RoadWatch - Issue 14

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In conjunction with...

Issue 14 - 2,00€

FIAT 500 Spiaggina'58 CAR HIRE RIGHTS—EUROPEAN DRIVING—MOT CHANGES SKATEBOARDING—SAFETY CARS—USING THE HORN & MORE

All of the traffic law related articles published on the n332.es website throughout 2017 RoadWatch.eu

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Welcome to N332 RoadWatch Former Head of Traffic set to Return to the DGT 4 Avoiding the Safety Car Effect 6 Add yourself to our mailing list 9 Renting a Car – Your European Rights 10 Truck Drivers Getting Younger 14 Congress Agrees to Warnings of Santa Pola Black Spots 16 Fiat 500 “Spiaggina ‘58” – An Exclusive Birthday Tribute to the Fiat 500 19 When is it Okay to use the Horn? 28 Focus Aims at Motorbike Frequented Roads 30 Cyclists Advised over Responsibilities 32 My British Registered Car has an Expired MOT. Can I get an ITV done in Spain instead? 34 What happens if you have a crash and your ITV is not in order? 36 Will My Petrol Tank Explode in Hot Weather? 40 A Study Reveals that a PET Scan with Glucose Helps to Predict Tumor Behavior 46 Driving Across Europe – Maximum Permitted Speed Limits 48 Motorway Driving Lessons in the UK 50 Dogs Die in Hot Cars 51 How is your Eyesight? (FREE Eye Tests for Drivers) 52 The MOT Changed in May 54

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Copyright © 2018 Mark Nolan and N332.es All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non -commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” to the email address, news@n332.es.

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Former Head of Traffic set to Return to the DGT The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has a new leader at the helm, Pere Navarro, who actually returns to the role he held between 2004 and 2011.

Navarro will replace Gregorio Serrano as the head of the DGT, as the council of Ministers confirmed his appointment at the end of last week.

During his previous tenure at the DGT, working under the government led by JosĂŠ Luis RodrĂ­guez Zapatero, the DGT implemented such innovations as the driver's licence for points, a measure promoted by Navarro himself, which led to a drastic reduction in the number of deaths on the road.

In particular, the points system alone is attributed having been responsible for reducing the number of traffic and road related deaths in 2011 for the first time in 50 years.

Navarro was also involved in the creation of the Road Safety Commission in the Congress of Deputies, as well as the introduction of stricter speed limits in order to save fuel during the petrol crisis, where conventional roads saw a speed limit reduction, as did motorways, where the network saw a reduction to 110 kilometres per hour, both limits being revoked was the crisis had eased.

On his return to the DGT, Navarro will find a difficult task ahead once more. After more than a decade of reductions, in 2016 the number of road traffic related fatalities grew again, a trend which has not yet shown signs of easing, but rather continues to increase. In fact, in his absence, and under the tenure of the Rajoy government, the number of deaths began and continued to rise after the continuous decade of falls.

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Gregorio Serrano faced criticism over his management of the chaos caused by snowfall that isolated thousands of drivers on the AP-6 last January. His predecessor, María Seguí, left the organisation after former Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz withdrew his support and opened an urgent investigation into the financing of research projects where her husband worked, an investigation that was later shelved.

Navarro, who was born in 1952 and is originally from Barcelona, left the DGT upon Mariano Rajoy and the Partido Popular taking government. When he left the DGT, Navarro went to Rabat as employment counsellor at the Spanish Embassy in Morocco.

There is no doubt that his appointment will lead to drastic changes. Navarro has remained convinced that the number of victims can be reduced again. He believes that the maximum permitted speed on secondary roads must be reduced to 90 kilometres per hour and that a specific safety plan for motorcycles, for both riders and other road users, must be introduced.

Navarro also considers that a good road safety policy goes hand in hand with a "good mobility policy". In a recent interview, he said how, "we have to talk about the way we move, to order to do it in a sustainable, reasonable and safe way."

Currently, Navarro is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Pons Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness of road safety, social progress of business innovation, and the dissemination and defence of Intellectual Property, amongst others.

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Avoiding the Safety Car Effect During special operations, as was the case with the first major road traffic movement for summer, more traffic patrols can be seen on the road. However, sometimes the sight of these patrols can cause unnecessary delays, through a phenomenon known as the ‘Safety Car’ effect.

Often, when drivers see a Guardia Civil or police patrol, they instinctively feel a reluctance to overtake, even though there may be two or more lanes, they way clear, and no obvious reason not to pass, some drivers feel a fear and automatically ease back. All too often, this is unnecessary.

Of course, it is true that if you are caught breaking the law, speeding for example, then it would be natural to assume that a patrol would stop you and deal with the offence committed, but under normal driving conditions, if you are abiding by the law, there is no reason for you to be stopped.

As you go about your journey, you don´t know what the patrol is doing. Maybe they are intentionally driving below the speed limit, maybe they are making observations along the road, who knows what they are dong, and, actually, it´s none of our business.

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If you see a patrol ahead and they are driving normally (remember, traffic cars have blue lights illuminated all the time, so that is not an indicator of a problem), look at you and your own actions. Are you driving within the law, within the speed limit, allowing the correct distance, etc, in other words, do what you would do with a normal car. If it is safe, legal and convenient for you to overtake, then do so. Treat the patrol vehicle like you would any other.

If the patrol does not want you to pass, they will signal you to stay back, by using flashing lights, a matrix sign, or flags. If there is not an emergency, you may pass, if it is safe, legal and convenient to do so.

Safety cars are used on race tracks to slow down racers because of a problem ahead.

The roads are not race tracks, there are no safety cars. If there is a problem, you will know about it. If everything looks normal, then it is.

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Add yourself to our mailing list

Thanks to the support from our sponsors, we are now able to open the doors to allow more members to join the N332 / RoadWatch mailing list.

Please, if you have already signed up, do not worry, your details are safe and that list has not been changed. This just allows more spots to be filled for those who missed out last time when we have to close the list once we reached the maximum permitted numbers.

If you have not yet signed up and would like to receive periodic updates from us, then fill your details on the page found on the websites, n332.es, or roadwatch.eu.

We won´t spam you, we will just send you important updates and only relevant information about the site and our selected partners.

You will be the first to be updated of important notices and such things as the release of the next edition of RoadWatch eMagazine, that sort of thing, so if you want to be added (and you can unsubscribe at any time) just add your details. You can unsubscribe at any time.

You can also sign up for more frequent updates direct from the website by using the link at the bottom of the main page on the website, n332.es, where you just have to add your details and follow the information trail to subscribe. That link sends a more frequent update when the site changes, such as when we add new articles, for example, so is even more important if you want more frequent updates.

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Renting a Car – Your European Rights Although there are no specific EU rules on car rental, when you rent a car in another EU country you also enjoy your fundamental rights as a consumer. This includes: right to clear information right to a fair contract access to alternative dispute resolution in case of conflict with the company When renting a vehicle, you have to distinguish between rental companies and intermediaries or mediators. Intermediaries do not rent vehicles, but reserve them with the rental company on behalf of the consumer. In case of conflict, the rental company is exclusively responsible for executing the contract, unless the latter says otherwise.

Right of limited cancellation If you have reserved a vehicle through the internet, telephone or mail in the EU, you do not automatically have the right to cancel the reservation and ask for a refund of the amount paid, although perhaps the general conditions of the contract with the rental company allow it.

The rental of vehicles is not included in the EU regulations that establish a reflection period of 14 days.

Principle of non-discrimination Vehicle rental companies are free to set their prices and conditions in different EU countries based on their costs and other factors. Now, if you rent a vehicle - either online or by going in person to a company branch - European rules prohibit discrimination based on nationality or country of residence.

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Example Stefanie, a German citizen, wants to rent a car in Ireland. The price indicated on the company's website is 70 euro.

But when Stefanie gives her address to the company, the price increases to 140 euro.

The reason given is that he is not an Irish resident.

As it seems unfair, Stefanie goes to the European Consumer Centre, which convinces the company to comply with European standards.

Before booking, inform yourself!

Before booking a vehicle, make sure you have understood the conditions correctly.

The main aspects that you should notice are: Insurance coverage All rental vehicles must be covered by civil liability insurance against third parties, valid in all EU countries. The insurance must be included in the rental price.

In addition, you can obtain coverage for other risks: injury to the driver, damage to the vehicle, theft of the vehicle or your personal effects, vandalism or legal defence.

Make sure you know what damage your insurance covers. This must appear in the general conditions of the rental contract.

Driving a rented vehicle in another country If you want to drive a rented vehicle in several countries, you must inform the company when booking the vehicle. If you are authorised to take the vehicle to another country, you can ensure that you carry the documentation in order, as well as insurance and coverage in the event of a breakdown.

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Renting a Car – Your European Rights

If you live in the EU and rent a vehicle in a non-EU country, such as Switzerland, special rules apply when driving through EU countries.

If you want to use the vehicle inside and outside the EU - for example, to travel from Switzerland to France, Germany, Austria or Italy - you must first inform the rental company. This can ensure you are provided with a vehicle registered in the EU that complies with the community customs regulations. In Switzerland, most rental companies provide EU residents with cars with EU registration that comply with EU customs regulations. Anyway, it is convenient to check if it is the case of the rental company that you have chosen.

In addition, the rental company must ensure that the vehicle complies with the customs and traffic regulations of the country for which you are going to travel. For example, in many countries winter tires are mandatory for certain months of the year.

If you drive in other EU countries, check the information on road safety.

Validity of driving license If you want to rent and drive a vehicle in another EU country, you should also check if your licence is valid in that country.

For more information about your rights as a European citizen, visit the official site of the European Community, europa.eu.

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Truck Drivers Getting Younger In a move aimed at allowing younger people to find work in the transport and logistics sector, the DGT is looking to lower the age limit for driving trucks.

Currently, the minimum age to receive compulsory professional training to drive trucks, called colloquially CAP, is 21. Under the proposals laid out this month by the DGT, the minimum will be lowered to 18 years of age.

This is the second major change announced recently. Holders of Spanish driving licences who are qualified to drive category ‘B’ vehicles (passenger cars), and with at least two-years driving experience, will be able to drive an additional type of vehicle without extra examinations.

The DGT has announced that category ‘B’ licence holders will now also be permitted to drive goods vehicles, so long as this vehicle is of an ‘eco’ environmentally friendly type, and no more than 4,250 kilos.

Ordinarily, the regulations require a category ‘C’ licence to be held for this type of vehicle with more than 3,500 kilos of Maximum Authorized Mass (MMA), but this new exemption allows for car licence holders to drive heavier goods vehicles so long as it is an ecological vehicle that do not exceed 4,250 kilos.

The reason is that the DGT realises that this type of vehicle can often be heavier on account of the additional weight caused by batteries required to fuel the vehicle, and have reacted to calls by the logistics sector to make the change in order to compensate for this.

This latest amendment to the regulation is in addition to the one already approved that adapts the regulations to allow alternative fuel vehicles, such as natural gas, liquefied gas, electricity or hydrogen, to increase their Maximum Authorized Mass (MMA) by up to one tonne.

Spain is the only country in Europe where the age is currently 21, and so these changes will ensure competitiveness across the European community, according to Gregorio Serrano, the Director General of Traffic. The latest legislation also paves the way for autonomous vehicles in the future; as they are considered to be safer and more efficient that human-only operated vehicles.

The sector is undergoing a revolution, both in terms of the type of vehicles being driven, with electrically powered and extended length vehicles already available, and now with this proposal to lower the age, it is hoped that there will be an injection of recruitment into this much needed field.

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Congress Agrees to Warnings of Santa Pola Black Spots Thanks to lobbying by the Ciudadanos political group, the government has agreed to plans to eliminate infamous black spots on N-332 at Santa Pola.

National spokesperson for the group, Pepe Cano, presented the plans to the Commission on Road Safety and Sustainable Mobility to carry out works to improve road safety on the N-332 road in the Santa Pola area, after a number of incidents over recent years.

Pepe Cano confirmed that the plan for the improvements “has been supported by all groups, except the PP”, but warned that, “these projects have been pending implementation since 2006, twelve years already. Neither the PSOE nor the PP have done anything, one more example, very typical of bipartisanship, of not executing budgets although what is at stake is security.”

The local coordinator in Santa Pola, José Antonio Aibar, justified the urgency of intervening in this way, in which 4 fatalities have been registered since 2016, “the last one a 44-year-old biker last February and in 2016 a 17-year-old boy who was hit by a truck due to the lack of hard shoulder,” he reported. Specifically, at kilometre 88 of the N-332 there have been 24 incidents since 2009, three of which have taken place in the last nine months “without the competent authorities having reacted correctly despite the danger of that point”.

Cano has specified that the proposal includes the installation of vertical signage in the sections leading to kilometre 88 of the N-332 and extend it to the rest of the black points of the national roads in order to inform drivers to exercise caution in these areas. They also requested the immediate carrying out of conservation and maintenance works on the N-332 as it passes through Santa Pola in places such as the acceleration lane of Gran Alacant towards Alicante, the incorporation of Gran Alacant to Santa Pola and the underground passage of the entrance to Santa Pola, in order to improve road safety. “From Cs we are satisfied to have obtained a majority support. Now we hope that these necessary interventions will not be delayed anymore,” the deputy pointed out.

José Antonio Aibar also celebrated the great support obtained by the proposal and added that “something that draws much attention is that the PP does not support the improvement of the N-332, although it announced in 2017 that it would include the budgets of 2018 a plan to make improvements to the black spots, which finally has not happened”.

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FIAT 500 “SPIAGGINA ‘58” – AN EXCLUSIVE BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO THE FIAT 500

Summer 1958 saw the introduction of the exclusive Fiat 500 Jolly, better known as the “Spiaggina”, and it was the embodiment of “La Dolce Vita”. 60 years later the iconic "Spiaggina" makes an elegant return to Europe's most famous resorts in the form of the new Fiat 500 “Spiaggina ‘58” special series. Produced as a limited edition of 1,958 cars, it’s a tribute to the year of the birth of the original and marks the 60th anniversary of the first special series of the 500.

To mark this dual anniversary Fiat has produced a video to the notes of the song "Volare", the ever-popular Italian classic which also appeared for the first time in 1958, starring the new Fiat 500 "Spiaggina ‘58".

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Luca Napolitano, Head of EMEA Fiat & Abarth brand, explains: "The new “Spiaggina ’58” is our gift to 500 for its birthday and the 60th anniversary of the “Spiaggina”, a real "time machine" incorporating many reminders of the Dolce Vita era, such as the vintage Fiat logos and wheels, the white belt liner, the choice of convertible format only and the two-tone interior. Not to mention a special colour just for this series: Volare Blue. A name and a colour that take us straight back to 1958, to the Sanremo Festival of that year, when a young Domenico Modugno teamed up with Johnny Dorelli to give the first public performance of “Nel blu dipinto di blu”, the famous song also known as “Volare”, the soundtrack for the Dolce Vita years.”

What's more, two other Italian centres of excellence - creative hub Garage Italia and design firm Pininfarina - have marked the anniversary by producing the “Spiaggina by Garage Italia” showcar. Based on a Fiat 500C, it features unique, sophisticated solutions that reinterpret those unforgettable years for today's world.

Lapo Elkann, Chairman and Creative Director of Garage Italia, commented: “Love at first sight, the kind that strikes deep into your heart and soul. This what I feel whenever I look at or drive a 500. I fell in love with the car when I was a boy, and as I grew up I was determined to bring it back to life. I am so happy about the model's relaunch, and hope it will convey the dreams and the magical years of the post-war economic boom and the Italian way of enjoying life.

Since 2007, year after year, I've always personalised 500s for myself, and the opening of Garage Italia has enabled us to design a multitude of one-off versions, all confirming the versatility and RoadWatch.eu

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immense contemporary appeal of this vehicle, still one of the world's best-loved brands.

“11 years have now passed since the model was reborn on 4 July 2007 and today, through Garage Italia, I've decided to celebrate and renew a splendid Italian icon by working with my design centre to create the “Spiaggina by Garage Italia”, styled by my team with invaluable technical and engineering input from Pininfarina and with the support of the Fiat brand. I'm proud of what we have achieved, and I'm proud that all this has been done in Italy, with Italian firms which promote our beloved country all around the world. I'm sure that this car will make people imagine, dream and interpret the Italian way of enjoying life that has been inspiring the world for generations.”

“Creativity and feasibility, technology and craftsmanship: Pininfarina's trademark characteristics at the service of a new icon of Italian design and know-how," explains Pininfarina CEO Silvio Pietro Angori. "The Spiaggina project has enabled Pininfarina to once again display its design capabilities and its natural vocation for the creation of unique, exclusive models. It was passion and attention to detail which enabled the firm's Founder Pinin Farina to build the Eden Roc for Giovanni Agnelli in the '50s. Today, these same qualities have guided Pininfarina in the development and building of the Spiaggina, starting from the configuration created by Garage Italia on the basis of the Fiat 500C. The Spiaggina project has brought together companies and people which have made the car, as both aesthetic object and industrial project, their mission."

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The new Fiat 500 "Spiaggina ‘58" special series The new Fiat 500 “Spiaggina ‘58” special series will be produced in a limited edition of 1,958 cars and is only available as a convertible. As befits a star of “La Dolce Vita”, the new special series "wears" an exclusive Volare Blue livery, with ivory soft -top, shown off by a white belt liner and the vintage-design 16-inch alloy wheels.

This exclusive colour scheme is enhanced by other distinctive features, including side mouldings with 500 logo, the chromed door mirror covers, the vintage Fiat logos and the chromed “Spiaggina '58” badge, in elegant italic script, on the rear.

The interior has the same class and elegance, with original and authentic design touches including the dashboard in the same Volare Blue colour as the exterior and a refined two-tone design for the seats, with grey striped base and ivory upper section. The chic interior is completed by specific floor mats and a steering wheel with vintage Fiat logo. The new "Spiaggina '58" special series offers the very best in connectivity since it is equipped as standard with Uconnect 7-inch HD LIVE touchscreen radio, so it’s Apple CarPlay ready and compatible with Android AutoTM, as well as featuring navigation with Tom Tom maps and DAB digital radio. Also standard are the largest-inclass 7-inch TFT instrument cluster, rain and dusk sensors, automatic air-conditioning and rear parking sensors. The Fiat 500 “Spiaggina ‘58” is available with the 1.2-litre 69hp petrol engine, compliant with the latest Euro6D regulations.

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Heir to a symbol of the "Dolce Vita" Just a year after its launch on 4 July 1957, the Fiat 500 became a real cult object with the debut of its first special series: the 500 Jolly, better known as “Spiaggina”, or "beach buggy". Built by Carrozzeria Ghia on the basis of the Fiat 500, and later also on the Giardiniera version, this exclusive car was produced from 1958 to 1965 and sold in Europe, the United States and even South Africa. Costing twice the price of the normal version, the special seaside version found favour with the most influential personalities of the age - including shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and actor Yul Brynner – who chose it as a "land tender" for their yachts or as a golf car on their country estates . A Fiat 500 Jolly even featured in the personal car collection of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

One of its distinctive features was the absence of doors – guard ropes were not introduced until around 1965 - although the most innovative aspect of its design was inclusion of the chromed rails in the sides and along the top of the bodywork, supporting the sunshade-canopy. It was equipped with a 22hp air-cooled two-cylinder engine, which gave the 500 Jolly a top speed of 65mph.

Spiaggina by Garage Italia Fun and carefree, these are the feelings conveyed by the “Spiaggina by Garage Italia” showcar at first glance. This is achieved thanks to its typical summer colours, sky Blue and pearl white, which distinguish the two-tone livery of the body with Ga-

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rage blue finishes and matching interior upholstery. The roof, just like the traditional '60s Spiaggina, has been removed and the rear passenger space has been transformed into a generous compartment with a built-in “shower” which can accommodate all the beach essentials. This modification was made possible thanks to the support of Pininfarina technicians, who assisted Garage Italia staff with the structural reinforcement work, such as the rear roll-bar, to ensure the chassis rigidity.

There truly are a host of details to make the latest creation by Lapo Elkann's creative hub one of a kind. The showcar has a lowered nautical windscreen and the load platform is covered with slatted cork, with a pattern recalling the design of teak floor boards on luxury yachts.

The two front seats have been replaced by a tailormade bench which brings to mind the typical design of 1960s cars, embellished with blue and white Foglizzo Leather upholstery with a waterproof treatment. The chrome trim on the door handles, door mirrors and hubcaps on the vintage-look alloy wheels all contribute to making the “Spiaggina by Garage Italia” sparkle under the sun.

From showcar to production, there won't be long to wait. The car can be ordered and customised with all the features seen on this one-off

by Garage Italia. This includes the possibility of replacing the front windscreen with a low nauticalstyle deflector. The production car can be equipped with any of the engine versions currently available on the Fiat 500 range.

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A delightful video tribute with the feel of summer Fiat has created a video which pays homage to three greatly loved, world-famous Italian excellences: the emblematic Fiat 500, the unforgettable song "Volare" and the beautiful southern Italian coast. The video shows the new Fiat 500 “Spiaggina ’58” driving along the evocative Italian coast, renowned for its crystal clear water, long sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. The car's seductive passage is accompanied by the notes of the most famous of all Italian songs: “Nel blu dipinto di blu”, also known as “Volare”, first sung by Domenico Modugno at the 1958 Sanremo Festival.

The song is performed by a group of young musicians, giving a strong emotional charge to the coming-together of these three symbols of "Italian Beauty", their power unconfined by time, borders or cultures.

The Fiat 500 collection becomes even richer and more exclusive The 500 “Spiaggina ‘58” special series is the latest addition to the Fiat 500 collection, which comprises an impressive number of special editions over the last 11 years. The Fiat 500 has always been a trendsetter which, while remaining true to itself, has been reinterpreted over time, linking its name to iconic brands from the worlds of fashion, luxury yachts, arts and sport, in truly unique versions that have explored unusual territories for a city car. Examples include the stylish Diesel, Gucci and GQ editions and the recent Collezione in the world of fashion, the amazing Riva and Abarth Rivale evoking luxury yachts, the original Anniversario and 50060th series celebrating the model's great forebear, and finally the 500 Mirror, with top-end connectivity for the modern lifestyle. Today it is the turn of the 500 “Spiaggina ‘58” to continue the story of the Fiat icon.

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Launched in 1957 and established over the years as the symbol of mass car ownership in Italy, Fiat 500 was reborn in 2007 with the debut of the new model, soon to become a global phenomenon. Its success is demonstrated by over 2 million cars sold in more than 100 countries worldwide, with over 80% of sales outside Italy. A success that has made the 500 number one in Europe in its segment since 2013*.

This status has been confirmed during the first five months of 2018, with leadership in 10 markets and a top-3 placing in 6 other countries. The model's growth shows no sign of abating, as in the first five months of 2018 and in its eleventh year, the 500 once again broke its own records, with more than 93,000 cars sold in Europe, making these its best five months ever.

For more information on the Spiaggina 58 please visit www.fiat.co.uk or contact Garage Italia directly. To locate your nearest Fiat retailer visit www.fiat.co.uk/ retailers.

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When is it Okay to use the Horn?

Under normal conditions, there are only a few situations where using the horn is permitted. This might seem hard to believe, given the number of times you might hear a horn sound on a daily basis, but let us explain the few occurrences where it is legal, as to explain the number of times it isn´t would take far too long.

The horn is a warning device fitted to our vehicles, and in that we have the key word – warning. Often, the horn is used to vent frustration, or to celebrate your football team winning, to say hello to a friend across the street, or to alert the driver in front at a traffic queue that the lights turned green a millisecond ago, but none of these uses are what the horn is for, and, guess what, they are also not legal.

Let us go back to the reason why it was decided to install a horn in cars more than a century ago. It is as an effective safety device to warn other drivers of our presence, and avoiding collisions.

Before we continue with the Spanish regulations, let us remind ourselves of the Highway Code.

Rule 112 of the Highway Code tells us about when we can and cannot use the horn, specifically it says, “Use only while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence.” If you look at your own Highway Code (which we know you have), it explains the rule in more details, but also says, “...except when another road user poses a danger.”

In Spain, the general road safety laws (El Reglamento General de Circulación) dictate the correct use of the horn. Article 110 says that the horn can be used to avoid a possible collision. Therefore, the horn can be used to warn other road users of a dangerous situation, it is a warning sign, albeit of an audible nature.

You may also use your horn as a warning of your presence on narrow roads with many curves. In this type of section it is normal to have to pass other cars in areas where there is scarcely enough space for two vehicles to drive simultaneously, and in areas with very little, or no visibility, for example in very closed and slow curves.

An acoustic signal can help us to warn other drivers of our position. In this scenario, the Reglamento General de Circulación also admits and recommends the use of the front fog lamp, or even bursts, alternating of short and long range lighting, of course without dazzling other drivers.

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If you are acting as an emergency vehicle, you may use your horn as a warning, similar to a siren. The Reglamento General de Circulaciรณn expressly admits the use of the horn to warn of our presence in emergency service use, and for other priority vehicles such as an ambulance, a police car or fire vehicle. However, in particularly serious circumstances, a normal vehicle is permitted to operate as a priority vehicle (we have discussed this topic before so check the website, n332.es, for details) in which the driver is forced, without recourse to another means, to carry out an emergency service, for example the transfer of a wounded or sick person to a hospital when no ambulance is available. In this situation, the horn may be used, along with hazard lights and the waving of a cloth or flag from the window, according to the Article 70 of the Reglamento General de Circulaciรณn.

It is also permitted to use the horn as a warning when overtaking, if required.

Although the law clearly states that this is a situation where the horn may be used, there must be specific motivation to do so, and caution is needed in case the warning is misinterpreted.

What about misuse of the horn?

The improper use of the horn can lead to a fine of 80 euro. There are specially protected areas, such as those near a hospital and nursing homes, where we will find an R-310 sign - prohibition, with a horn pictogram - that will remind us that we may only use the horn as an extreme measure.

The horn is also a mandatory element in a car. If a vehicle does not have a horn, or had it damaged, you could face a fine of 200 euro.

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Focus Aims at Motorbike Frequented Roads

The DGT is carrying out a special focus on roads frequented by motorbikes at weekends The surveillance will be carried out at the roadside and from the air to verify that all drivers respect the rules The campaign is about raising awareness to improve the coexistence between drivers of twowheeled vehicles and other drivers

The presence of motorbikes on the roads, especially on weekends and especially in the months of spring and summer, has lead to the DGT to increase surveillance on Saturday and Sunday in order to ensure that all drivers on these roads do so in a responsible and respectful manner, especially as twowheeled vehicles are more vulnerable.

The campaign had already begun and this weekend marks the third time the focus has taken place, and will continue through to September, during which the traffic officers of the Guardia Civil will monitor the roads from both the ground and the air, with the DGT´s helicopters watching from the sky to ensure that drivers of all vehicles, including the motorbikes themselves, respect established road safety regulations, improving their own safety and that of other users.

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In order to support the campaign, the presence of traffic patrols will increase on stretches of roads where motorbikes are known to frequent.

In 2016, the last year with consolidated data, the percentage of motorcycles in the vehicle fleet was 10%, that is 3.2 million motorcycles and the number of motorbike riders amounted to almost 5 million, of which 85.5 % had obtained their driver's licence before the regulatory amendment of 2009, and only 1.6% of the total obtained theirs after the reform.

It should also be kept in mind that holders of category B driving licences, with 3 years driving experience, can also drive motorcycles covered by the A1 permit (up to 125 cc). Although the exact number of drivers who fall into this bracket is not available, it has been found that 714,777 holders of a B licence owned a motorcycle up to 125 cc. In 2016, 57% of all motorcycle registrations were for vehicles with a displacement of less than 125 cc. Therefore, these figures need to be added to those above.

Regarding incidents, 24% of the total number of incidents with victims, that is, 25,944 incidents, involved a motorbike. Of those incidents, 343 motorcyclists died.

On interurban roads there was a reduction of 5% in the number of motorcyclists killed, whilst on urban roads, 27 more bikers lost their lives than in 2015.

The risk of death from a traffic related incident is 17 times greater for motorcycles than for cars. In addition, 95% of the fatal traffic incidents involving a motorcycle, the rider is the one who died.

The most frequent infractions recorded my motorcycle users were: inadequate speed (18% of cases), invasion of the opposite lane and anti-regulation overtaking (18%).

In the case of drivers of other vehicles, the most frequent infractions were those related to non-compliance with the priority rules (32% of cases).

Although the use of the helmet is mandatory in both urban and interurban roads, in 2016, 15 people who lost their lives after travelling by motorcycle did not use this safety device, an object that often avoids death.

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Cyclists Advised over Responsibilities The DGT has sent a message through their social media platforms trying to reach out to cyclists to be aware of their behaviour and responsibilities on public roads.

The aim was to advise cyclists of their responsibilities, but not in a manner that should allow for suspicion other than the facts that these rules are their for the safety and security of all road users, including the cyclists themselves.

Although many cyclists do of course abide by the law, there are some who ignore it on a regular basis. In Granada, for example, complaints against to cyclists have doubled in a year.

The first points raised are over visibility. Wearing a reflective vest is mandatory during times of poor visibility, and it is advisable at all times.

When a cycle is on the road, it is a vehicle just like any other, and the rider must abide by the same laws, including the maximum permitted alcohol level of 0.5 grams per litre in blood or 0.25 milligrams per litre in expelled air.

At pedestrian crossings, you must get off the bike to cross. Cyclists are not permitted to ride across pedestrian crossings any more than a car can. It is also important to remember that the pavement is for pedestrians, unless cycles are expressly permitted.

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Using headphones or a mobile phone is expressly forbidden when driving a car, but the same also applies when riding a bicycle, the same rules apply remember.

We have also compiled a list of another ten of the most popular mistakes that can result in infractions, all punishable by a fine, and here in no particular order When a circular sign notifies cyclists of the presence of a cycle lane, it is mandatory for cycles to use it, not the main carriageway of the road. The only exception being for high powered racing bikes.

Bicycles must have both front and rear brakes, and both must be working.

As mentioned, the use of headphones connected to music players or other devices is prohibited.

You must signal your intention to manoeuvre, and wear a helmet. In the city it is mandatory for children under 16 and it is compulsory for everyone on the roads outside city limits.

Any manoeuvre must be signalled in advance and performed in sufficient space.

On roundabouts, cyclists in a group have priority when on the roundabout, provided that the lead cyclist has already entered the roundabout.

Lights at the front and rear are mandatory.

When on a one-way street, cyclists must always flow in the direction of the traffic A bell is mandatory on a bicycle.

In areas where cycling is permitted, pedestrians must be given adequate space and clearance.

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My British Registered Car has an Expired MOT. Can I get an ITV done in Spain instead?

This is a very common question, and also one which has caused some confusion amongst the owners of foreign registered vehicles, but the simple answer to the question is no.

The technical inspection certificate for a vehicle is only valid when issued in the country of registration, in the case of this vehicle, the MOT certificate issued in the U.K. If your MOT has expired, you must make arrangements for the vehicle to be transported back to the U.K. for a test to be carried out, remembering that from the moment the MOT expires, you are not able to drive the vehicle on the roads in Spain.

Many people have reported taking their foreign registered cars to ITV stations and having an inspection carried out, and certified, so how is this possible? Well, the simple answer is this. You may take any vehicle to an ITV station and the inspectors will indeed conduct a test and issue a report. However, if you look closely at this report, on the top, it states that it is a “voluntary inspection�. In other words, it has no legal standing in Spain.

You may be concerned about a fault with your car, or you may just want a mechanic with superior knowledge to check your car for faults, which is why the inspectors will carry out examinations on any vehicle. But again, the point is that these examinations, on foreign registered vehicles, are voluntary and have no legal standing.

So, you may of course take your British registered car to an ITV station, assuming your MOT is valid when you drive there, and you will be inspected at your request, but this ITV certificate does not, in any way, replace the requirement for the vehicle to return to the UK in order for it to be subject to your mandatory MOT inspection.

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What happens if you have a crash and your ITV is not in order?

Changes to the ITV regulations came into force in May in Spain, making some elements of the mandatory vehicle testing process easier for vehicle owners, but also clamping down on some other serious and often neglected parts.

Just like the MOT test in the UK, the ITV is mandatory for all vehicles in Spain, once they satisfy certain characteristics such as age.

As reported previously, amongst the recent changes are stricter controls to deal with pollution, and other procedural innovations that we have already detailed, but one topic we haven´t covered so far is what happens if you are involved in a collision or an incident and your ITV has expired, and so, we hope to clear that up now.

Firstly, we must point out, that if your vehicle qualifies for an ITV inspection, then this inspection is mandatory. In addition, if the ITV expires, then the vehicle cannot be driven on the roads. Whereas in the UK we might be permitted to drive the vehicle under certain circumstances, such as to a pre-booked appointment at a test centre, in Spain, no such luxury exists. It is quite simple, if the ITV has expired, the vehicle cannot be driven. In this case, the only way to get your vehicle to a test centre is on the back of a grua, a tow truck.

Driving a vehicle with an expired ITV will result in a fine, and can easily result in the vehicle being immobilised and seized. We cannot be clear enough on this point.

If the vehicle´s ITV has expired, te vehicle cannot be driven.

However, if you do want to risk driving, you might well get away with it for a while, but with an accident waiting around every corner, you could face even more trouble if you are in any way involved, whether it is deemed to have been your fault or not.

If you are driving with an expired ITV and are involved in an incident in which you are not the culprit, you do not lose the right to compensation or repair of your vehicle. However, when the investigators submit their reports and file a case of a vehicle with an expired, or unfavourable ITV, you will be fined immediately. In addition, even if you receive compensation because of the accident, your insurer may refuse to pay for your legal defence coverage, a bill for which could well be costly.

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However, if you are deemed to have been the person who caused the collision, then things take a decidedly different route. Although it will depend on the clauses of your own insurance policy, your company would indemnify the rest of those involved, and could leave you without cover for any other injured parties. The end result could be a tough legal battle where you are personally held both responsible for the incident and accountable for the damages caused.

Worse still, if the incident was found to have been caused by a mechanical fault on the vehicle, it is possible that your insurance will not cover your injuries, although it may cover the damages of your vehicle. If your insurance company can prove that the cause was a fault which may have been identified by the ITV inspection, and that the ITV is not in order, the insurance company could refuse to indemnify you and will pass on the payment of the rest of the compensation of those involved, as well as the compensation of other occupants of your vehicle, to you direct.

The conclusion that we can draw from all this is that the best way to avoid getting into trouble is to make sure you don´t miss your ITV inspection and drive only with a favourable report, and not one that has expired.

As we can see from the examples listed, not only will you face a significant fine, the consequences of not having passed the ITV inspection are far greater than perhaps considered, and with the new changes allowing you to renew your ITV up to a month before the expiry, without it affecting the renewal date, you now have an entire month to plan, process and pass the mandatory vehicle inspection test.

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Will My Petrol Tank Explode in Hot Weather?

The question over the spontaneous combustion of fuel tanks in cars in hot weather is yet another tale that goes viral through the internet, with warnings generally suggesting that if you fill your tank it might explode in the heat, or if you don´t fill your tank it might explode in the heat, yes, both are contradictory, and yes, both are nothing more than an internet myth.

The latest incarnation of t story has come about after a message went viral, through Facebook and WhatsApp, which claimed that the Pakistani State Oil Company had issued a warning, which they were quick to deny through their official social media channels.

Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has announced that filling fuel tank to its full capacity poses no threat of any kind to the cars or its passengers.

PSO made the statement after a Whatsapp message went viral over the past few days. The message falsely claimed that PSO had warned the public against filling fuel tanks to the full capacity in light of increasing temperatures.

Auto igniting temperature of petrol is way above the highest temperatures during summers in Pakistan. Filling your fuel tank to its full capacity poses no threat of any kind neither to the car nor to its passengers and is deemed completely safe and beneficial to the running of the car. #EveryJourneyBeginsHere #PSO #Publicservicemessage

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As far as an internet search tells us, the fake story began in 2011, when false posts warned of the false dangers of filling your tank.

The thought of your car exploding if you put too much fuel in it (or not enough fuel in it) is terrifying, but there is no basis in science to the claims, and no evidence that suggests it is anything other than speculative scaremongering.

First of all, the science bit. If fuel were able to auto-ignite, in other words for it to combust without any kind of trigger or spark, is around 495ºF, or 257ºC. Even though we may be baking in temperatures in excess of 30 degrees in places, this is somewhat lower than the temperature required for the fuel to ignite unaided. Assuming of course we are referring to our cars being driven on this planet.

So, what about the second problem, the build up of gasses and them igniting? Well, there is a science bit to that too. Modern fuel tanks must have the ability to vent pressure. Since the early 1970´s, cars in America had to include a system called EVAP, or Evaporative emissions control. The device collects excess fuel vented from a tank and, when conditions are correct, returns it to the tank.

So, the bottom line. It´s a myth, a hoax, a rumour, your car´s fuel tank is not at risk of spontaneous combustion whether it is full, empty, or anywhere in between. Of course you must still take all precautions when refuelling and remember that there are a number of offences which can be taken into consideration if you don´t take proper care at fuel filling stations, so heed those warnings, and not he rumours of the internet.

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Learn With the Pros N332 has added another professional service to our list of collaborators, this time it is autoescuelaenred, a Spanish driving school.

The school will be providing us with articles in their own section, where many of the most common answers about driver theory will be answered.

You can also visit their website, autoescuelaenred.com/ en/, where you can get more information and participate in a remote course with a qualified instructor.

In the next edition of N332 RoadWatch we have asked the school to detail one of the most troublesome areas for many, driving on roundabouts in Spain.

Remember to look out for the next edition, due at the end of February, when we are sure all of your roundabout questions

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Fiat Ducato Motorhome

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www.autosdirect.es

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A Study Reveals that a PET Scan with Glucose Helps to Predict Tumor Behavior RESULTS

FROM

PET

SCANS HELP WITH A BETTER TREAT-

MENT APPROACH AND INCREASE THE CHANCES OF A CURE.

The PET scan is a highly tried and tested imaging technique for studying the spread of cancer. It allows doctors to detect a tumor in its early stages and to discover, with great accuracy, exactly what organs are affected. Therefore, it is an indispensable tool to be used before proceeding to the surgical removal of a tumor. Results from PET scans help with a better treatment approach and increase the chances of a cure.

Doctor Aurora Crespo, head of the Nuclear Medicine Unit of the Oncology Department at Quironsalud Torrevieja Hospital,working with a Multidisciplinary Oncology Professorship at UCAM, has presented her thesis in which she analyzes the genes that contribute most to FDG uptake in PET scans for patients with metastatic tumors. The study's conclusions reveal that the technique of using a PET scan with glucose helps to predict a tumor's behavior when faced with chemotherapy. To accomplish the aforementioned, microarray gene expression (MAGE) has been used in combination with PET scan imagery.

The thesis is based on the preferential consumption of glucose by cancer cells and how a glucose-based radiopharmaceutical would concentrate specifically around malignant tumors. “When a case of cancer progresses," the doctor explains, "secondary tumors –or metastases– can crop up." To undertake this process, the tumor cell needs more energy than the normal cell, and that energy is obtained primarily through the metabolism of glucose (glycolysis). In general, the tumor cell uses more glucose than the normal cell because it needs more energy to meet its goal.The most novel contribution of Dr. Crespo's work has consisted of designing a genomic signature identifying the genes responsible for an increased consumption of glucose as a result of metastasis, allowing for thein-depth study and understanding of the most relevant metabolic pathways that participate in glucose uptake.

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“Active tumors retain the radiopharmaceutical known as FDG, a radiolabeled glucose, which allows for distinction in the PET image from the rest of the healthy tissues. If, in the first few days of treatment, that signal turns off, it means that the treatment is affecting the tumor and is going to end up destroying it,� explains the doctor. Thus, if the treatment is not effective, it can be interrupted in order to avoid toxicity and seek another, more effective approach.

The results of Dr. Crespo's study have shown that glucose (FDG) can mark cancer's biological, metabolic, and proliferative activity. Thus, the PET scan can provide valuable information to determine whether a case of cancer will respond well to treatment or not. If the chemotherapy is going to be effective, it is going to be possible to see decreased FDG uptake on the PET scan and, thus, predict whether a tumor will respond well to treatment just a few days after having given the first dose.

This early response allows us to predict results and, just a few weeks after administering treatment, to see if the tumor is responding to the drug that has been used. Taking into account that, currently, the response to treatment is determined two or three months after starting chemotherapy, these results are quite encouraging.

The Importance of the PET Scan in Cancer Treatments Several studies have shown the great clinical impact of the PET technique in oncology, a fundamental tool in the diagnosis of cancer because it identifies where the disease is located and how widespread it is. In patients with colorectal cancer, lung neoplasm, malignant melanoma and lymphoma, this technique may change the therapeutic strategy to be followed in up to 40% of the cases. Thus, this metabolic technique helps doctors to select the optimal treatment for each case, reducing the number of aggressive diagnostic procedures and avoiding unnecessary surgeries.

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Driving Across Europe – Maximum Permitted Speed Limits One of the most common reasons for drivers to be fined across Europe is due to them speeding. Sometimes, drivers plead ignorance to the law, but sadly, this is not a justifiable excuse.

If you are planning to drive across Europe this summer it is important to realise that despite a commonality of the countries within the EU, and a number of signs and signals being standardised, each country still has its own variations of the laws which dictate how we should drive, and so it is important to know before you go.

As an example of how these rules change, we can see here how the maximum permitted speed for most countries differs, with some restrictions considerable slower than that in Spain. In the example, we are talking about clear and open motorways or highways, other limits exist depending on the road design and layout.

80 km / h - Malta 90 km / h, (110 km / h in double carriageway) - Estonia 100 km / h - Cyprus, Norway 110 km / h - Sweden 112 km / h - United Kingdom (70 m /h) 120 km / h -Belgium, Spain, Finland (the limits are always marked, with a maximum of 120 km / h), Ireland, Switzerland, Portugal 130 km / h – Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, France (reduces in rainfall), Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Czech Republic 140 km / h – Bulgaria, Poland (Recommended speed of 130 km / h, no maximum limit) - Germany Some countries don´t have motorways and so are excluded from this list.

These limits are a general rule and vary sometimes due to weather conditions, but always dependant on the type of vehicle you are driving, so it is important that you keep a check on the signs and research each country you will be passing through.

The limits of the driver can also affect the maximum permitted speed, so this must also be taken into consideration.

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Going Abroad – Be Prepared If you are planning to drive abroad this summer, it pays to be prepared, and one of the easiest ways to be is by using the European Union´s official app.

Use the European Road Safety App to find all important road safety rules before going abroad or while on the road in Europe. Entertain your passenger(s) with two fun games about road safety.

The app features road traffic rules in the EU (as compiled by the European Commission).

You can get more information and visit country specific details here: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/index_en.htm For Spain, this is the direct link: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/spain/index_en.htm

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Motorway Driving Lessons in the UK

From June 2018, learner drivers were able to take driving lessons on motorways in England, Scotland and Wales.

They'll need to be accompanied by an approved driving instructor and driving a car with dual controls.

The reason for the change it to help to make sure more drivers know how to use motorways safely.

Learner drivers will need to be: accompanied by an approved driving instructor driving a car fitted with dual controls Any motorways lessons will be voluntary. It will be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough for them.

The change only applies to learner drivers of cars. Learner motorcyclists won’t be allowed on motorways.

Although this change should help prepare drivers for the future, motorway driving isn’t being introduced to the driving test as part of this change.

The Highway Code rules on motorways will be updated.

Driving near learner drivers on the motorway As with any vehicle on the motorway, keep a safe distance from a learner driver in front of you.

Increase the gap on wet or icy roads, or in fog.

You should always be patient with learner drivers. They may not be so skilful at anticipating and responding to events.

Driving instructors can decide if they want to use a driving school rooftop box during motorway lessons, based on its instructions. But the car will need to display L plates on the front and rear if the rooftop box is removed.

It will be up to the instructor whether or not they keep their driving school rooftop box on the car.

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Dogs Die in Hot Cars Murcia police rescued a dog which had been left inside a vehicle at the Nueva Condomina shopping centre last week. Luckily, the dog survived, whilst the owners will be dealt with on suspicion of offences of the mistreatment of animals.

Always, at this time of year, the warnings are the same but still not realised by some. Dogs Die in Hot Cars.

Another myth that is shared in connection with this subject is that if you take action and break into a vehicle yourself you will not face charges. This is not true. You must call the police and they will take action. You must not intervene yourself directly.

For a number of years a story has grown virally through social media reporting that if you see an animal locked inside a vehicle you are legally allowed to break a window in order to rescue it. The reports often also state that if you take pictures or videos of the incident, they will serve as evidence of your actions and will mitigate any offence you may have committed in the act. Many of the fake reports even quote the legal text which you can use as part of your evidence.

These articles and promises, in whatever form they take, are not true. The only legally permitted course of action if you see a dog in such a state is to call for assistance from the police or Guardia Civil.

Summon the nearest or fastest possible assistance, whether that be local police who may be on hand nearby, calling 091 or 062 if you speak Spanish, or the emergency coordination centre on 112, where operators speak multiple languages, but under no circumstances should you put yourself at risk of prosecution by taking the advice shared through these erroneous social media posts.

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How is your Eyesight?

No, really?

(FREE Eye Tests for Drivers) It might seem like an obvious statement, but visibility is one of the most important factors when driving. This time, we are not talking about being seen however, but rather the ability to see.

Over time, our eyesight can deteriorate. It is very common, but the biggest problem often is that the deterioration is subtle, taking time to worsen. Often, when we do have an eye test and put spectacles on for the first time following a test, the difference is astounding, because we hadn´t realised how bad our eyes had got, over time.

Given the importance of being able to see well, more than 1,000 opticians all over Spain will carry out a free vision test as part of a review campaign to try and get people seeing better when driving.

From the results of a recent survey, it was revealed that more than two million drivers recognise that they have vision problems, and despite that, "two out of three drivers consider that their vision affects their road safety".

The study highlights that most drivers recognise that their vision has worsened in recent years, and they notice it especially at night (30%), and when it comes to clearly seeing road signs (17%) Another of the main risk factors, especially when travelling long distances, stresses TomĂĄs Santa Cecilia, director of road safety group RACE, is the lack of rest: "You have to stop every two hours or 200 kilometres." However, 72% of drivers admit that they never make a stop, a figure that reaches 80% in the case of those over 56 years.

Another danger is glare. About 80% of the participants in the study claim to have suffered temporary blindness due to glare, and three out of four indicate that this situation has affected their road safety. However, half of drivers do not wear polarized sunglasses when driving.

The Dean of the College of Opticians-Optometrists, Juan Carlos MartĂ­nez, states that "the advice is to conduct a review on an annual basis." In order to remind ourselves that "vision is a key aspect in terms of road safety, at the same level as the use of the seat belt and helmet in the case of motorcycles."

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Grupo Essilor, a firm which works in the optics sector, together with the FIA (International Automobile Federation), the RACE (Real Automobile Club of Spain) and CEPSA, have launched a campaign which will run during the summer months (July and August), during which drivers who stop at any of Cepsa's service stations will have information available with recommendations to review and protect their vision.

Until July 31, more than 1,000 opticians from all over Spain will carry out a free vision test. Those interested can perform a visual test, created specifically for this campaign by the deans and coordinators of the 13 Faculties of Optics and Optometry that are in Spain.

The examination takes into account the current legislation in force regarding psychophysical aptitudes for driving and analyses all the visual aspects that directly affect driving, such as stereopsis (ability to see in 3D), the visual field, and sensitivity to contrast or intraocular pressure, in addition to checking if there is any latent pathology that may be affecting the user's visual capacity.

This Vision and Life campaign is supported by the DGT and the DIA Association of traffic accidents. You can check online for participating opticians by visiting, visionyvida.org/conductores/, where you can also find more information about eyes, vision and driving.

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The MOT Changed in May The way that the MOT test works in England, Scotland and Wales changed on Sunday 20 May 2018.

The MOT test works differently in Northern Ireland.

The changes affect cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles.

There are 5 main changes you need to know.

1. Defects are categorised differently Defects found during the MOT are categorised as either: •

dangerous

•

major

•

minor

The category the MOT tester gives each item will depend on the type of problem and how serious it is.

MOT testers will still give advice about items you need to monitor. These are known as ‘advisories’.

What the new categories mean

2. Stricter rules for diesel car emissions There are stricter limits for emissions from diesel cars with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

A DPF captures and stores exhaust soot to reduce emissions from diesel cars.

Check your car’s handbook if you don’t know if your car has a DPF. Your vehicle will get a major fault if the MOT tester: •

can see smoke of any colour coming from the exhaust

•

finds evidence that the DPF has been tampered with

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3. Some new things are included in the MOT Some new items are tested during the MOT. They include checking: •

if tyres are obviously underinflated

•

if the brake fluid has been contaminated

•

for fluid leaks posing an environmental risk

•

brake pad warning lights and if brake pads or discs are missing

•

reversing lights on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009

•

headlight washers on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009 (if they have them)

•

daytime running lights on vehicles first used from 1 March 2018 (most of these vehicles will have their first MOT in 2021 when they’re 3 years old)

There are other smaller changes to how some items are checked. Your MOT centre will be able to tell you about these.

4. The MOT certificate will change See on the next pages how the current MOT test certificate (left) will change to a new style (right) to list the new types of defects.

The design of the MOT certificate has changed.

It lists any defects under the new categories, so they’re clear and easy to understand.

The service to check the MOT history of a vehicle has been updated to reflect the changes.

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The MOT Certificate, Old (left) and New (right)

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The MOT Changed in May

5. Some vehicles over 40 years old won’t need an MOT Cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles won’t need to have an MOT if they’re over 40 years old and have not been substantially changed.

Until now, only vehicles first built before 1960 were exempt from needing an MOT. Now the rules have changed, vehicles won’t need an MOT from the 40th anniversary of when they were registered or manufactured. You can check the date the vehicle was registered online. https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

Example If a car was first registered on 31 May 1978, it won’t need an MOT from 31 May 2018.

You won’t have to apply to stop getting an MOT for your vehicle.

However, each time you tax your historic vehicle (even if you don’t pay a fee), you’ll have to declare it meets the rules for not needing an MOT.

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