Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986
What this means for your business
- Enforced by
- DVSA
- Applies to
- United Kingdom
- On this page
- 68 compliance obligations, 5 practical guides
What you must do
68 compliance obligations under this legislation.
Equipment and safety 30
Construct gas‑powered vehicles to meet prescribed standards
If you build or modify a vehicle that runs on gas or LPG, you must ensure it is built to the standards set out in Schedule 4, Schedule 5 or the relevant ECE regulations, depending on when the vehicle first used gas. This means checking the vehicle’s construction against the correct technical specifications before it is put into service.
Ensure fuel tanks on vehicles prevent leaks and meet construction standards
If your business builds, fits or maintains fuel tanks for wheeled vehicles, you must make sure the tanks don’t leak liquid or vapour. For tanks that hold petroleum spirit and are on vehicles first used after 1 July 1973, the tank must be metal and securely fixed. You can use a pressure‑relief device to manage pressure changes.
Ensure mechanical coupling devices on eligible cars meet EU standards
If you use a light passenger car first registered on or after 1 August 1998 that has an EC certificate of conformity, you must make sure any mechanical coupling device fitted to it complies with the technical requirements of EU Directive 94/20 and carries the correct markings. You cannot legally drive the vehicle on a public road until this is verified.
Ensure motorcycle silencers meet required standards and are correctly marked
Unlimited fineIf you own, sell, or fit a motorcycle, you must make sure any original or replacement exhaust silencer complies with the technical standards that apply to the bike’s age and is marked correctly. You must not ride a motorcycle whose exhaust is labelled “NOT FOR ROAD USE”.
Ensure vehicles are wheeled or track‑laying
If your business designs, manufactures, imports or puts motor vehicles or trailers on the road, you must make sure they are built as a wheeled vehicle or, where allowed, a track‑laying vehicle. In other words, you cannot place a motor vehicle on the highway that does not have wheels or tracks as defined by the regulations.
Fit a compliant identification plate on eligible motorcycles
If your business owns or uses a motorcycle that was first used on or after 1 August 1977 and meets the engine‑size limits (up to 150 cc if first used before 1 Jan 1982, or up to 125 cc if first used on or after that date), you must attach a visible plate that is securely fixed and easy to see and reach. The plate must follow the specifications set out in Schedule 9 of the Regulations.
Fit and display correct restricted‑speed vehicle plate
Unlimited fineIf your business uses a restricted‑speed vehicle, you must attach a plate that meets the exact size, colour and border requirements set out in the regulations. The plate has to be clearly visible on the vehicle at all times. Failure to do so can lead to criminal prosecution.
Fit and display dimensions plate on applicable buses, heavy cars and trailers
If you run a bus, heavy motor car or a trailer that was built after 31 May 1998 (and isn’t a goods vehicle with a special Ministry plate), you must have a visible plate showing the vehicle’s dimensions. The plate must be securely fixed and easy to see before the vehicle can be used on the road.
Fit and maintain a compliant secondary coupling on regulated trailers
Unlimited fineIf you tow a trailer that falls under regulation 15, you must have a secondary coupling that will keep the drawbar off the ground and give the trailer some steering if the main coupling breaks, or use an automatic stop device that works without a secondary coupling. In practice this means checking your trailer’s equipment and fitting the correct secondary coupling (or suitable stop device) before you drive on a public road.
Fit and maintain a height‑warning device on vehicles with high‑level equipment
If you operate a vehicle that carries equipment which can raise its overall height, you must have a visible warning device that alerts you when the equipment exceeds a set height. That set height must be no more than 1 m above the vehicle’s maximum travelling height, and the device must be correctly fitted, kept in good condition and work on any trailer you pull.
Fit and operate proper brakes on agricultural trailers
Unlimited fineIf you use a farm tractor to pull one or more trailers, the trailers must have brakes that are controlled from the tractor’s own braking system whenever the trailer is heavy enough. This applies when the tractor is under‑weight compared with the trailer, when the trailer’s total weight is high, or when the trailer is a newer model. You must have the correct brake set‑up fitted and working before you take the combination onto a public road.
Fit double‑deck coaches with two staircases or a staircase and emergency‑exit device
If your business operates a double‑deck coach that was first used on or after 1 April 1990, you must provide two staircases – one in each half of the vehicle – or a staircase in one half and a hammer‑type emergency‑exit device in the other half. The device must be easy to reach, clearly visible and accompanied by an “IN EMERGENCY” notice with specific wording and size.
Fit identification plate on new agricultural trailed appliances
If your business manufactures or supplies a wheeled agricultural trailer that was built on or after 1 December 1985, you must attach a permanent plate that is easy to see and reach. The plate must show the maker’s name, the year of manufacture, the maximum gross weight, the unladen weight and the maximum load it can place on the pulling vehicle.
Fit motorcycle sidestands that do not affect stability or auto‑close
If you manufacture or fit a motorcycle that was first used on or after 1 April 1986, the sidestand must not make the bike unstable while it’s moving and must not close automatically when the bike is tilted while parked. In practice this means checking the design and fitting of the sidestand and only using ones that meet this safety standard.
Fit mud‑catching wings to applicable vehicles
If your business owns or operates a vehicle such as a heavy car, motorcycle, certain agricultural vehicle, or a trailer (unless it falls within the listed exemptions), you must fit wings or similar fittings to catch mud and water thrown up by the wheels, as far as practicable. For multi‑wheel trailers the requirement only applies to the two rear wheels. You can also meet the requirement by complying with Community Directive 78/549.
Fit required seat‑belt anchorage points on your vehicles
If you own or operate a motor vehicle that is not exempt – for example a bus, car, heavy vehicle or certain minibuses first used after the dates listed – you must have seat‑belt anchorage points fitted to the seats specified in the regulation. The anchorage points must meet the technical standards set out in the table and any new fittings must comply with the relevant EU directives or ECE regulations.
Fit sidecars so the wheel stays within the motorcycle’s width
Unlimited fineIf you install a sidecar on a motorcycle, you must attach it so that the sidecar’s wheel does not lie completely outside the vertical space defined by the motorcycle’s front‑most and rear‑most points. In practice this means checking the wheel position during fitting and adjusting it if necessary. Failing to do so can lead to an unlimited fine and possible imprisonment.
Fit speed‑limiter plate showing limiter speed
If any of your vehicles has a speed limiter and is covered by regulations 36A or 36B, you must install a clearly visible plate inside the cab that states the speed the limiter is set at. The plate must be permanent, easy to read and placed in a conspicuous position.
Fit vehicles with compliant toilet systems
If you use a wheeled vehicle that was first put into service after 15 January 1931, you must make sure any toilet or urinal on the vehicle cannot discharge directly onto the road. In addition, any waste‑holding tank or toilet must use chemicals that are non‑flammable, non‑irritant and provide effective germicidal action.
Fit VIN plate and permanent chassis marking on new vehicles
If your business puts a wheeled vehicle on the road that was first used on or after 1 April 1980 and falls under the Type‑Approval (GB) rules, you must ensure it has a visible, non‑removable plate showing the vehicle identification number, the maker’s name and the approval reference, and that the VIN is permanently stamped on the chassis or frame. This has to be done before the vehicle is first used.
Keep sideguards free from obvious defects while on the road
Unlimited fineIf your business uses vehicles that have sideguards, you must make sure those sideguards are always in good condition when the vehicle is on a public road. Any obvious damage that could reduce their effectiveness must be repaired or replaced promptly. This means regular checks and maintenance as part of your normal vehicle upkeep.
Keep speedometers unobstructed and in good working order
You must make sure any speedometer fitted to a vehicle you use is clearly visible and works correctly whenever the vehicle is on the road. If it breaks down, you must repair or replace it promptly so it’s back in service as soon as reasonably possible.
Keep spray‑suppression devices free of obvious defects
Unlimited fineIf your vehicle is required to have a spray‑suppression (containment) device, you must make sure that every part of it is kept in good working order whenever the vehicle is on a public road. Any obvious fault that could reduce its effectiveness must be repaired or replaced promptly.
Maintain steering gear in good and efficient condition
Unlimited fineWhenever you use a motor vehicle on the road, you must keep its steering gear working properly and correctly adjusted. This means carrying out regular checks and any needed repairs or adjustments. Failing to do so can lead to criminal prosecution.
Maintain vehicle brakes in good working order and meet efficiency standards
You must keep every part of your vehicle’s braking system – and the way you operate it – in good, efficient condition and properly adjusted. The brakes must meet minimum efficiency percentages set out for the type of vehicle you use, and you must be able to hold the vehicle stationary on a specified gradient. Special rules apply if the vehicle has ABS or is towing certain trailers.
Mark the weight on the outside of applicable vehicles
If your business owns or operates a locomotive, motor tractor, a bus registered under the 1971 Act or an unbraked wheeled trailer (subject to the listed exceptions), you must display the vehicle’s weight on the outside near‑side in a clearly visible place. For locomotives, tractors and buses you show the unladen weight; for the trailer you show its maximum gross weight. The marking has to be permanent and easy for anyone to read.
Provide footrests for motorcycle passengers
If you or your employees carry a passenger on a two‑wheeled motorcycle (with or without a sidecar), you must make sure the bike has a suitable footrest or support for the passenger’s feet. This applies wherever the motorcycle is used – for work deliveries, courier services or any business activity involving passenger‑carrying motorcycles.
Remove or secure mascots on road vehicles
If your business uses road vehicles that were first registered on or after 1 October 1937, you must not have any mascot, emblem or decorative object mounted where it could hit a person in a collision, unless it cannot cause injury. You can also meet the requirement by complying with the relevant EU Community Directives or ECE regulation.
Restrict use of aerodynamic devices on vehicles
Unlimited fineYou must not fit or allow any aerodynamic devices on your road vehicles unless they are mounted at the rear and the vehicle is one of the classes listed in the regulations. This means checking the type of each vehicle you operate and confirming any devices meet the location and class limits before they are used on the road.
Secure suspended implements on moving vehicles
Unlimited fineIf your business uses a vehicle with a crane, hoist or any lifting device that has a part hanging below the vehicle, you must make sure that any suspended implement is firmly fastened to the device or the vehicle whenever the vehicle is moving and the implement is not attached to a load. This prevents the implement from swinging or falling and causing injury to anyone on the road or in the vehicle.
Management duties 32
Avoid causing excessive noise with road vehicles
Unlimited fineYou must make sure any motor vehicle you use or have employees use on a public road does not create unnecessary loud noise. If the noise could be avoided by using reasonable care – for example, not revving the engine, keeping the exhaust system in good condition and driving responsibly – you need to take those steps. This means training your drivers and maintaining your vehicles so they stay within reasonable noise levels.
Avoid unnecessarily blocking the road with your vehicle
Unlimited fineIf you or someone in your business is in charge of a car, van, lorry or trailer, you must not let it sit on a road in a way that blocks traffic any more than needed. This means you should park only where allowed and move the vehicle promptly if it could cause a traffic obstruction.
Ban handheld phone use while driving
Unlimited fineYou must ensure that no one in your business drives a vehicle while holding a mobile phone or any hand‑held data device. The rule also covers anyone who lets another person drive while using such a device and supervisors of provisional‑licence drivers. The only exceptions are genuine emergency calls, remote‑parking functions within 6 m, contactless payment when the vehicle is stopped, or spoken‑only transmissions for emergency services.
Build articulated bus joints to meet ECE Regulation 36 standards
If you manufacture or assemble an articulated bus that entered service on or after 1 April 1982, you must design and build the connecting section so it complies with the specific technical rules in ECE Regulation 36 (paragraph 5.9). The joint must also keep the two bus sections perfectly aligned in a straight line, with no bend or deflection.
Comply with limits on motorcycle‑drawn trailers
Unlimited fineIf you or your business use a motorcycle to pull a trailer on a public road, you must follow strict limits. You cannot pull more than one trailer, a trailer that carries a passenger, or a trailer heavier than 254 kg. Depending on the motorcycle’s engine size and wheels, additional size, weight and marking requirements apply, and some motorcycles (125 cc or less) may not pull any trailer at all.
Display a valid test date disc on each registered trailer
If you use a trailer that requires a goods‑vehicle test under the Plating and Testing Regulations, you must fix the issued test‑date disc to the trailer in a clear, legible spot that can be seen from the road by daylight. Keep the disc in place until the test certificate expires or a new one is issued, whichever comes first.
Do not carry passengers in trailers or certain living vans
You must not use a trailer on a road to transport passengers for hire or reward, and you must not use a living‑van trailer that has fewer than four wheels or four wheels arranged as two close‑coupled wheels on each side to carry any people. The only exceptions are when the trailer is moving a broken‑down vehicle at no more than 30 mph (or a broken‑down bus with a rigid draw‑bar) or when the trailer is being tested by its manufacturer, a repairer or a dealer.
Do not drive with visible TV displays showing prohibited content
Unlimited fineYou must not operate a motor vehicle on a road if you can see a television or similar screen that is showing anything other than vehicle‑related information, location, road‑edge assistance, or destination help. In practice this means removing, covering or switching off any TV‑type devices that could display entertainment or unrelated video while the vehicle is being driven.
Ensure bus height does not exceed 4.57 m
Unlimited fineIf you own, operate or place a bus on public roads, you must make sure the vehicle’s overall height is no more than 4.57 metres. Check the bus’s dimensions before it is first used and keep evidence that it meets the limit.
Ensure drivers have proper control and full view of the road
Unlimited fineYou must not drive a vehicle, or let anyone else drive, if you cannot safely control it or see the road and traffic ahead. This means making sure drivers are seated correctly, have an unobstructed view and are not in a position that limits control (e.g., carrying too much load, wearing inappropriate clothing, or using a vehicle that is unsuitable for the road conditions).
Ensure fuel tanks and fuel systems meet safety standards
You must make sure any fuel tank fitted to your road vehicle is built and kept so it does not leak liquid or vapour, is made of metal where the rules require it, and is securely positioned to avoid damage. Your vehicle must be designed to run on unleaded petrol and must not be altered to run on leaded fuel. The fuel filler must not be larger than 23.6 mm unless you use a funnel, and vehicles that are exempt must carry the correct UNLEADED marking. Gas‑powered vehicles must comply with the relevant European or UK gas‑tank standards.
Ensure gas‑fuel systems on vehicles meet safety requirements
If your business uses vehicles that run on gas (e.g., LPG, CNG) you must make sure every part of the gas system – containers, pipelines, valves and related fittings – is designed, installed, marked and maintained to the standards set out in the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations. This means fitting the correct safety valves, securely attaching containers, protecting pipelines from heat and vibration, and providing proper venting and marking.
Ensure gas‑propelled vehicles are safe and approved
Unlimited fineIf you operate any road vehicle that runs on gas, you must make sure the whole propulsion system is safe, only LPG, hydrogen or natural gas is used, the vehicle has the correct approval or meets the specific design and safety standards, and the gas tank is fitted on the vehicle itself (not on a trailer). In practice this means checking approvals, keeping maintenance records and confirming the fuel and tank placement before each use.
Ensure hydrogen‑fuelled vehicles meet safety requirements
If you design, build, sell or operate a hydrogen‑fuelled vehicle you must fit a compliant fuelling receptacle, provide over‑pressure protection, prevent hazardous gas discharge and stop leaks. You also need to carry out the prescribed tests and keep records showing the vehicle meets all the technical safety limits.
Ensure minibuses meet Schedule 6 requirements
If your business uses a minibus that was first used on or after 1 April 1988, you must make sure it complies with the technical standards set out in Schedule 6 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations. The rule does not apply to Land Rover vehicles called the Land Rover or minibuses built for the secure transport of prisoners.
Ensure safe use of gas‑fired appliances in road vehicles
Unlimited fineIf your business operates any vehicle that has a gas‑fired appliance (e.g., a heater or cooker), you must make sure the appliance and its gas system are safe, only use LPG, provide adequate ventilation and vent any unburnt gas, and shut off the gas supply whenever the appliance is not being used. Failure to do so can lead to criminal prosecution.
Ensure vehicle overhang does not exceed legal limits
If your business owns or operates a wheeled vehicle, you must check that its front or rear overhang stays within the maximum distance set for its vehicle class (e.g. motor tractors, heavy motor cars, buses, etc.). Any exemptions listed in the table must be applied, and for agricultural vehicles a separate 3 m rear‑overhang rule also applies. Non‑compliant vehicles can be stopped by the police and may lead to prosecution.
Ensure vehicle‑trailer weight does not exceed legal limit
If your business uses a motor vehicle towing one or more trailers (but not an articulated vehicle), you must make sure the combined laden weight stays within the maximum train weight set out in the regulations for that type of vehicle‑trailer combination. Exceeding the limit can lead to enforcement action.
Keep axle loads within legal limits for vehicles with closely‑spaced axles
If your business uses a motor vehicle, trailer or agricultural vehicle that has axles positioned close together, you must make sure the total weight carried on those axles does not exceed the maximum allowed by the regulations. Check the vehicle’s loading and any weight certificates before you put it on the road and do not overload those axles.
Keep business motorcycles within legal noise limits and in good order
If you own or operate motorcycles for your business, you must make sure they meet the statutory noise limits, are in proper working order and have not been altered in a way that raises the noise. You cannot use, or let anyone use, a motorcycle that fails any of these checks on a public road.
Limit reversing of vehicles to what is necessary for safety
Unlimited fineYou must make sure that anyone driving a motor vehicle on a road only reverses as far as needed for the safety or reasonable convenience of the vehicle’s occupants and other road users. Longer reversing is only allowed for road rollers or vehicles that are actually carrying out road construction, maintenance or repair work. Put policies and training in place so drivers understand this rule.
Maintain rear under‑run protective device in good condition
You must keep any rear under‑run protection fitted to your vehicles free from obvious defects whenever the vehicle is on a road, so it will work properly if hit from behind. This means carrying out regular checks and fixing any problems while the vehicle is being used.
Maintain safe distance between vehicle and rope‑or‑chain attached trailer
If you pull a trailer using only a rope or chain, you must keep it close enough – no more than 4.5 m from your vehicle, and no more than 1.5 m unless the rope or chain can be clearly seen from either side of the road. In practice you need to check the gap and make the link visible before you set off.
Maintain seat belts and anchorage points on vehicles
If your business uses any motor vehicle that is required to have seat belts, you must keep those belts, their fastenings, adjusting devices, retractors and anchorage points in good condition. This means no serious corrosion, damage or faults, and the buckles must work easily and be reachable for the occupant.
Maintain track dimensions and condition for road‑use vehicles
Unlimited fineIf your business uses tracked vehicles on public roads, you must make sure each track is at least 12.5 mm wide, provides a contact area of at least 225 cm² for every 1 000 kg of vehicle weight, and has no defects that could damage the road or endanger anyone. The tracks also need to be correctly adjusted and kept in good, efficient working order at all times.
Only use permitted elongated‑cab vehicles on roads
Unlimited fineYou must not drive or let anyone drive a vehicle with an elongated cab on a public road unless that vehicle is one of the specific classes listed in regulation 7 (items 1, 3A, 3B, 3C or 4). In practice this means checking the vehicle’s classification before you use it and not using vehicles that aren’t approved.
Park vehicles correctly at night
Unlimited fineWhen you park a motor vehicle on a public road between sunset and sunrise you must keep it as close as possible to the edge of the carriageway, unless you have a police officer’s permission or fall under one of the listed exemptions. Failing to do so can lead to a criminal offence.
Provide clear forward view and maintain unobstructed glazing on vehicles
Unlimited fineYou must make sure any motor vehicle you design, build or own gives the driver an unobstructed view of the road ahead, and that all windows and windshields are kept clean and free from damage so the driver’s vision is never blocked. If the vehicle doesn’t meet the design rule, it must instead meet the specified EU directives.
Seal speed limiters only when legal requirements are met and supply compliance plate
If your business is authorised to seal speed limiters, you must only carry out the sealing when the limiter meets the specific requirements for the type of vehicle (as set out in regulations 36A or 36B). You also have to follow any conditions imposed by the Secretary of State and give the vehicle owner a plate that complies with regulation 70A. Breaching these rules can lead to loss of authorisation and possible prosecution.
Secure detached trailers on the road
Unlimited fineIf you detach a trailer and leave it standing on a road, you must make sure it cannot roll away. This means applying the parking brake or using a chain, chock, or another effective device to stop the wheels (or tracks) from turning.
Secure unattended motor vehicles on the road
Unlimited fineIf you or anyone in your business leaves a motor vehicle on a road, you must make sure it is either driven by a licensed driver or, if left unattended, the engine is switched off and the parking brake is applied. The rule does not apply to emergency vehicles or when the engine must stay running for specific reasons.
Turn off engine and ancillary machinery when the vehicle is stationary
When your drivers stop a vehicle, they must switch off any engine or equipment that could make noise or emit exhaust, unless the stop is caused by traffic, needed for a breakdown examination or the vehicle runs on its own gas‑producing plant. This helps reduce unnecessary noise and emissions while the vehicle is parked.
Other requirements 6
Do not open vehicle doors in a way that endangers people
Unlimited fineIf you run any road vehicle – whether a car, van, bus or truck – you must make sure nobody opens its doors while the vehicle is on the road in a manner that could hurt or endanger anyone. This means you need to have clear rules and training for drivers and passengers to keep doors closed or only open them safely when it is safe to do so.
Do not use sidecars on post‑1981 two‑wheel motorcycles
If your business operates a two‑wheeled motorcycle that was first registered on or after 1 August 1981, you must not attach a sidecar to the right (or off) side of that bike, unless it is a motorcycle that has only been temporarily brought into Great Britain. In practice, keep sidecars off those motorcycles and remove any that are already fitted.
Ensure coaches meet ECE Regulation 66 strength standards
If you run a coach service, any single‑deck coach that has a luggage compartment under the passenger deck and was first used on or after 1 April 1993 must meet the strength‑of‑superstructure requirements set out in ECE Regulation 66. You need to verify that the vehicle complies before you put it into service, otherwise you may be breaking the law.
Mark required weight limits on your goods vehicle
If your commercial (goods) vehicle has a plating certificate, you must display on the vehicle the maximum weight it may carry, and any lower limits that apply (for example when towing another vehicle). The markings go on one or both sides of the vehicle so they’re clearly visible at all times.
Mark the year of manufacture on eligible trailers
If you make a trailer that isn’t a motor vehicle, was built on or after 1 January 1997 and has a total design axle weight of 750 kg or less, you must permanently stamp the year it was made on the chassis or a similar part. The mark has to be clearly visible, easy to read and cannot be removed or wear away.
Operate vehicle horns and alarms only when legally permitted
Unlimited fineYou must not use a horn, siren, gong or bell on a vehicle unless it is needed to avoid danger, or you are using a reversing alarm on a qualifying heavy vehicle, or you are signalling that goods are for sale between 12:00 and 19:00. The same rules apply when the vehicle is stopped on a road or travelling on a restricted road during night hours (23:30‑07:00). Breaking the rule can lead to criminal prosecution.
Penalties for non-compliance
28 penalties under this legislation. 28 carry an unlimited fine.
Ensure motorcycle silencers meet required standards and are correctly marked
Unlimited fine
Fit and display correct restricted‑speed vehicle plate
Unlimited fine
Fit and maintain a compliant secondary coupling on regulated trailers
Unlimited fine
Fit and operate proper brakes on agricultural trailers
Unlimited fine
Fit sidecars so the wheel stays within the motorcycle’s width
Unlimited fine
Keep sideguards free from obvious defects while on the road
Unlimited fine
Keep spray‑suppression devices free of obvious defects
Unlimited fine
Maintain steering gear in good and efficient condition
Unlimited fine
Restrict use of aerodynamic devices on vehicles
Unlimited fine
Secure suspended implements on moving vehicles
Unlimited fine
Avoid causing excessive noise with road vehicles
Unlimited fine
Avoid unnecessarily blocking the road with your vehicle
Unlimited fine
Ban handheld phone use while driving
Unlimited fine
Comply with limits on motorcycle‑drawn trailers
Unlimited fine
Do not drive with visible TV displays showing prohibited content
Unlimited fine
Ensure bus height does not exceed 4.57 m
Unlimited fine
Ensure drivers have proper control and full view of the road
Unlimited fine
Ensure gas‑propelled vehicles are safe and approved
Unlimited fine
Ensure safe use of gas‑fired appliances in road vehicles
Unlimited fine
Limit reversing of vehicles to what is necessary for safety
Unlimited fine
Maintain track dimensions and condition for road‑use vehicles
Unlimited fine
Only use permitted elongated‑cab vehicles on roads
Unlimited fine
Park vehicles correctly at night
Unlimited fine
Provide clear forward view and maintain unobstructed glazing on vehicles
Unlimited fine
Secure detached trailers on the road
Unlimited fine
Secure unattended motor vehicles on the road
Unlimited fine
Do not open vehicle doors in a way that endangers people
Unlimited fine
Operate vehicle horns and alarms only when legally permitted
Unlimited fine
Practical guidance
Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.
Vehicle Type Approval
Get type approval for vehicles manufactured or imported into GB.
Set Up an MOT Testing Station
Become a DVSA Authorised Examiner to conduct MOT tests.
Vehicle Maintenance and MOT
Understand vehicle maintenance standards and MOT requirements for goods vehicles.
Understand your farm's regulatory obligations
A regulatory map for UK farms, showing which of 10+ regulatory bodies apply by farm type. Links to detailed compliance …
Avoid overloading and secure your loads
How to comply with load security requirements and avoid overloading offences. Covers the DVSA code of practice, maximum weight limits, …
Sections and provisions
155 classified provisions from this legislation.
Duties 69
- Schedule 5 GAS SYSTEMS portable gas container
- s.9 Height
- s.11 Overhang
- Schedule 13 PLATE FOR RESTRICTED SPEED VEHICLE
- s.14 Connecting sections and direction-holding of articulated buses articulated bus
- s.18 Maintenance and efficiency of brakes
- s.20 General requirement as to wheels and tracks
- s.28 Tracks
- s.29 Maintenance of steering gear
- s.30 View to the front motor vehicle
- s.36 Maintenance of speedometers
- s.38 Motor cycle sidestands
- s.39 Fuel tanks
- s.40 Gas propulsion systems and gas-fired appliances
- s.41 Minibuses
- s.46 Seat belt anchorage points such place
- s.48 Maintenance of seat belts and anchorage points
- s.50 Maintenance of rear under-run protective device device fitted
- s.52 Maintenance of sideguards sideguard fitted
- s.53 Mascots
- ... and 49 more duties
Definitions 11
- Schedule 4 GAS CONTAINERS gas container gas cylinder compressed gas
- s.54 Silencers-general moped
- s.57 Noise limits construction requirements relating to motor cycles moped
- s.70 Ministry plates Ministry plate
- s.75 Maximum permitted laden weight of a vehicle air spring air suspension balanced agricultural trailer
- End-of-series exemption End-of-series exemption category N 1 class I category N 1 class II category N 1 class III
- Interpretation of regulations 10A and 10B Interpretation of regulations 10A and 10B EEA State EEA Agreement tipper
- Review of regulations 61 to 61B Review of regulations 61 to 61B
- Schedule 3A EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN VEHICLES FROM THE APPLICATION OF REGULATION 39A EEC type approval certificate engine capacity relevant authority
- Schedule 7B EMISSIONS FROM CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES a relevant test
- Turning circle—heavy motor car Turning circle—heavy motor car
Exemptions 60
- Schedule 3 BRAKING REQUIREMENTS
- Schedule 6 CONSTRUCTION OF MINIBUSES
- s.12 Minimum ground clearance
- s.15 Braking systems of certain vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1983
- s.16 Braking systems of vehicles to which regulation 15 does not apply
- s.17 Vacuum or pressure brake warning devices
- s.19 Application of brakes of trailers
- s.22 Springs and resilient material
- s.23 Wheel loads
- s.24 Tyres
- s.25 Tyre Loads and Speed Ratings
- s.26 Mixing of tyres
- s.27 Condition and maintenance of tyres
- s.31 Glass
- s.32 Glass
- s.34 Windscreen wipers and washers
- s.35 Speedometers
- s.37 Audible warning instruments
- s.42 Fire extinguishing apparatus
- s.43 First aid equipment
- ... and 40 more exemptions