UK Statutory Instrument SI 2003 United Kingdom

Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003

Read it on legislation.gov.uk (opens in a new tab)
Enforced by
National Highways
Status
In Force
Penalty ceiling
Regulated

Does it bind you?

Business-side roles with duties under this instrument.

Any Person38 Operator21 Employer2 Manufacturer1 Contractor1 Applicant1

Other Acts binding the same actors

If a role above is yours, these are the other instruments that most often bind it.

Any Person — also bound by 2340 other Acts
Operator — also bound by 746 other Acts
Employer — also bound by 682 other Acts
TULRCA 1992 72 duties
Manufacturer — also bound by 502 other Acts
Contractor — also bound by 173 other Acts
Applicant — also bound by 307 other Acts

What it requires

Regulations creating concrete business duties or carrying penalties, grouped as the instrument is structured. Titles link to the source text — blue means you’re leaving for legislation.gov.uk.

Part 1

GENERAL

0 of 9 sections shown
9 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.art001 Citation and commencement
s.art002 Revocation
s.art003 Interpretation: general
s.art004 Interpretation: vehicles and their measurement
s.art005 Interpretation: lateral projections of loads and their measurement
s.art006 Interpretation: forward or rearward projections of loads and their measurement
s.art007 Interpretation: axles, wheels, axle weights and wheel weights
s.art008 Application of this Order
s.art009 Authorisation of particular vehicles falling within recognised category of special vehicles
Part 2

SPECIAL VEHICLES FOR HAULAGE, LIFTING, ENGINEERING AND VEHICLE RECOVERY

0 of 9 sections shown
9 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.art010 Part 2 vehicles and Part 2 vehicle-combinations: recognised categories and defined terms
s.art011 Part 2 vehicles and Part 2 vehicle-combinations: authorisation requirements
s.art012 Length: police notification and attendants
s.art013 Forward and rearward projections: police notification
s.art014 Forward and rearward projections: attendants
s.art015 Width and lateral projections: police notification, Secretary of State notification and attendants
s.art016 Visibility and marking of forward, rearward and lateral projections of loads
s.art017 Weight: police notification and road and bridge authority notification and indemnity
s.art018 Use on bridges
Part 3

SPECIAL VEHICLES FOR AGRICULTURE

1 of 9 sections shown
s.art024 Width: police notification and attendants Regulated
  • Notify police and provide attendants for wide agricultural vehiclesAny Person
8 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.art019 Agricultural vehicles: recognised categories and defined terms
s.art020 Agricultural vehicles: authorisation requirements
s.art021 General requirements as to construction and use
s.art022 Restrictions on towing of trailers
s.art023 Forward and rearward projections: police notification, Secretary of State notification and attendants
s.art025 Visibility and marking of forward, rearward and lateral projections
s.art026 Track-laying agricultural motor vehicles: road and bridge authority notification and indemnity
s.art027 Track-laying agricultural motor vehicles: use on bridges
Part 4

OTHER SPECIAL VEHICLES REQUIRING NOTIFICATIONS OR ATTENDANTS

1 of 21 sections shown
s.art030 Motor vehicles or trailers carrying loads of exceptional width: restrictions on width and speed Regulated
  • Do not exceed 6.1m width or speed limits for exceptional-width loadsOperator
20 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.art028 Motor vehicles or trailers carrying loads of exceptional width: recognised category
s.art029 Motor vehicles or trailers carrying loads of exceptional width: authorisation requirements
s.art031 Motor vehicles or trailers carrying loads of exceptional width: requirements as to width
s.art032 Local excavation vehicles: recognised category
s.art033 Local excavation vehicles: authorisation requirements
s.art034 Local excavation vehicles: requirements as to width
s.art035 Local excavation vehicles: requirements as to weight
s.art036 Vehicles for tests, trials or non-UK use etc: recognised category
s.art037 Vehicles for tests, trials or non-UK use etc: authorisation requirements
s.art038 Vehicles for tests, trials or non-UK use etc: requirements as to length
s.art039 Vehicles for tests, trials or non-UK use etc: requirements as to width
s.art040 Vehicles for tests, trials or non-UK use etc: requirements as to weight
s.art041 Track-laying vehicles: recognised category
s.art042 Track-laying vehicles: authorisation requirements
s.art043 Track-laying vehicles: restrictions on use
s.art044 Track-laying vehicles: consent of road authorities
s.art045 Straddle carriers: recognised category
s.art046 Straddle carriers: authorisation requirements
s.art047 Straddle carriers: restrictions on use, speed and width
s.art048 Straddle carriers: requirements as to length
Part 5

MISCELLANEOUS SPECIAL VEHICLES

2 of 15 sections shown
s.art061 Longer semi-trailers – requirements relating to route plans and risk assessments Regulated
  • Use longer semi-trailers only on established routes with written route plan and risk assessmentOperator
s.art062 Longer semi-trailers – notification of operation for monitoring and evaluation purposes Regulated
  • Notify National Highways before first use of a longer semi-trailerOperator
13 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.art049 Vehicles with moveable platforms
s.art050 Pedestrian-controlled road maintenance vehicles
s.art051 Motor vehicles used for cutting grass or trimming hedges
s.art052 Trailers used for cutting grass or trimming hedges
s.art053 Operational military vehicles
s.art054 Track-laying vehicles belonging to Royal National Lifeboat Institution
s.art055 Highway testing vehicles
s.art056 Vehicles propelled by natural gas
s.art057 Longer semi-trailers
s.art058 Longer semi-trailers – legislation which applies as authorisation requirements
s.art059 Longer semi-trailers – length requirements
s.art060 Longer semi-trailers – other construction requirements
s.art063 Longer semi-trailers - application of section 53(1) and (2) of the 1988 Act
Schedules

Schedules

60 of 186 shown
s.sch001 An AILV must not be used on roads for, or... Regulated
  • Do not use AILV for loads that fit standard compliant vehiclesAny Person
s.sch001 (1) Except as stated in paragraph 19, an AILV that... Regulated
  • Use AILV only for abnormal loads or exceptional width loadsOperator
s.sch001 (1) Except as stated in paragraph 19, an AILV that... Regulated
  • Use AILV only for towing another AILV trailer under width conditionsAny Person
s.sch001 (1) An AILV or AILV-combination must not exceed the maximum... Regulated
  • Do not exceed 6.1 metres overall width (including load projections) for AILV vehiclesOperator
s.sch001 (1) The maximum length of an AILV or AILV-combination used... Regulated
  • Ensure abnormal load vehicle does not exceed 30m maximum lengthAny Person
s.sch001 No AILV or AILV-combination may exceed the restrictions as to... Regulated
  • Do not exceed weight limits for Category 3 AILVsAny Person
s.sch001 (1) The total weight of any Category 1 AILV carrying... Regulated
  • Keep your Category 1 abnormal load vehicle within legal weight limitsOperator
s.sch001 (1) The total weight of— (a) any Category 1 AILV... Regulated
  • Ensure Category 1 AILVs carrying loads distribute weight across 5+ axles and comply with axle weight limitsAny Person
s.sch001 (1) The total weight of— (a) any Category 2 AILV... Regulated
  • Do not exceed the maximum weight limit for Category 2 AILVs carrying a loadOperator
s.sch001 (1) The total weight of— (a) any Category 3 AILV... Regulated
  • Ensure your Category 3 AILV does not exceed 150,000 kg total weightAny Person
s.sch001 (1) An AILV falling within Category 2 or 3 must... Regulated
  • Do not exceed speed limits for abnormal indivisible loadsAny Person
s.sch001 Any AILV or AILV-combination falling within Category 2 or 3... Regulated
  • Ensure your AILV meets construction, use and lighting regulationsAny Person
s.sch002 (1) Any mobile crane that is used on roads must... Regulated
  • Do not carry loads or transport goods with a mobile crane on roadsOperator
s.sch002 A mobile crane must not tow any trailer. Regulated
  • Do not tow any trailer with a mobile craneOperator
s.sch002 The overall width of a mobile crane, together with the... Regulated
  • Keep mobile crane width within 6.1 metres including load projectionsOperator
s.sch002 The overall length of a mobile crane, together with any... Regulated
  • Mobile crane overall length must not exceed 30 metres (including load projections)Any Person
s.sch002 (1) For a Category C mobile crane, the maximum axle... Regulated
  • Ensure Category C mobile crane plate weight limits are not exceededAny Person
s.sch002 (1) A mobile crane falling within Category A, B or... Regulated
  • Obey speed limits for mobile cranes on motorways and dual carriagewaysAny Person
s.sch002 (1) A Category A mobile crane must comply with— Regulated
  • Ensure Category A mobile crane meets regulatory standardsOperator
s.sch002 (1) A Category B or C mobile crane must comply... Regulated
  • Ensure Category B or C mobile crane complies with Construction and Use and Lighting RegulationsAny Person
s.sch003 (1) Engineering plant which is used on roads must not—... Regulated
  • Do not carry loads or lift goods with engineering plant on roadsAny Person
s.sch003 (1) Except as stated in sub-paragraph (2), engineering plant must... Regulated
  • Engineering plant must not tow a trailer unless exemptedAny Person
s.sch003 The overall width of engineering plant, together with the width... Regulated
  • Don't exceed 6.1 metres width for engineering plant (including load projections)Operator
s.sch003 The overall length of engineering plant (or of any vehicle-combination... Regulated
  • Ensure engineering plant or vehicle-combination length does not exceed 30 metresOperator
s.sch003 (1) The gross weight of engineering plant, together with the... Regulated
  • Ensure engineering plant gross weight does not exceed 150 tonnesAny Person
s.sch003 (1) This paragraph applies to determine the maximum weight that... Regulated
  • Ensure engineering plant does not exceed wheel and strip weight limitsAny Person
s.sch003 (1) This paragraph applies to determine the maximum weight that... Regulated
  • Keep track weight within legal limits for engineering plant on roadsAny Person
s.sch003 (1) Unless paragraph 21 applies, engineering plant must not travel... Regulated
  • Do not exceed speed limits when driving engineering plant on roadsAny Person
s.sch003 (1) Engineering plant, or a vehicle-combination that includes engineering plant,... Regulated
  • Obey speed limits for engineering plant on roadsOperator
s.sch003 Engineering plant, or a vehicle-combination that includes engineering plant, which... Regulated
  • Comply with vehicle regulations for engineering plant in Categories 1-3Any Person
s.sch003 (1) Slow plant must comply with— (a) the Construction and... Regulated
  • Ensure slow plant complies with Construction and Use and Lighting RegulationsAny Person
s.sch003 (1) Any wheel of engineering plant which is not fitted... Regulated
  • Fit smooth tyres on engineering plant wheels without pneumatic tyresOperator
s.sch003 Engineering plant must not be used on roads for, or... Regulated
  • Do not use engineering plant on roads if a standard vehicle can do the jobAny Person
s.sch004 The gross weight of a road recovery vehicle must not... Regulated
  • Do not exceed maximum gross weight for road recovery vehiclesOperator
s.sch004 (1) A road recovery vehicle must not, at any time... Regulated
  • Do not exceed speed limits when carrying or towing a disabled vehicleAny Person
s.sch004 A road recovery vehicle must comply with— Regulated
  • Ensure road recovery vehicle meets three specific legal standardsEmployer
s.sch004 (1) A road recovery vehicle must not carry or tow... Regulated
  • Do not carry or tow loads in a road recovery vehicleEmployer
s.sch004 (1) Except as stated in sub-paragraph (2), a road recovery... Regulated
  • Limit towing distance when using drawbar or lift-and-tow methodAny Person
s.sch004 (1) At any time when a disabled vehicle or vehicle-combination... Regulated
  • Use only approved brake connection points when towing disabled vehiclesOperator
s.sch004 A road recovery vehicle must not tow a disabled vehicle... Regulated
  • Do not exceed the maximum train weight when towingContractor
s.sch006 (1) A person may be employed as an attendant only... Regulated
  • Ensure attendants have appropriate training and are informed of risksAny Person
s.sch007 (1) If, following an application under paragraph 1, the Secretary... Regulated
  • Carry consent document and comply with conditions during special-type vehicle movementsApplicant
s.sch010 (1) The axle weight for a local excavation vehicle— Regulated
  • Ensure local excavation vehicle axle weight does not exceed limitsAny Person
s.sch010 (1) A local excavation vehicle must not travel at speeds... Regulated
  • Do not exceed speed limits for local excavation vehiclesAny Person
s.sch010 (1) A local excavation vehicle must comply with— Regulated
  • Ensure local excavation vehicle complies with Construction and Use, Weight, and Lighting RegulationsAny Person
s.sch010 (1) A local excavation vehicle must not carry any load... Regulated
  • Do not carry any load on your local excavation vehicle except necessary gearAny Person
s.sch010 (1) This paragraph applies to a motor vehicle towing a... Regulated
  • Do not tow additional trailers with local excavation vehiclesAny Person
s.sch010 The overall width of a local excavation vehicle must not... Regulated
  • Keep local excavation vehicle width at or below 6.1 metresAny Person
s.sch010 The overall length of a local excavation vehicle must not... Regulated
  • Ensure local excavation vehicle does not exceed legal length limitsOperator
s.sch010 (1) The gross weight of a local excavation vehicle— Regulated
  • Do not exceed weight limits for local excavation vehiclesOperator
s.sch011 A relevant vehicle must not be used in such a... Regulated
  • Do not use a relevant vehicle in a way that could cause injuryAny Person
s.sch011 (1) A relevant vehicle that is used on roads must... Regulated
  • Do not carry loads or goods in a relevant vehicle on roads (subject to exceptions)Any Person
s.sch011 (1) A relevant vehicle must comply with— Regulated
  • Ensure relevant vehicles comply with construction, weight and lighting regulationsAny Person
s.sch012 (1) Every gas propulsion system must be so designed and... Regulated
  • Design and fit gas propulsion systems with automatic safety valvesManufacturer
s.sch012 (1) Any regulator fitted must be designed so that— Regulated
  • Ensure gas regulators are correctly designed, marked, and installedAny Person
s.sch012 (1) Where a trailer is used for the carriage of... Regulated
  • Fit and maintain gas system articulating connectors meeting safety standardsAny Person
s.sch012 (1) The owner of any vehicle (or, if it is... Regulated
  • Have gas containers tested every three yearsAny Person
s.sch012 (1) A gas container must— (a) be suitable to be... Regulated
  • Ensure gas containers on your vehicle meet safety, marking, and installation requirementsAny Person
s.sch012 (1) Every gas container must be provided with a suitable... Regulated
  • Fit and maintain a compliant pressure relief device on gas containers in your vehicleOperator
s.sch012 (1) Every pipeline must be fixed in such a manner... Regulated
  • Ensure gas pipelines on vehicles are securely fixed and meet safety standardsOperator
126 other schedules
s.sch001 In this Schedule— “AILV” means an abnormal indivisible load vehicle...
s.sch001 (1) The requirements of paragraphs 2.2.1.22 and 2.2.2.13 of Annex...
s.sch001 For the purposes of Type I tests conducted, in accordance...
s.sch001 The requirements of paragraph 2.1.3.2 of Annex II to Council...
s.sch001 (1) An AILV falling within Category 2 or 3 must...
s.sch001 Where an AlLV-combination consists of two or more modules, each...
s.sch001 (1) Each AILV or AILV-combination must be fitted with—
s.sch001 At any time when an AILV-combination consisting of two or...
s.sch001 In this Order “abnormal indivisible load” means a load that...
s.sch001 (1) An AILV or AILV-combination may carry only one abnormal...
s.sch001 (1) If the conditions specified in sub-paragraph (2) are satisfied,...
s.sch001 (1) If the conditions specified in sub-paragraph (2) are satisfied,...
s.sch001 An AILV, or AILV-combination, that falls within Category 1 or...
s.sch001 (1) An AILV falling within Category 1 must not exceed...
s.sch001 In this Order “abnormal indivisible load vehicle” means a vehicle...
s.sch001 (1) The total weight of— (a) any Category 2 AILV...
s.sch001 (1) The total weight of— (a) any Category 3 AILV...
s.sch001 Any AILV or AILV-combination falling within Category 1 must, unless...
s.sch001 Instead of paragraphs 35 and 36, article 18(2)(p) of the...
s.sch001 (1) For the purposes of this Schedule, an AILV or...
s.sch001 An AILV must be a wheeled vehicle.
s.sch001 Every wheel of an AILV must be fitted with a...
s.sch001 Paragraphs 8 to 12 apply to any AILV or AILV-combination...
s.sch001 (1) An AILV or AILV-combination must have a braking system...
s.sch001 (1) The following modifications apply for the purposes of each...
s.sch002 In this Schedule— “Goods Vehicles Type Approval Regulations” means the...
s.sch002 (1) The requirements of paragraphs 2.2.1.22 and 2.2.2.13 of Annex...
s.sch002 For the purposes of Type I tests conducted, in accordance...
s.sch002 The requirements of paragraph 2.1.3.2 of Annex II to Council...
s.sch002 (1) A mobile crane that is specially adapted for the...
s.sch002 A warning beacon emitting an amber light must be fitted...
s.sch002 (1) A mobile crane must be equipped with a plate...
s.sch002 (1) Where, in accordance with regulation 66 (plates for goods...
s.sch002 (1) In this paragraph “qualified person” means—
s.sch002 Any additional plate that is specially fitted to a vehicle...
s.sch002 A mobile crane may only be used on roads for—...
s.sch002 (1) In this Order “mobile crane” means a motor vehicle...
s.sch002 A mobile crane that has an overall width exceeding 3...
s.sch002 (1) When a mobile crane is used on roads, the...
s.sch002 A mobile crane may carry its own necessary gear and...
s.sch002 A mobile crane may lift or transport goods or burden...
s.sch002 No mobile crane may exceed any of the restrictions as...
s.sch002 No mobile crane may exceed— (a) any of the maximum...
s.sch002 (1) For the purposes of this Schedule, a mobile crane...
s.sch002 (1) For a Category A mobile crane, the maximum axle...
s.sch002 (1) For a Category B mobile crane, the maximum axle...
s.sch002 A mobile crane must be a wheeled vehicle.
s.sch002 Every wheel of a mobile crane must be fitted with...
s.sch002 A mobile crane must have suspension on all axles.
s.sch002 A mobile crane must be fitted with—
s.sch002 (1) A mobile crane is to be treated as being...
s.sch002 (1) The following modifications apply for the purposes of each...
s.sch003 In this Schedule— “Goods Vehicles Type Approval Regulations” means the...
s.sch003 Engineering plant which has an overall width exceeding 3 metres...
s.sch003 Engineering plant may carry its own necessary gear and equipment....
s.sch003 (1) This paragraph applies at any time when engineering plant...
s.sch003 (1) In this Order “engineering plant” means any moveable plant...
s.sch003 (1) This paragraph— (a) applies to any engineering plant that...
s.sch003 Nothing in this Schedule is to be taken to authorise...
s.sch003 (1) This paragraph applies to any slow plant that is...
s.sch003 (1) This paragraph applies to any slow plant that is...
s.sch003 (1) This paragraph applies to any slow plant that is...
s.sch003 (1) This paragraph applies to any slow plant that is...
s.sch003 Engineering plant must be a wheeled vehicle, a track-laying vehicle...
s.sch003 Engineering plant which has wheels and may (in accordance with...
s.sch003 Engineering plant that is designed and constructed to operate on...
s.sch003 (1) Any other engineering plant must be fitted with—
s.sch003 Engineering plant may only be used on roads for—
s.sch004 (1) In this Order “road recovery vehicle” means a vehicle...
s.sch004 (1) When a road recovery vehicle is used on roads,...
s.sch004 (1) The overall width of a road recovery vehicle must...
s.sch004 (1) The overall length of a road recovery vehicle must...
s.sch004 (1) The distance between any two adjacent axles of a...
s.sch004 (1) If a road recovery vehicle has only one front...
s.sch004 (1) A road recovery vehicle must be a wheeled vehicle....
s.sch004 A warning beacon emitting an amber light must be fitted...
s.sch004 A road recovery vehicle must be equipped with a plate...
s.sch004 A road recovery vehicle may carry its own necessary gear...
s.sch005 In this Schedule “single rigid unit”, in relation to a...
s.sch005 (1) A notice must be given to the chief officer...
s.sch005 The notice must be in a form acceptable to the...
s.sch005 (1) The notice must contain— (a) a list of all...
s.sch005 Except as stated in paragraph 6 or 7, the vehicle...
s.sch005 Paragraph 5 does not apply to the extent required to...
s.sch005 (1) This paragraph applies in relation to the use on...
s.sch006 (1) A person (“an attendant”) must be employed—
s.sch006 (1) In a case where a journey is made by...
s.sch006 (1) A person employed by virtue of paragraph 1 must...
s.sch007 (1) An application for the consent of the Secretary of...
s.sch008 In this Schedule— “end marker” means a marker fitted to...
s.sch008 Between sunset and sunrise, and at all times when visibility...
s.sch008 Paragraphs 3 to 6 apply cumulatively.
s.sch008 Where the length of a forward or rearward projection of...
s.sch008 (1) Where the length of a forward or rearward projection...
s.sch008 (1) Where the length of a forward or rearward projection...
s.sch008 (1) This paragraph applies where any relevant vehicle is carrying...
s.sch008 (1) This paragraph applies where— (a) any relevant vehicle is...
s.sch008 (1) If the user of the vehicle shows that it...
s.sch008 Any end marker or side marker which is required by...
s.sch009 (1) In this Schedule “the authority” means—
s.sch009 (1) A notice must be given to—
s.sch009 The notice must be in a form acceptable to the...
s.sch009 (1) The notice must contain— (a) a list of all...
s.sch009 (1) This paragraph applies in relation to the use on...
s.sch009 (1) An indemnity under this Part of this Schedule may...
s.sch009 An indemnity is given in accordance with this Part of...
s.sch010 (1) In this Schedule “local excavation vehicle” means any moveable...
s.sch010 (1) In the case of a local excavation vehicle that...
s.sch010 Every wheel of a local excavation vehicle must be fitted...
s.sch010 (1) A local excavation vehicle may only be used on...
s.sch010 (1) A local excavation vehicle that is a heavy motor...
s.sch011 In this Schedule “relevant vehicle” means any motor vehicle or...
s.sch011 (1) In their application to a relevant vehicle, regulations 18...
s.sch011 A relevant vehicle may only be used on roads for—...
s.sch011 Paragraph 2 does not apply in relation to a relevant...
s.sch011 A relevant vehicle may carry— (a) its own necessary gear...
s.sch011 (1) A relevant vehicle may carry a load if it...
s.sch011 In their application to a relevant vehicle, the Construction and...
s.sch012 In this Schedule— “an accredited testing laboratory” means a testing...
s.sch012 In the case of a large bus there must be...
s.sch012 (1) Every vehicle which is equipped to be fuelled by...
s.sch012 Every part of the gas system must—
s.sch012 (1) This paragraph applies to any container for gas which...
s.sch012 (1) Any gas container must be capable of being isolated...
s.sch012 (1) Every union and joint on a pipeline or gas...
s.sch012 (1) Any filling connector for the refuelling of the vehicle...

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