New regulations have been introduced to make electric vehicles safer and provide greater confidence to vulnerable road users.

In operation from today, 01 July, the measures ensure all manufacturers must install a system in new types of quiet electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Sound generators will produce a specified level of noise when they are reversing or running below 20 km/h (about 12mph). The sound generated will be similar to that made by a conventional engine and can be temporarily deactivated by the driver if judged necessary.


The new regulation to make acoustic systems within electric vehicles compulsory will allow those who are visually impaired to hear vehicles more easily.

Michael Ellis, Roads Minister, said: "The government wants the benefits of green transport to be felt by everyone, and understands the concerns of the visually impaired about the possible hazards posed by quiet electric vehicles.

"This new requirement will give pedestrians added confidence when crossing the road."

The regulation will apply to all new types of 'quiet' electric and hybrid vehicles from 01 July 2019, and to all new quiet electric and hybrid vehicles registered from July 2021.