Legislation Change to Bull Bars

From 25th May 2007 for motor vehicles categorised as M1 (a passenger carrying vehicle not exceeding 3.5 tonnes and not more than 8 passengers) or N1 (a goods vehicle not exceeding 3.5 tonnes) it will only be legal to manufacturer and sell bull bars that comply with EU Directive 2005/66/EC.
It will be illegal to manufacture and sell bull bars that do not conform to this legislation punishable by a maximum penalty, to be imposed within the UK, of 12 months imprisonment and/or a fine of £20,000.
Operators of vehicles already fitted with these devices will not be affected

Potential operator impact

A bull bar is a fashionable large metal tubular construction wrapped around the front of a vehicle usual made from either aluminium or steel. It is fitted primarily for its looks but also to mount accessories (spot lights & winches etc) and to protect the vehicle and occupants from frontal impact damage from animals etc. It can vary considerably in both shape and tube size.
The major driving force behind the introduction of the legislation is the, in excess of, 10,000 killed and 250,000 maimed and injured pedestrians and cyclists on European roads each year.

Operator impact

The latest, conforming to legislation, bull bars are made from plastic derivatives and are readily available for most popular types of vehicle. These current designs as well as continuing to offer mountings for accessories and vehicle and occupant protection can be made from energy-absorbing materials so providing enhanced protection for pedestrians' and cyclists over and above the standard product supplied with the vehicle. These new designs protect vulnerable groups by protecting them from hard and potentially sharp vehicle edges such as bonnets, radiators and engines and so, should, make the vehicle safer.