Legislation on Mechanically Propelled Vehicles

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Questions and Answers

What is the maximum rated power for an electric motor on an electrically assisted pedal cycle to be classified as not a motor vehicle?

150w

500w

750w

250w (correct)

Which of the following vehicles can be classified as a mechanically propelled vehicle (MPV) under the Road Traffic (NI) Order?

A motorcycle with no pedals

A sports electric bicycle with pedals

A standard car

A grass cutting implement controlled by a pedestrian (correct)

What is one of the criteria to determine if an MPV is intended or adapted for use on the road?

The weight of the vehicle exceeds 1000 kg

It had indicators fitted (correct)

It has a manufacturer’s label indicating road use

It has been previously registered for road use

Which of the following is NOT categorized under Article 6 of the Road Traffic (NI) Order 1995 as a non-motor vehicle?

A scrambler motorcycle intended for off-road use Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance can a scrambler be classified as a motor vehicle?

If there is evidence of it being used on a road Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum speed at which an electrically assisted pedal cycle can operate to be classified as not a motor vehicle?

25 km/h Signup and view all the answers

In deciding if an MPV is a motor vehicle, which piece of evidence would NOT be considered?

The vehicle's weight and dimensions Signup and view all the answers

What type of cycle does the legislation specifically exclude from being a motor vehicle?

An electrically assisted pedal cycle with pedals Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the 'user' of a motor vehicle?

The driver of the vehicle and those who leave it parked on the road Signup and view all the answers

In the example given, if Jamison takes her family out for the weekend in the van, what is Bradford's role?

He is permitting the vehicle's use Signup and view all the answers

What must be proven to establish the offence of 'causing' the use of a vehicle?

The authority to cause the vehicle's use and awareness of the facts of the offence Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the offence of 'permitting' is true?

Permitting involves giving someone authority to use a vehicle and being aware of any offences committed Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a person to be guilty of the offence of 'using' a vehicle?

The person must have knowledge or deliberately ignore the facts of the offence Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication if a person hires out a vehicle?

They can still be held accountable for permitting an offence Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is it appropriate to charge someone with causing, permitting, or using a vehicle?

If the offence cannot be clearly classified as either using or permitting Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'joint enterprise' refer to in the context of vehicle use?

Users acting together with knowledge about the vehicle's usage Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for determining a breach of Regulation 115?

Cause or likely to cause a danger Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances are adults required to wear seat belts in motor vehicles?

While driving or riding on a road Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an exemption for wearing seat belts?

Passengers aged 12 and under Signup and view all the answers

What penalty applies for a breach of Regulation 115 compared to Article 54?

Article 54 penalties are generally stricter Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following holds true for passengers aged 14 or over concerning seat belt rules?

They are responsible for wearing their own seat belts Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the conditions for a driver to be exempt from wearing a seat belt?

The vehicle is carrying items for delivery within a short distance Signup and view all the answers

For which group is a medical exemption to wear seat belts applicable?

Any person with a valid medical certificate Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'if available' mean in relation to seat belts?

Seat belts must be available to be required Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring that passengers under the age of 14 are using seat belts or appropriate child restraints?

The driver Signup and view all the answers

At what age must passengers in buses and coaches wear seat belts if fitted?

3 years and above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drivers are exempt from wearing seat belts?

A taxi driver plying for hire Signup and view all the answers

When can a driver legally not wear a seat belt during a driving test?

If wearing it would be dangerous Signup and view all the answers

From which year did front seat belts become compulsory equipment on new cars registered in the UK?

1968 Signup and view all the answers

What is required for tires fitted to vehicles used on the road?

They must be free from defects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a requirement for children up to age 12 or 135cm in height in vehicles?

They must use a child restraint Signup and view all the answers

What must a driver prove if they are charged with the offence of not wearing a seat belt?

That the seat belt was unavailable or that they qualify for an exemption Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum tread depth required for light trailers (under 750kgs) and vehicles in category 'B'?

1.6 mm deep Signup and view all the answers

Which condition would make a tire unfit for use?

The ply or cord is exposed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the required visibility for the original tread pattern on a moped's tires?

It should be entirely visible. Signup and view all the answers

During which period must all vehicles display lights while on the road?

From sunset to sunrise Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regulations applies to the condition of tires?

They must be maintained to avoid road damage. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 'hours of darkness' defined as?

Half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the base groove of a tire is not clearly visible?

The tire is considered unfit for use. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the conditions for lamps on vehicles?

Position lamps must be used only from sunset to sunrise. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mechanically Propelled Vehicles

An MPV that is an "implement for cutting grass" used and controlled by a pedestrian is not a motor vehicle.
An MPV controlled by a pedestrian can be prescribed as not being a motor vehicle in the Road Traffic (NI) Order 1995.
Electrically assisted pedal cycles (E-bikes) are not considered motor vehicles under the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 if:
- They have pedals to propel the cycle.
- The electric motor has a maximum rated power of 250 watts.
- The motor does not propel the cycle when travelling at more than 15.5 mph (25 km/h).

Using a Mechanically Propelled Vehicle

An MPV is considered a motor vehicle if it is intended or adapted for use on a road or public place.
Evidence of use on a road or public place can be found in admissions by the driver or visual sightings.
A person who is driving a motor vehicle is considered the "user."
An individual who leaves a vehicle parked on the road is also considered a "user."
The general rule is that the "user" has the vehicle available for use.
People with a close association with the driver or vehicle can also commit the offense of "using" the motor vehicle if regulations are violated.
A hired vehicle is not considered "used" by the person who rented it out but can be "permitted" for use.

Causing or Permitting Use

A person can "cause" the use of a vehicle if they have the authority, know about the vehicle's use, are aware of the potential offense, and authorize or order another person to use the vehicle.
To "cause" an offense, a person must know or deliberately choose not to know about the actions of the principal offender.
"Permitting" an offense occurs when someone gives permission to use a vehicle and is aware, or should be aware, of the potential offense that could occur.

Seat Belts for Adults

Drivers and passengers in motor vehicles on a road are generally required to wear seat belts.
Exceptions exist for specific circumstances, such as:
- Drivers and passengers in vehicles transporting goods on short, geographically limited journeys.
- Drivers performing maneuvers that include reversing.
- Individuals with a valid medical certificate exempting them from wearing a seat belt.
Vehicles without built-in seat belts are not required by law to have them, but if they are fitted, they must be worn.
Passengers 14 years of age and older are responsible for themselves.
The driver is not responsible for passengers 14 years of age or older not wearing seat belts.

Seat Belt Exemptions for Adults

Drivers and passengers in vehicles transporting goods on journeys not exceeding 50 meters for delivery or collection purposes.
Drivers or passengers reversing or overseeing a learner driver while reversing.
Police officers, while on duty or off duty.
Members of the British armed forces, while on duty or off duty.
Prison officers, while on duty or off duty.
Persons transporting a person in lawful custody.
Taxi drivers while plying for hire, answering a call for hire, or carrying a passenger.
Taxi drivers during hire work in private or public hire vehicles.
Fire brigade personnel while using fire vehicles.
Persons on a Crown procession.
Persons holding a medical exemption certificate (if produced at that time or within 7 days).
Individuals participating in a driving test if wearing a seat belt would be dangerous.
Vehicles driven under a trade license for mechanical fault investigation or repair.
Inertia seat belts that are locked due to an incline.

Seat Belts for Children

Drivers and passengers aged 14 years and older in cars, vans, and commercial vehicles must wear a seat belt if it is available.
Drivers are responsible for ensuring that anyone under the age of 14 wears a seat belt or uses an appropriate child restraint as required by law.
Front seat belts became compulsory equipment in all new cars registered in the UK from 1968.
Rear seat belts became compulsory equipment from 1986.
Since the Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulation (Northern Ireland) 2007, passengers aged 3 years and older in buses and coaches must wear seat belts if available.
Child restraints, instead of adult seat belts, are required for children in cars and goods vehicles who are under 12 years of age or 135cm in height.

Tyres

All tyres on vehicles used on a road must be free from defects and suitable for the vehicle's use.
Vehicles or trailers are prohibited from use on a road if the fitted pneumatic tyre has any of the following defects:
- It’s unsuitable for the vehicle’s use, or the types of tires fitted to its other wheels.
- It’s not inflated to the proper pressure for its use.
- It has a cut exceeding 25mm or 10% of the section width of the tire, whichever is greater, and is deep enough to reach the ply or cord, or has a lump/bulge/tear caused by separation or partial structural failure.
- It has a portion of the ply or cord exposed.
- The base groove (original tread pattern) is no longer clearly visible.
- It’s not maintained in a suitable condition for its use, or has defects that could damage the road surface, the vehicle, or persons on or in the vehicle, or using the road.

Tyre Tread Depths

Light trailers (under 750kgs) and vehicles within category 'B' of a driving licence require a tread depth of at least 1.6mm deep in the center three-quarters of the tread breadth around the entire outer circumference.
Category 'A', 'C', and 'D' classed vehicles require the base of the original tread to be visible and have at least 1mm of tread pattern in the center three-quarters of the tread breadth around the entire outer circumference.
Mopeds only require the original tread pattern to be visible.

Vehicle Lights

Vehicles are required to display certain lights while on a road after dark or during periods of reduced visibility.
There are two periods of time for lights on vehicles:
- Lighting-up times - the period between sunset and sunrise.
- Hours of darkness - the time between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise.
Front and rear position lamps (“sidelights”) must be lit from sunset to sunrise.
Headlights must be lit during the hours of darkness.

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Description

This quiz covers the definitions and regulations surrounding mechanically propelled vehicles, particularly focusing on what constitutes a motor vehicle in Northern Ireland. Topics include the categorization of E-bikes and exceptions for specific types of vehicles under relevant legislation.