may require- (a) production of such plans and information; and (b) such test and inspection,as he considers necessary. Cap 374A reg 10 Power to weight ratio (1) Subject to paragraph (2), every motor vehicle first registered after the coming into operation of this regulation which is propelled by a compression-ignition engine shall be so constructed that the power that the engine produces is at least 4.4 kilowatts for every 1000 kilograms of the permitted gross vehicle weight of the vehicle. (2) Every motor vehicle to which paragraph (1) applies shall, where it is fitted with ancillary equipment designed for use or likely to be used when the vehicle is in motion on a road at a speed in excess of 8 kilometres per hour and the power absorbed by that equipment is provided by the engine propelling the vehicle, be so constructed that, when the ancillary equipment is being used, the power of the engine remaining available to drive the vehicle is at least 4.4 kilowatts for every 1000 kilograms of the permitted gross vehicle weight of the vehicle. (3) For the purposes of this regulation, "ancillary equipment" (辅助装备) means machinery or apparatus forming part of a vehicle or mounted thereon, used for purposes not connected with the driving of the vehicle. Cap 374A reg 11 Body The body of a vehicle shall be securely affixed to the chassis and every trap door in the floor of the vehicle shall be strong and so fitted or fastened that it cannot become dislodged by vibration, with any lifting device properly sunk. Cap 374A reg 12 Turning circle (1) Every vehicle shall be so constructed as to be capable of turning in either direction within a circle which has a diameter not exceeding- (a) 24.5 metres, in the case of a vehicle with an overall length of not more than 10 metres; and (b) 26 metres, in the case of a vehicle with an overall length of more than 10 metres.(2) For the purpose of this regulation, the diameter of the turning circle of a vehicle shall be determined by reference to the circle traced by the extreme projecting points included in the overall length and overall width of the vehicle. Cap 374A reg 13 Variation of wheel load (1) Subject to paragraph (2), every motor vehicle, trailer having more than 4 wheels and trailer having more than 2 wheels being part of an articulated vehicle shall be provided with such compensating arrangement as will ensure that all the wheels will remain in contact with the road surface and under the most adverse conditions will not be subject to abnormal variations of load. (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply- (a) to any steerable wheel of a motor vehicle if the load on such wheel does not exceed 3.5 tonnes; and (b) with respect to any properly constructed retractable axle while in the retracted position. Cap 374A reg 14 Axle loading (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the weight transmitted to the road surface by any one wheel of a vehicle where no other wheel is in the same line transversely shall not exceed 4.5 tonnes and the total weight so transmitted by any 2 wheels of a vehicle in line transversely shall not exceed 9 tonnes. (2) The total weight transmitted to the road surface by any 2 wheels of a vehicle in line transversely shall not exceed 10 tonnes if each such wheel is fitted with 2 pneumatic tyres having the centre of their areas of contact with the road surface not less than 300 millimetres apart measured at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle or with a wide tyre. (3) In the case of a vehicle having more than 2 wheels in line transversely, the total weight transmitted to the road surface by those wheels shall not exceed 11 tonnes. Cap 374A reg 15 Suspension (1) Subject to paragraphs (5) and (6), every motor vehicle and trailer towed thereby shall be equipped with a suitable and sufficient system of suspension between each wheel and the frame of the vehicle. (2) The system of suspension of any vehicle with 3 or more wheels shall be so designed and constructed that there is no excessive body sway. (3) The system of suspension including any damper units therein shall be maintained in an efficient condition. (4) For the purposes of this regulation a tyre shall not be regarded as forming part of the suspension system. (5) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Commissioner may, having regard to the design and use of the vehicle, exempt any special purpose vehicle from the provisions of this regulation. (6) This regulation shall not apply to- (a) a motorcycle; (b) a mobile crane; (c) a road roller; (d) a vehicle 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; and (e) a motor tractor not exceeding 4 tonnes permitted gross vehicle weight if all unsprung wheels of such tractor are equipped with pneumatic tyres. Cap 374A reg 16 Brakes (1) Subject to paragraph (8), every motor vehicle shall be equipped with either an efficient braking system having 2 means of operation or 2 efficient braking systems each having a separate means of operation. (2) For the purpose of paragraph (1), no account shall be taken of a multi-pull means of operation, unless that means, at the first application, operates an hydraulic, electric or pneumatic device which causes brakes to be applied sufficient to have a total braking efficiency of not less than the total braking efficiency required by regulation 19(1)(b) in relation to brakes as applied by a second independent means of operation. (3) Subject to paragraph (8), all braking systems of every motor vehicle shall be so designed and constructed that notwithstanding the failure of any part (other than a fixed member or a brake shoe anchor pin) through or by means of which the force necessary to apply the brakes is transmitted there shall still be available for application by the driver brakes sufficient under the most adverse conditions to bring the vehicle to rest within a reasonable distance. (4) Subject to paragraph (9), one at least of the means of operation required by this regulation shall be capable of causing brakes to be applied directly to all the wheels of the vehicle and the other means of operation shall be capable of causing brakes to be applied directly, and not through the transmission, to- (a) at least one wheel of a vehicle with not more than 3 wheels; and (b) at least half the number of wheels of a vehicle with more than 3 wheels,and for the purpose of this paragraph a shaft leading from any differential driving gear of an axle to a driving wheel shall be deemed not to form part of the transmission. (5) The application of one of the means of operation required under this regulation shall not affect or operate the pedal or hand lever of the other means of operation. (6) No braking system shall be rendered ineffective by the non-rotation of the engine. (7) For the purpose of this regulation every moving shaft 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. (8) Paragraphs (1) and (3) shall not apply to a motor vehicle equipped with one efficient braking system with one means of operation if the system is a split braking system. (9) Paragraph (4) shall not apply to engineering plant, an industrial tractor, land locomotive, land tractor, motor cycle, motor tricycle, invalid carriage, pedestrian controlled vehicle and straddle carrier. Cap 374A reg 17 Parking brake (1) Subject to paragraph (2), every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a braking system, which may be one of the braking systems prescribed in regulation 16, so designed and constructed that- (a) its means of operation, whether being a multi-pull means of operation or not, is independent of the means of operation of any braking system required by regulation 19(1)(a) to have a total braking efficiency of not less than 50 per cent; (b) its braking force, when the vehicle is not being driven or is left unattended- (i) can at all times be maintained in operation by direct mechanical action without the intervention of any hydraulic, electric or pneumatic device; and (ii) when so maintained in operation by direct mechanical action, is capable of holding the vehicle stationary on a gradient of at least 1 in 6.25 without the assistance of stored energy.(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a motor cycle and invalid carriage. Cap 374A reg 18 Vacuum or pressure braking systems (1) Subject to paragraph (2) and except in the case of a motor vehicle to which paragraph (3) applies, every motor vehicle which is equipped with a braking system which embodies a vacuum or pressure reservoir or reservoirs shall be provided with a warning device so placed as to be readily visible or audible to the driver of the vehicle when in the driving seat in order to indicate any impending failure or deficiency in the vacuum or pressure system. (2) In the case of a vehicle the permitted gross vehicle weight of which does not exceed 5.5 tonnes which is propelled by an internal combustion engine and is equipped with a braking system embodying a vacuum reservoir or reservoirs, the vacuum therein being derived directly from the induction system of the engine, it shall not be necessary to provide a warning device in accordance with paragraph (1) if, in the event of a failure or deficiency in the vacuum system, the brakes of that braking system are sufficient to provide a braking efficiency of 50 per cent. (3) A motor vehicle which is equipped with a braking system which uses compressed air only as its means of operation shall be fitted with a suitable air pressure gauge or gauges and a suitable audible warning device to indicate low air pressure. (L.N. 203 of 1990) (4) Where a motor vehicle to which paragraph (3) applies was manufactured on or before 1 January 1990 or was first registered on or before 1 July 1990, it shall be sufficient compliance with paragraph (3) if it is fitted with a suitable air pressure gauge or gauges. (L.N. 203 of 1990) Cap 374A reg 18A Hydraulic braking systems (1) A motor vehicle which is manufactured on or after 1 January 1990 and first registered on or after 1 July 1990 and which is equipped with a hydraulic braking system shall be provided with a warning device so placed as to be readily visible or audible to the driver of the vehicle when in the driving seat in order to indicate any impending failure in the hydraulic braking system due to fluid loss. (2) The warning device referred to in paragraph (1) shall be so designed and constructed that- (a) for a motor vehicle equipped with a split braking system, it will detect the differential in fluid pressure, or a drop in fluid level; and (b) for a motor vehicle equipped with a non-split braking system, it will detect a loss in the applied fluid pressure, or a drop in fluid level.(3) The Commissioner may, if he thinks fit, approve in writing the fitting in a hydraulic braking system of a warning device of a design and construction other than that described in paragraph (2) as sufficient compliance with paragraph (1). (L.N. 203 1990) Cap 374A reg 19 Braking efficiency (1) Subject to paragraph (2), every braking system of every motor vehicle shall- (a) have brakes acting on all the wheels of the vehicle which as applied by one means of operation have a total braking efficiency of not less than 50 per cent; (b) subject to sub-paragraph (c), have brakes which as applied by a second independent means of operation have a total braking efficiency of not less than 25 per cent; and (c) in the case of a motor vehicle equipped with a split braking system to which regulation 16(8) applies, have brakes which in the event of a failure of any part (other than a fixed member or a brake shoe anchor pin) of one of the independent sections comprised in the split braking system are such that there remain brakes applied by the other section sufficient to have a total braking efficiency of not less than 25 per cent. (L.N. 218 of 1984)(2) This regulation shall not apply to engineering plant, an industrial tractor, land locomotive, land tractor, motor cycle, motor tricycle, invalid carriage, pedestrian controlled vehicle and straddle carrier. Cap 374A reg 20 Wheels and tracks (1) Every motor vehicle and every trailer shall be so constructed that the entire weight of the vehicle and of any trailer attached thereto is transmitted to the road surface by wheels or by tracks, or by a combination of wheels and tracks. (2) In the case of a track laying vehicle- (a) the parts of the track which come into contact with the road surface shall be flat and have a minimum width of 15 millimetres; and (b) the total area of each track actually in contact with the road surface at any one time shall not be less than 230 square centimetres in respect of each tonne of the gross vehicle weight of the vehicle.(3) Subject to paragraphs (6) and (7), every wheel of a motor vehicle, other than a road roller, and every wheel on a trailer when the trailer is being towed on a road, other than a trailer used solely on road repair work, shall be equipped with pneumatic tyres of suitable size and design. (4) Subject to paragraph (8), all wheels of a motor vehicle or trailer which are equipped with tyres, other than pneumatic tyres, shall have a rim diameter of not less than 700 millimetres. (5) Every wheel of a vehicle shall be truly circular, accurately centred on its axle and fitted to work thereon without oscillation or side play. (6) The Commissioner by permit in writing, subject to such terms and conditions and for such period as appears to him fit, may authorize the use of a motor vehicle which does not comply with paragraph (3). (7) Paragraph (3) shall not apply to- (a) a motor tractor; and (b) a motor vehicle 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,if such vehicle is equipped with tyres on every wheel of soft or elastic material of a design and type approved by the Commissioner. (8) Paragraph (4) shall not apply to- (a) any motor vehicle or trailer not exceeding 1.5 tonnes unladen weight 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; and (b) any mobile crane. Cap 374A reg 21 Tyre of soft or elastic material A tyre shall not be deemed to be of soft or elastic material unless the said material is either- (a) continuous round the circumference of the wheel; or (b) fitted in sections so that so far as reasonably practicable no space is left between the ends thereof,and is of such thickness and design as to minimize, so far as 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. Cap 374A reg 22 Tyres (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (7), no wheel of a motor vehicle or trailer shall be fitted with a pneumatic tyre that- (a) is unsuitable having regard to the use to which the motor vehicle or trailer is being put or to the types of tyres fitted to its other wheels; (b) is not so inflated as to make it fit for the use to which the motor vehicle or trailer is being put; (c) has a break in its fabric, or has a cut in excess of 25 millimetres in length or 10 per cent of the section width of the tyre, whichever is the greater, measured in any direction on the outside of the tyre and deep enough to reach the body cords; (d) has any lump or bulge caused by separation or partial failure of its structure; (e) has any portion of the ply or cord structure exposed; or (f) does not- (i) in the case of a motor cycle the cylinder capacity of the engine of which does not exceed 50 cubic centimetres, show throughout at least 3/4 of the breadth of the tread and round the entire outer circumference of the tyre a pattern the relief of which is clearly visible; and (ii) in the case of any other motor vehicle or any trailer, have a tread pattern (excluding any tie-bar) with a depth of at least 1 millimetre throughout at least 3/4 of the breadth of the tread and round the entire outer circumference of the tyre: Provided that this sub-paragraph shall not apply in the case of a motor cycle with sidecar attached having 3 wheels in all, the weight of which does not exceed 100 kilograms and which is incapable of exceeding a speed of 20 kilometres per hour on the level under its own power.(2) Paragraph (1) shall not prohibit the use on a road of a motor vehicle of trailer by reason only of the fact that a wheel of the vehicle or trailer is fitted with a tyre which is not fully inflated if the tyre and the wheel to which it is fitted are so constructed as to make the tyre in that condition fit for the use to which the motor vehicle or trailer is being put and the outer sides of the wall of the tyre are so marked as to enable the tyre to be identified as having been so constructed. (3) No motor vehicle or trailer shall be fitted with a recut pneumatic tyre the fabric of which has been cut or exposed by the recutting process. (4) Without prejudice to paragraphs (1) and (3), all the tyres of a motor vehicle or trailer shall at all times while the vehicle or trailer is used on a road be maintained in such condition as to be fit for the use to which the vehicle or trailer is being put and as to be free from any defect which might in any way cause damage to the surface of the road or danger to persons on or in the vehicle or to other persons using the road. (5) Pneumatic tyres of different types of structure shall not be fitted to the same axle of a vehicle. (6) A motor vehicle or trailer shall not be fitted with- (a) a diagonal-ply tyre or a bias-belted tyre on the rear axle and a radial-ply tyre on the front axle; or (b) a diagonal-ply tyre on the rear axle and a bias-belted tyre on the front axle.(7) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a land tractor, or land implement, or to an agricultural trailer when the trailer is being towed by a land tractor and nothing in paragraph (1) or (3) shall apply to a broken down vehicle or to a vehicle proceeding to a place where it is to be broken up, in either case being towed by a motor vehicle at a speed not exceeding 20 kilometres per hour. (8) For the purposes of this regulation- "bias-belted tyre" (交叉帘布缓冲层轮胎) means a pneumatic tyre, the structure of which is such that the ply cords extend to the bead so as to be laid at alternate angles of substantially less than 90 degrees to the peripheral line of the tread, and are constrained by a circumferential belt comprising two or more layers of substantially inextensible cord material laid at alternate angles smaller than those of the ply cord structure; "diagonal-ply tyre" (斜纹帘布层轮胎) means a pneumatic tyre, other than a bias-belted tyre, the structure of which is such that the ply cords extend to the bead so as to be laid at alternate angles of substantially less than 90 degrees to the peripheral line of the tread; "radial-ply tyre" (径向帘布层轮胎) means a pneumatic tyre, the structure of which is such that the ply cords extend to the bead so as to be laid at an angle of substantially 90 degrees to the peripheral line of the tread, the ply cord structure being stabilized by a substantially inextensible circumferential belt; "type of structure" (结构类型), in relation to a tyre, means a type of structure of a tyre of a kind as defined in this paragraph. Cap 374A reg 23 Steering The steering mechanism of a vehicle shall be so constructed or arranged that no overlock shall be possible and that the wheels shall not in any circumstances foul any part of the vehicle. Cap 374A reg 24 Speed indicators (1) Every motor vehicle, other than a motor vehicle which it is at all times unlawful to drive at a speed exceeding 20 kilometres per hour and an invalid carriage, shall be fitted with an efficient speedometer which shall be- (a) so placed that it can be easily read by the driver; (b) maintained in good working order; (c) kept free from any obstruction which might prevent it from being easily read by the driver; (d) calibrated and marked so as to indicate clearly the speed at which the motor vehicle is being driven; and (e) capable of indicating the speed within a margin of accuracy of plus or minus 10 per cent if and when the motor vehicle is being driven at a speed in excess of 15 kilometres per hour.(2) It shall be a good defence to proceedings taken in respect of a contravention of paragraph (1)(b) to prove that- (a) the defect occurred in the course of the journey during which the contravention was detected; or (b) at the time when the contravention was detected steps had already been taken to have the defect remedied with all reasonable expedition. Cap 374A reg 25 Ability to reverse Every motor vehicle, other than a motor cycle, motor tricycle or invalid carriage, shall be capable of being driven both forwards and backwards. Cap 374A reg 26 Driver's accommodation (1) Every motor vehicle, other than a bus or light bus, shall be so designed and constructed that the driver- (a) has adequate room and can easily reach and quickly operate the controls; (b) while controlling the vehicle can at all times have a full view of the road and traffic ahead of the vehicle.(2) The driver's seat of every motor vehicle, other than a bus or light bus, shall be secured to the body of the vehicle and shall measure at least 380 millimetres from the backrest to the front edge of the seat and 380 millimetres along the back, except that where the vehicle is fitted with a continuous seat for a passenger or passengers beside the driver the space available for passengers under regulation 27 shall be measured from a point 380 millimetres from that part of the seat nearest to the centre of the steering wheel. (3) The driver's seat of every motor vehicle, other than a bus or light bus, shall be capable of being adjusted in relation to the steering wheel of the vehicle so that it can be moved from 350 millimetres to at least 450 millimetres from the steering wheel measured from the nearest point on the periphery of the steering wheel to the nearest part of the back of the driver's seat. (4) Subject to paragraph (5), the driver's seat of every vehicle shall be so placed as to permit the driver to give by hand the usual traffic signals on the right or off side of the vehicle. (5) The Commissioner may by permit in writing, subject to such terms and conditions and for such period as appears to him fit, authorize the use of a motor vehicle which does not comply with paragraph (4). Cap 374A reg 27 Passenger seating capacity (1) No vehicle shall be provided with seating capacity for passengers in excess of the seating capacity for that class of vehicle specified in the Third Schedule. (2) The seating capacity for passengers in a bus or special purpose vehicle shall be the seating capacity specified in the registration document issued in respect of that vehicle, and no bus or special purpose vehicle shall be provided with seating capacity in excess of the seating capacity so specified. (3) No seating capacity for passengers shall be provided in an invalid carriage, trailer, tricycle or pedestrian-controlled vehicle. (4) Subject to regulation 26, every seat in a vehicle shall be secured to the body of the vehicle and shall, except in the case of a bus or light bus, measure at least 380 millimetres from the backrest to the front edge of the seat and 380 millimetres along the back. (5) In calculating the seating capacity of a vehicle for the purposes of this regulation- (a) only those seats that are provided in accordance with paragraph (4) or regulation 73, as the case may be, shall be taken into account; and (b) no account shall be taken of any space on a seat which is less than 380 millimetres. Cap 374A reg 28 Safety glass or safety glazing (1) The glass or transparent material used in all windscreens, windows and partitions of a motor vehicle shall be safety glass or safety glazing- (a) of a type approved by the Commissioner; (b) of such transparency that it does not obscure the view of the interior of the motor vehicle; and (c) where practicable, clearly identifiable as safety glass or safety glazing by a permanent mark inscribed thereon.(2) No alteration or addition shall be made to any windscreen, window or partition referred to in paragraph (1) whereby the reflecting effect of the safety glass or safety glazing is increased, or whereby the ability of such safety glass or safety glazing to transmit light is decreased. (L.N. 203 of 1990) (3) The Commissioner shall by notice in the Gazette specify the type of safety glass or safety glazing approved by him for the purposes of paragraph (1)(a). Cap 374A reg 29 Windscreen wipers and washers (1) In the case of a vehicle which is fitted with a windscreen, other than a motor cycle, invalid carriage or trailer, the vehicle shall be fitted with one or more efficient automatic windscreen wipers, unless the driver can obtain an adequate view to the front of the vehicle without looking through the windscreen. (2) The windscreen wipers required by paragraph (1) shall be capable of clearing the windscreen so that the driver has an adequate view of the road in front of the near and off sides of the vehicle in addition to an adequate view to the front of the vehicle. (3) Subject to paragraph (4), every motor vehicle which is required by paragraph (1) to be fitted with one or more efficient automatic windscreen wipers shall be fitted with a windscreen washer capable of clearing, in conjunction with those windscreen wipers, the area of the windscreen swept by those windscreen wipers of mud or other similar deposit. (4) Paragraph (3) shall not apply to- (a) a land tractor; or (b) any vehicle which is incapable by reason of its construction of exceeding a speed of 35 kilometres per hour on the level under its own power. Cap 374A reg 30 Silencers (1) Every vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine shall be fitted with a silencer, expansion chamber or other contrivance suitable and sufficient for reducing, as far as may be reasonable, the noise caused by the escape of the exhaust gases from the engine. (2) Every vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine and used on any road shall be so constructed and maintained that the exhaust gases from the engine shall not escape into the atmosphere without first passing through the silencer, expansion chamber or other contrivance required to be fitted under paragraph (1). (3) Every such silencer, expansion chamber or other contrivance shall at all times while the vehicle is used on a road be maintained in good and efficient working order, and shall not have been altered or replaced in such a way that the noise caused by the escape of the exhaust gases is made greater by the alteration or replacement. Cap 374A reg 31 Smoke, etc. (1) Every motor vehicle shall be so constructed and maintained that- (a) no excessive smoke or visible vapour is emitted therefrom; (b) so far as is reasonably practicable, the products of combustion, ashes, steam, cinders, petrol, water or oil are not discharged on the road or in such manner as to be likely to cause damage to property or injury or danger or loss of amenity or annoyance to persons.(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), smoke or visible vapour shall be deemed to be excessive if the smoke or visible vapour emitted from the vehicle measured by means of any one of the apparatuses specified by the Commissioner from time to time by notice published in the Gazette exceeds the maximum permitted smoke or visible vapour level specified in column 1 of Part I of the Fourth Schedule or the maximum permitted smoke or visible vapour level in absolute units of light absorption specified in column 2 of that Part. (L.N. 14 of 1999; L.N. 160 of 2000) (2A) For the avoidance of doubt, a notice under paragraph (2) is not subsidiary legislation. (L.N. 14 of 1999) (3) Every motor vehicle using solid fuel shall be fitted with an efficient appliance for the purpose of preventing the emission of sparks or grit. (4) It shall be a good defence in any proceedings in respect of a contravention of this regulation to prove that the emission or discharge was due to some temporary or accidental cause which could not be prevented by the exercise of reasonable care. Cap 374A reg 31A Exhaust emission (1) Without limiting regulation 31, this regulation applies to every motor vehicle (other than a motor cycle or a motor tricycle) that is- (a) manufactured on or after 1 January 1975 and is equipped with a positive-ignition engine and