DVSA Issue Revised Guidance on the Categorisation of Defects on Vehicles

The DVSA periodically revise their publication on the Categorisation of Defects, with the last update published on 1st September 2022.  This revision gives a total of 29 revisions to the various checks that DVSA officers would be expected to carry out during any roadside checks they undertake.  As well as updating the various defects, the publication also details out the type of action that the DVSA is likely to take upon discovery of such defects.

Key Areas

The key areas that have seen the most changes are, "Load Security" where changes include updates to suitable securing mechanisms for paper reels, skips and containers and for "Light Vehicles" where there are new load security defects for items being carried directly on the roof panel and similarly for insecure loads on a roof rack.  The section on PSV includes a change to the defect advice on an inoperative PSV accessibility ramp or lift safety device, and the motorcycle section has changed to tyre tread depth, re-cut treads and brake fluid leaks.

As an illustration of the type of changes in the section on "security of body, containers and crane support legs", the defect "insecure load" has had "load appears safe but not secured in accordance with published guidelines" added and the action that the DVSA would take in such an instance would be an "immediate prohibition" on the vehicle.  The same action would be taken on "security of load" where a new defect of "loose tyres carried in a curtain-sider" has been added.

The document is comprehensive, but helpfully the DVSA has marked all the new additions with black lines in the sections and provided a table of all the changes at the end of the document, which can be accessed by clicking here.

In a world where the cost of having vehicles off the road for even a short period of time can be extremely high and possibly give cause for further regulatory action by the authorities, it pays to ensure your fleet and employees are fully aware of the changes and the associated responsibilities.  If this is something you need assistance or advice on, then please do not hesitate to call 01279 818280 or click here to send an email.  Our team of expert lawyers are here to help.