UK Statutory Instrument 1986 United Kingdom

Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986

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At a glance

Enforced by

DVSA, VCA

What's here

90 compliance obligations, 8 practical guides · 6 journeys

Penalty landscape

28 of 90 obligations carry an unlimited fine. 62 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.

Who this Act binds

Business-side actors with duties under this Act, ranked by how often they appear.

  • Any Person 71
  • Manufacturer 10
  • Operator 6
  • Contractor 2

Plus 1 non-business duty on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.

Step-by-step journeys using this legislation

Walkthroughs that take you from a real business situation to compliance.

Relevant guidance

Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.

Direct — cites this Act

1 guides

Supporting — topic alignment

6 guides

Mentioned in related content

1 guides

Other Acts binding the same actors

For each actor bound by this Act, the other UK Acts that bind them most often. Useful for understanding the full compliance landscape facing each role.

Any Person also bound by 2338 other Acts (top 5 shown)
Manufacturers also bound by 472 other Acts (top 5 shown)
Operators also bound by 730 other Acts (top 5 shown)
Contractors also bound by 178 other Acts (top 5 shown)

What this Act requires

Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.

Part I — PRELIMINARY

Browse 7 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
s.001

Commencement and citation

s.003

Interpretation

s.004

Application and Exemptions

s.005

Trade Descriptions Act 1968

s.006

Compliance with Community Directives and ECE Regulations

s.modification of regulations in relation to vehicle

Modification of Regulations in relation to vehicles for which a Minister’s approval certificate has been issued under the Motor Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 1996

Part II — REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES

s.009

Height

Unlimited fine
  • Ensure buses do not exceed 4.57 metres in height Any Person
s.010

Warning devices where certain high level equipment is fitted to a vehicle

  • Equip vehicles with high-level equipment with height warning devices Any Person
s.011

Overhang

  • Ensure vehicle rear overhang does not exceed legal limits Any Person
s.028

Tracks

Unlimited fine
  • Maintain vehicle tracks to safety and road-protection standards Any Person
s.030

View to the front

Unlimited fine
  • Maintain a full and clear view of the road through the windscreen Any Person
s.036

Speed limiters

  • Fit and maintain speed limiters on buses and coaches Any Person
s.036

(1) Subject to paragraph (14) , this regulation applies to...

  • Fit and maintain speed limiters on heavy goods vehicles Any Person
s.039

FUEL

  • Ensure vehicle fuel tanks are leak-proof and meet technical standards Any Person
s.039

Fuel tanks

  • Ensure vehicle fuel tanks are leak-proof and secure Any Person
s.041

Minibuses

  • Ensure minibuses meet specific technical and safety standards Any Person
s.048

Minibuses and coaches to be fitted with additional seat belts when used in certain circumstances

  • Fit seat belts to minibuses and coaches used for organized child trips Any Person
s.053

Strength of superstructure

  • Ensure coach superstructure meets safety strength standards Any Person
s.053

Additional exits from double-decked coaches

  • Equip double-decked coaches with secondary emergency exits Any Person
s.053

Mascots

  • Ensure vehicle mascots and ornaments are safe and unlikely to cause injury Any Person
s.057

Exhaust systems motor cycles

Unlimited fine
  • Ensure motorcycle exhaust systems and silencers meet noise and marking standards Any Person
s.057

Noise limits maintenance requirements relating to motor cycles

  • Maintain motorcycle exhaust systems to comply with noise limits Any Person
s.062

Closets etc

  • Use only safe, chemically treated toilets in road vehicles Any Person
s.063

Wings

  • Equip vehicles with wings or mudguards to catch road spray Any Person
Browse 54 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
s.007

Length

s.008

Width

s.010

Indication of overall travelling height

s.013

Turning circle—buses

s.039

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), every fuel tank fitted to...

s.041

Alternative means of compliance

s.alternative means of compliance

Alternative means of compliance

s.couplings on trailer pneumatic braking systems

Couplings on trailer pneumatic braking systems

s.emission of smoke, vapour, gases, oily substances

Emission of smoke, vapour, gases, oily substances etc—further requirements for certain motor vehicles first used on or after 1st January 2001

s.end-of-series exemption

End-of-series exemption

s.interpretation of regulations 10a and 10b

Interpretation of regulations 10A and 10B

s.noise limits—certain vehicles first used on or aft

Noise limits—certain vehicles first used on or after 1st October 1996—general

s.retrofitting and refilling of certain air conditio

Retrofitting and refilling of certain air conditioning systems

s.review of regulation 18

Review of regulation 18

s.review of regulations 61 to 61b

Review of regulations 61 to 61B

s.speed limiters — authorised sealers

Speed limiters — authorised sealers

s.turning circle—articulated vehicles incorporating

Turning circle—articulated vehicles incorporating a car transporter

s.turning circle—articulated vehicles other than tho

Turning circle—articulated vehicles other than those incorporating a car transporter

s.turning circle—heavy motor car

Turning circle—heavy motor car

s.tyre noise

Tyre Noise

s.vehicles to which regulation 10a applies

Vehicles to which regulation 10A applies

Part III — PLATES, MARKINGS, TESTING AND INSPECTION

s.070

Speed limiters—plates

  • Install a speed limiter plate in the driving compartment Any Person
s.070

Plate relating to dimensions

  • Equip buses and heavy motor cars with a dimensions plate Any Person
s.071

Marking of date of manufacture of trailers

  • Stamp the year of manufacture on light trailers Manufacturer
s.073

Test date discs

  • Display a valid test date disc on goods vehicle trailers Any Person
Browse 3 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement

Part IV — CONDITIONS RELATING TO USE

s.086

Use of secondary coupling on trailers

Unlimited fine
  • Equip trailers with automatic braking or secondary coupling systems Any Person
s.086

Use of mechanical coupling devices

  • Ensure tow bars on light passenger vehicles meet European standards Any Person
s.093

Use of sidecars

  • Do not attach a sidecar to the right-hand side of a motorcycle Any Person
s.096

Use of aerodynamic devices and equipment

Unlimited fine
  • Restrict use of aerodynamic devices to specific vehicle types and positions Any Person
s.096

Use of elongated cabs

Unlimited fine
  • Ensure vehicles with elongated cabs meet specific regulations Any Person
s.101

Parking in darkness

Unlimited fine
  • Park on the correct side of the road at night Any Person
s.103

Obstruction

Unlimited fine
  • Do not leave vehicles where they cause an obstruction Any Person
s.104

Driver's control

Unlimited fine
  • Maintain full control of your vehicle and a clear view of the road Any Person
s.105

Opening of doors

Unlimited fine
  • Do not open vehicle doors so as to endanger others Any Person
s.106

Reversing

Unlimited fine
  • Do not reverse a vehicle further than necessary Any Person
s.109

Television sets

Unlimited fine
  • Ensure drivers cannot see non-essential screens or televisions Any Person
s.110

Mobile telephones

Unlimited fine
  • Do not use hand-held devices while driving or supervising Any Person
s.111

Review

Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Secretary of State must review and report on braking and vehicle regulations Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 15 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
s.additional braking requirements for motor vehicles

Additional braking requirements for motor vehicles carrying or hauling dangerous goods

s.avoidance of danger

AVOIDANCE OF DANGER

s.saving for the road vehicles (authorised weight) r

Saving for the Road Vehicles (Authorised Weight) Regulations 1998

Schedules

s.005

GAS SYSTEMS

  • Ensure vehicle gas systems and containers meet safety and design standards Any Person
s.sch003b

AUTHORISED SEALERS

  • Comply with speed limiter sealing standards and conditions Any Person
s.sch003b

When an authorised sealer has sealed a speed limiter fitted...

  • Supply a compliance plate after sealing a speed limiter Any Person
s.sch003b

An authorised sealer shall comply with the conditions set out...

  • Authorised sealers must comply with DVSA/VCA sealing conditions Contractor
s.sch003b

An authorised sealer shall not— (a) seal a speed limiter...

  • Do not seal a speed limiter unless it meets regulatory requirements Any Person
s.sch003b

When sealing a speed limiter fitted to a vehicle to...

  • Seal speed limiters to meet performance requirements Contractor
s.sch003b

When sealing a speed limiter fitted to a vehicle to...

  • Authorised sealers must seal speed limiters correctly Any Person
s.sch003b

When an authorised sealer has sealed a speed limiter fitted...

  • Supply speed limiter plate to vehicle owner after sealing Any Person
s.sch005

(1) Every pipeline shall be fixed in such a manner...

  • Ensure road vehicle pipelines are safely installed and meet material standards Any Person
s.sch005a

HYDROGEN FUELLED MACHINERY

  • Ensure hydrogen-fuelled machinery meets safety and design standards Manufacturer
s.sch005a

Fuelling receptacle

  • Fit and maintain a compliant fuelling receptacle on hydrogen vehicles Any Person
s.sch005a

Discharge from thermally-activated pressure relief devices

  • Ensure hydrogen pressure relief discharge is properly directed and vent line capped Any Person
s.sch005a

Discharge from other pressure relief devices

  • Control hydrogen discharge from non-thermal pressure relief devices in vehicles Any Person
s.sch005a

Protection against flammable conditions

  • Prevent hydrogen leaks and flammable conditions in hydrogen-fuelled vehicles Manufacturer
s.sch005a

Fuel system leakage

  • Ensure hydrogen fuel system does not leak and verify with pressure test Any Person
s.sch012

Attendants

  • Employ an attendant for certain heavy vehicles or trailers Operator
s.sch012

Marking of longer projections

  • Fit markers on projecting loads of vehicles Operator
s.schedule n17 para.5

(1) The motor vehicle and trailer must have a total...

  • Ensure vehicle-trailer has at least 6 axles and total weight ≤44,000kg Operator
s.schedule n17 para.8

(1) The articulated vehicle must have a total of at...

  • Ensure articulated vehicle has at least 6 axles and does not exceed weight limit Operator
Browse 130 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
s.sch002a

VEHICLES FOR WHICH A MINISTER'S APPROVAL CERTIFICATE HAS BEEN ISSUED UNDER THE MOTOR VEHICLES (APPROVAL) REGULATIONS 1996

s.sch002a

General Interpretation

s.sch002a

Modification to regulation 67 (vehicle identification numbers)

s.sch002a

Interpretation of references to a vehicle complying with the approval requirements and to a vehicle exempt from the approval requirements

s.sch002a

Part exemption from regulation 32 (glazing)

s.sch002a

Exemption from regulation 33 (mirrors)

s.sch002a

Exemption from regulation 35 (speedometers)

s.sch002a

Exemption from regulation 39(2)(c)(i) (fuel tanks to be made of metal)

s.sch002a

Exemption from regulation 46 (seat belt anchorages)

s.sch002a

Part exemption from regulation 47 (seat belts)

s.sch002a

Modifications to regulation 61 (emissions)

s.sch002a

Paragraphs (10A), (10AA) and (10BA) of regulation 61 shall not...

s.sch002a

Modifications to regulation 61A (emissions)

s.sch002a

Modification to regulation 61B (retrofitting and refilling of certain air conditioning systems)

s.sch003

The braking requirements referred to in regulation 16(4) are set...

s.sch003

For the purposes of requirement 3 in the Table, in...

s.sch003

For the purpose of requirements 4 and 6 in the...

s.sch003

For the purpose of requirements 4, 9 and 14 in...

s.sch003

In this Schedule a “multi-pull means of operation” means a...

s.sch003a

EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN VEHICLES FROM THE APPLICATION OF REGULATION 39A

s.sch003a

(1) In this Part — “ EEC type approval certificate”...

s.sch003a

A vehicle of a description specified in column 2 of...

s.sch003a

The conditions referred to in paragraph 2 are —

s.sch003b

The Secretary of State may authorise— (a) an individual proposing...

s.sch003b

An authorised sealer may charge for sealing a speed limiter....

s.sch003b

The Secretary of State may at any time withdraw an...

s.sch003b

(1) An authorisation under this Schedule in respect of an...

s.sch005

In this Schedule— “check valve” means a device which permits...

s.sch005

(1) Every gas propulsion system shall be so designed and...

s.sch005

In the case of a bus there shall be fitted...

s.sch005

Every part of a gas-fired appliance shall be—

s.sch005

Every gas-fired appliance shall be— (a) so located as to...

s.sch005

With the exception of catalytic heating appliances, every appliance of...

s.sch005

Every part of a gas propulsion system or a gas-fired...

s.sch005

(1) Every gas container shall— (a) be capable of withstanding...

s.sch005

(1) Every connection for filling a fixed gas container shall...

s.sch005

(1) Every union and joint on a pipeline or gas...

s.sch005

Every reducing valve shall be made of suitable materials and...

s.sch005

(1) Every pressure relief valve which is fitted to any...

s.sch005

(1) A valve or cock shall be fitted to every...

s.sch005

Every gauge connected to a gas container or to a...

s.sch005a

Definitions

s.sch005a

Overpressure protection for the low pressure system

s.sch005a

Signal warning to driver

s.sch005a

Additional installation requirements

s.sch006

Exhaust pipes

s.sch006

Electrical equipment and wiring

s.sch006

Fuel tanks

s.sch006

Lighting of steps

s.sch006

General construction and maintenance

s.sch006

Definitions

s.sch006

Doors—number and position

s.sch006

Emergency Doors

s.sch006

Power-operated doors

s.sch006

Locks, handles and hinges of doors

s.sch006

View of doors

s.sch006

Access to doors

s.sch006

Grab handles and hand rails

s.sch006

Seats

s.sch007a

MOTOR CYCLE NOISE AND MOTOR CYCLE SILENCERS

s.sch007a

(1) For the purposes of these Regulations a vehicle meets...

s.sch007a

The requirements of this paragraph are that the silencer—

s.sch007a

The requirements of this paragraph are that the silencer—

s.sch007a

The requirements of this paragraph are that the silencer—

s.sch007a

In this Part of this Schedule— (a) “British Standard BS...

s.sch007a

Paragraph (4) of regulation 57A shall not apply to a...

s.sch007a

In this Part of this Schedule, “corresponding standard”, in relation...

s.sch007a

A reference in this part of this Schedule to a...

s.sch007a

In this Part of this Schedule, “British Standard BS AU...

s.sch007b

EMISSIONS FROM CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES

s.sch007b

This Part of this Schedule applies to a vehicle if,...

s.sch007b

This Part of this Schedule also applies to a vehicle...

s.sch007b

For the purposes of paragraph 1 of this Part of...

s.sch007b

For the purposes of paragraph 2(a) of this Part of...

s.sch007b

For the purposes of this Part of this Schedule, in...

s.sch007b

For the purposes of this Part of this Schedule an...

s.sch007b

For the purposes of this Part of this Schedule, the...

s.sch007b

In this Part of this Schedule— (a) a reference to...

s.sch007b

(1) This Part of this Schedule applies to a vehicle...

s.sch007b

In this Part of this Schedule— (a) “coefficient of absorption”...

s.sch007xa

END OF SERIES EXEMPTIONS

s.sch007xa

Modification of regulations 55A, 61 and 61A

s.sch007xa

Circumstances in which a vehicle is to be regarded as having been in the territory of a relevant state for the purposes of this Part

s.sch007xa

Meaning of “relevant period” for the purposes of this Part

s.sch007xa

Meaning of “late entry into service vehicle” in paragraph 1

s.sch007xa

Circumstances in which a vehicle is to be regarded as having been in the territory of a relevant state for the purposes of this Part

s.sch007xa

Meaning of “type approval end of series vehicle” for the purposes of paragraph 1

s.sch007xa

Meaning of “relevant vehicle” for the purposes of this Part

s.sch007xa

Meaning of “specified number” for the purposes of this Part

s.sch007xa

Circumstances in which a vehicle is to be regarded as having been in the territory of a relevant state for the purposes of this Part

s.sch007xa

Meaning of “relevant period” for the purposes of this Part

s.sch007xa

Meaning of “non-type approval end of series vehicle” in paragraph 1

s.sch007xa

Meaning of “relevant vehicle” for the purposes of this Part

s.sch007xa

Meaning of “specified number” for the purposes of this Part

s.sch008

The power of an engine, which is to be shown...

s.sch008

(1) Subject to paragraph 3A, the weights to be shown...

s.sch008

Subject to paragraph 3A, the weights to be shown on...

s.sch008

In the case of a vehicle— (a) which complies with...

s.sch008

(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) of this paragraph weights on...

s.sch008

All letters and figures shown on the plate shall be...

s.sch008

In this Schedule references to the manufacturer of a motor...

s.sch009

The plate required by regulation 69 shall be firmly attached...

s.sch009

The plate shall be in the form shown in the...

s.sch009

The information on the plate shall be shown in characters...

s.sch009

No information, other than that provided for in the diagram...

s.sch009

In this Schedule and, in respect of the definition of...

s.sch009

A motor cycle shall regarded as complying with paragraph (c)...

s.sch011

The maximum permitted laden weight of a two or three...

s.sch011

Subject to paragraph 2, the maximum permitted gross weight of...

s.sch011

In the case of a vehicle to which this Part...

s.sch011

In the case of a vehicle to which this Part...

s.sch012

Advance notice to Police

s.sch012

Marking of shorter projections

s.sch012

Marking of wide loads

s.sch013

A vehicle displays a plate in accordance with the requirements...

s.schedule n17 para.1

Regulation 76 does not apply to a wheeled heavy motor...

s.schedule n17 para.2

Regulation 77 does not apply to an articulated vehicle if...

s.schedule n17 para.3

(1) The drawing vehicle and trailer must be carrying a...

s.schedule n17 para.4

The following conditions must be satisfied in relation to the...

s.schedule n17 para.6

(1) The motor vehicle comprised in the articulated vehicle must...

s.schedule n17 para.7

The following conditions must be satisfied in relation to the...

s.schedule n17 para.9

(1) In this Schedule— “bi–modal vehicle” means a semi–trailer which...

s.schedule n1 para.2a

Regulations 75, 76, 77 and 78 do not apply to...

s.schedule n1 para.8a

(1) The requirements of paragraph 6 are fulfilled.

Other sections — not classified into a Part

These sections sit outside the numbered Parts — usually provisions added or moved by later amendments.

Browse 11 other sections
sch. 4 para. 2

Heat treatment

sch. 4 para. 9

Trailers

s.exceptions relating to intermodal transport operat

Exceptions relating to intermodal transport operations

s.ministry plate

MINISTRY PLATE

Read the full Act on legislation.gov.uk (opens in a new tab)

Official guidance

Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.

Enforcement and responsible bodies

The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.

DVSA

Primary

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency

Regulates drivers, vehicles, and operators in UK road transport. Issues operator licences for goods vehicles (HGVs) and PSVs. Enforces roadworthiness and driver …

VCA

Vehicle Certification Agency

Type approval authority for new vehicles, components, and systems. Certifies that vehicles meet safety and environmental standards. Issues UK type approvals replacing …

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