Article 27 | Changes to the Highway Code

Newsletter 2016

Article 27

Highway Code relating to vehicles

What changes to the Highway Code will soon affect  vehicle inspections?

From January 2017, the second, third and fourth paragraphs of Article R. 316-3 are replaced by the following provisions:

“The windscreen and the front side windows on the driver’s and passenger’s sides must also be sufficiently transparent, both from inside and outside the vehicle, and must not cause any significant distortion of objects viewed through them nor any significant alteration to their colours. The transparency of these windows is considered sufficient if the uniform light transmission factor is at least 70 per cent. In the event of breakage, they must allow the driver to continue to see the road clearly. 

 

Any action likely to reduce the safety characteristics or transparency requirements of the windows set out in the preceding paragraphs is prohibited. ‘The Minister responsible for transport shall lay down, by order, the detailed rules for the application of this Article. In particular, he shall determine the conditions for type-approval, including transparency requirements, for the various categories of glazing fitted to vehicles and, where applicable, any exemptions justified on medical grounds or by the design of armoured vehicles. 

 
Any breach of the provisions of this Article or of those adopted for its implementation, with the exception of those relating to transparency requirements, shall be punishable by the fine prescribed for third-class offences.”

CAP5600

Opaciglass module

What is the solution for a quick and indisputable measurement of VLT?

The CAP5600 is an electronic module that measures and determines the opacity of windows (TLV, Visible Light Transmission) and their reflectance (VLR). It is suitable for all vehicles.

Simple and accurate, it attaches to windscreens, rear windows and fixed windows. The results obtained can be compared with type-approval values and current legislation.

Suitable for use both during vehicle inspection tests and roadside checks, it is available now.

UTAC Test Method Certificate No. 16/08572