PLUGS&LEADS
NEW THREAT FOR MODIFIED CLASSICS?
Enthusiasts have expressed concerns over a new Department for Transport consultation on modernising vehicle standards. The government wants the power to go beyond the existing Road Traffic Act 1988 in favour of a framework that better suits ever-advancing new vehicles, but there are fears that proposed new laws on ‘tampering’ will have consequences when it comes to altering vehicle systems and components on older cars.
On the face of it, the aim appears to be to tighten emissions and allow a structured framework for autonomous vehicle testing, as well as preventing modification of factory speed limiters and data loggers, which are required on new vehicles by May 2024. However, the wording of the section on tampering is vague and has led to worries that it could prevent changing a standard component on an existing car, hence stopping tweaks or modifications.
The consultation says the DfT will “create new offences for tampering with a system, part or component of a vehicle intended or adapted to be used on a road,” as well as making it an offence to advertise services or products that