The RSA said the measure would not apply to fast tractors used exclusively for “agricultural purposes”. The Irish Farmers Journal understands this to include movement by road of tractors with cultivation equipment, sprayers, feeding equipment, etc.

The RSA said the rules were being introduced as a result of a 2014 EU directive. Member states must publish the necessary legislation by 20 May 2017 and put it into effect from 20 May 2018. The RSA is proposing that testing of tractors will be accommodated within the existing CVRT test regime.

“A person who uses an un-roadworthy vehicle or who does not have a certificate of roadworthiness (CRW) for a commercial vehicle commits an offence,” the RSA said. “Failure to have a current CRW is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1961. Conviction for this offence carries five penalty points and the court may impose a fine of up to €3,000 and/or up to three months imprisonment.”

No decisions have yet been made on the costs of the test on a tractor, it said. The Irish Farmers Journal asked if the new regime would affect the motor tax on tractors. The RSA said this was a matter for the Department of Transport.

Contractors have written to the Minister for Transport asking to meet urgently to discuss the regulations. “There has been no discussion or consultation on the topic and it will add costs to all contractors, most of whom have tractors designed for more than 40km/h currently in their fleets,” said Richard White. .

“We do not know what the test will involve, who will carry it out, how much it will cost and whether any proposed testing costs will be controlled by Government regulation,” White said. “We will be urging the Minister for Transport to use the opportunity available under the Directive to opt out of its introduction at this time.”

The Irish Farmers Journal understands the tractor roadworthiness test will be a combination of a visual test for lights, mirrors and windscreens, etc, along with a measured test for braking performance and engine emissions.