Irish Motorists Falling Foul of E-Mark Requirement

As of April 1 the presence of an E-Mark on tyres became mandatory in Ireland in order for cars to pass the NCT (National Car Test), the Irish MOT equivalent. While the president of the Irish Tyre Industry Association, Dave Naughton, refers to this measure as a “big step forward for road safety”, the association estimates that 50,000 tyres currently fitted to vehicles do not conform to the European standard, and thus thousands of motorists’ cars may not pass their next NCT.

Since the regulations came into place more than 20 cars a day are reported to be failing the NCT through the absence of an E-Mark on their tyres. Motorists are being advised to check their vehicles’ tyres, and the Irish Tyre industry Association states those who have kept receipts should to any non-complying tyres to suppliers for replacement.

Ireland is the last European country to make the presence of an E-Mark, which has been a European Union legal requirement in the sale of tyres since 1997, mandatory during car testing.