Revised Guidance On Categorisation Of Vehicle Defects

22nd August 2022

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has issued guidance on how they categorise vehicle defects in roadside checks has been published today.

This guide outlines the actions we take when we find roadworthiness defects during vehicle inspections.

We will enforce the new rules from 1 September 2022.

Load security
Individual defects have been added and updated in the load security section. This will make defects clearer for operators, drivers, and examiners, to help identify and rectify issues.

The changes include updates to suitable securing mechanisms for paper reels, skips and containers.

For light vehicles, there are new load security defects for items being carried directly on the roof panel and insecure loads on a roof rack.

What else has changed?
There is an updated defect for an inoperative PSV accessibility ramp or lift safety device.

We have also updated the motorcycle section on tyre tread depth, re-cut tread and brake fluid leaks.

There is a full change table in the last section of the manual.

Read the revised categorisation of defects document