MET’s Ultimate Guide to DVSA Regulations
If you follow motoring-related news, you might have recently seen a court case that saw a car tuning company (not Mobile Eco Tuning!) receive a fine of more than £5,000 for adding a ‘pop bang’ remap to a car engine. The company had fulfilled a legal obligation to tell the car owner that the car would not now be road-legal, but they hadn’t ensured that the vehicle wouldn’t be used on a public road.
Fair? Well, that’s a matter of opinion, but the fact remains that this case has given the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) the green light to go after drivers with an illegal ‘pop bang’ modification, as well as the garage that fitted it. So here at MET we thought that a timely guide to DVSA regulations would be useful for all potential customers who might not know the full picture.
What is the DVSA?
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is a Government organisation responsible for maintaining road safety standards in the United Kingdom. The DVSA ensures that vehicles on British roads are safe, roadworthy and environmentally compliant. They set and enforce standards for vehicle safety, emissions and overall roadworthiness.
Key DVSA regulations affecting engine modifications
Understanding the key DVSA regulations is essential for anyone considering engine modifications. MET complies with all these regulations:
- Emissions: The DVSA says that any engine modifications must not increase the vehicle’s emissions beyond the manufacturer’s spec. This includes alterations to the engine management system, exhaust system or fuel system.
- Power Output: The DVSA requires that any increase in power output doesn’t compromise the vehicle’s safety or handling characteristics. This means ensuring that the braking system, suspension and chassis can cope with the increased power.
- Catalytic Converters: The removal or modification of catalytic converters is illegal under DVSA regulations. These components are crucial for controlling emissions and must remain intact and functional.
- Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF): For diesel vehicles, the removal or modification of the DPF is illegal. The DVSA requires these filters to remain in place and operational.
- Noise Levels: Engine modifications that significantly increase noise levels are regulated. The DVSA specifies that vehicles must not exceed the legal limit of 72 decibels.
How MET complies with DVSA regulations
At Mobile Eco Tuning, we are DVSA-compliant in all our engine modification services. Our team regularly updates their knowledge of DVSA regulations to ensure current compliance and every engine we work on is thoroughly tested to make sure we’re complying with DVSA standards. We also supply comprehensive documentation to certify the legality of all engine modifications.
Common DVSA Questions and Concerns
Q: How do engine modifications affect vehicle insurance?
A: You MUST inform your insurance provider about any engine modifications to ensure continued coverage. Failure to do so can result in a hefty fine.
Q: Can vehicles with modified engines pass MOT tests?
A: DVSA-compliant engine modifications can pass MOT tests, provided emissions and safety standards are met.
Q: Is it necessary to inform the DVSA about engine modifications?
A: It’s advisable to consult the DVSA directly regarding significant changes, particularly those affecting emissions or power output.
Let’s be clear: these regulations DO NOT prevent vehicles from being modified. An expert remapper like MET can and will improve engine performance while maintaining full compliance with DVSA standards. We offer a range of services, from ECU remapping to turbocharger upgrades and our expertise ensures that all modifications are both performance-enhancing and legally compliant.
For more information on our DVSA-compliant engine modification services, please contact Mobile Eco Tuning here, or give us a call on 01934 318775.
