DPFs were only really introduced to conform to more stringent EU emission regulations. If they weren't in place we probably wouldn't have them on our cars. Pre-Euro 5 emissions standards, no cars really used DPFs so i can't see it being illegal. Alot of companies started using them in anticipation of the changes, i think most A3s have them. I believe 8P1 might not though. Further to that, all the DPF does is catch the soot in the filter only to be burned off later. All the sh*t still comes out. Removing the DPF just lets the soot out continuously rather than a build up and Regen.
I doubt there is a tool for dpf specifically, however a normal emissions test would pick up higher levels of emissions than specified i would have thought.
This article seems to infer that the removal of the DPF is illegal.
Diesel particulate filter check will now be part of the stricter MOT test
The MOT test for diesel cars will be tightened up from February 2014 and any car that is missing a diesel particulate filter (DPF) once fitted as standard will fail.
Currently a car is only tested on the emissions, and not if it has a DPF still attached. However, this will change with garages and testing centres now required to check that the part is still present.
Companies across the UK offer to remove the DPF for motorists in a bid to avoid costly repairs. The filter has to be regularly regenerated to burn off soot that builds up over time by driving the car up to 40mph for more than 10 minutes â often done on motorway journeys.
However, if this isnât done then it can lead to the filter becoming clogged with prices for a new part costing upwards of £1,000. In order to avoid such problems, some drivers will get the part removed.
This practice has always been illegal, contravening the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulation 61 A as it no longer meets emission standards applied to it when new, but companies continue to advertise the practice.
Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said: âI am very concerned that vehicles are being modified in a way that is clearly detrimental to peopleâs health and undoes the hard work car manufacturers have taken to improve emissions standards.
âThis change to the MOT tests makes it clear â if you have this filter removed from your car it will fail the test.â
A spokesman from the Department for Transport told us that anyone that has had the filter removed, will now have to a new one put back on their car in order to pass their next MOT test.
