Guidance

Authorised testing facility (ATF) service bulletin 01-17: update for diesel opacity meters

Published 28 December 2017

This guidance was withdrawn on

This page has been withdrawn because it’s out of date. You can read the latest guidance about running an authorised testing facilitiy (ATF).

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/authorised-testing-facility-atf-bulletin-0117-diesel-opacity-meters/authorised-testing-facility-atf-service-bulletin-01-17-update-for-diesel-opacity-meters

1. Overview

Vehicle emissions testing will change on 20 May when the EU roadworthiness directive (2014/45) is introduced.

2. How it will affect emissions testing

All diesel engine vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2014 must comply with reduced exhaust smoke levels.

Exhaust smoke levels will be lowered to a maximum of 0.7 metres to the minus one (0.7m-1) for these vehicles. There will also be an option to apply manufacturer’s plate values, where displayed.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has asked manufacturers to make the necessary software changes available to customers as soon as possible. This updated software will then also start to be provided with new equipment.

3. What you need to do

You must update the software of your diesel opacity meter by 20 May 2018.

3.1 Testing other classes of vehicle

The update also applies to machines that are used for testing other vehicle categories, for example, MOT testing class 4 or 7 vehicles.

3.2 After you’ve installed the update

More functions will appear on the program’s screen.

Don’t use them for MOT testing until the new emission limits are introduced to the MOT test for:

  • classes 4, 5 and 7 - marked as category ‘A’
  • heavy goods vehicle and public service vehicle - marked as category ‘B’
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