Govt planning to outlaw ‘boy-racer’ car modifications

The Government is reportedly planning to outlaw car modifications that are much-loved by so-called "boy racers".

Reports this morning said Junior Minister for Transport Ivor Callely was planning to ban modifications like tinted windows and put a cap on engine noise as part of a reform of the National Car Test.

Under his plans, cars will fail the test from next January if they are found to contain unauthorised modifications or if their engine noise exceeds the legal limit.

Meanwhile, Minister for Transport Martin Cullen has announced plans to extend the penalty points system early next year to include a range of new motoring offences.

The new offences include dangerous overtaking, failing to obey traffic lights and crossing continuous white median lines in the centres of roads.