VRT stations across Malta and Gozo will start rolling out a number of changes to the VRT test, as from next Wednesday. 

These changes will ensure a standardised VRT test across EU states and safer, cleaner vehicles on our roads.

The following is a list of the major changes brought around by the revised test.

Categorisation

Defects emerging from a VRT test will be categorised according to their severity and level of safety on the road.  A vehicle will then get one of the following four results. 

Pass - The vehicle has passed the test and meets the minimum required standard

Pass with Minor Defects - The vehicle has passed the test because the defects found have no significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment.  Defects found need to be repaired as soon as possible.

Fail with Major Defects - The vehicle has not passed the VRT test since the defects found may affect the vehicle's safety, put other road users at risk or have an impact on the environment. The vehicle needs to be repaired within 16 days and re-tested.

Fail with Dangerous Defects - The vehicle has not passed the VRT test since it constitutes a direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment.  The vehicle cannot be driven on the road until it is repaired and re-tested. 

Diesel emissions

There will be stricter enforcement on those vehicles which were originally manufactured with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and which are found to be tampered with.  This will also apply to Heavy Goods Vehicles using Adblue, specifically in cases where the DPF is found to have been bypassed or eliminated. Vehicles will fail the test if it they emit smoke of any colour from the exhaust.  Diesel fuel has a greater negative impact on the environment and health risk factors than other fuels.  The revised VRT test will make sure the Emission Control Devices are not tampered with.

Vehicle lights

The revised VRT test will ascertain that all vehicles manufactured since September 2009 have working reverse lights and for vehicles which were manufactured with headlight washers, the latter must be working. The test will check that vehicles manufactured since March 2018 have working Daytime running lights.  Any Malfunction Indicator Lamps showing a fault in any of the vehicle systems is considered as a failing item.

VRT test following a serious accident

A vehicle involved in a serious accident must undertake an ad hoc VRT test, following repairs, to confirm the safety of the vehicle and whether it has an impact on the environment.

Penalties

Vehicle owners who fail to co-operate and abide with the VRT Tester's instructions can be fined up to a maximum of €500 if found guilty.  Individuals who are suspected of tampering with an Odometer can be fined up to a maximum of €200, if found guilty.

VRT test for tractors

Road tractors having a maximum speed exceeding 40KM/h are now subject to a VRT test.

Malta is implementing the above changes to the VRT test in accordance with the Directive 2014/45/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, which aims to ensure a harmonised, high quality VRT test across EU member states. The cost of the VRT test will not be increased due to these changes.