UPDATED VEHICLE DEFECT GUIDE

When an approved constable or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiner finds a defect that affects roadworthiness whether during an MOT test or when they stop a vehicle at the roadside there are various actions that they can take including issuing immediate and delayed prohibition notices.

What action is taken will depend on the severity of the defect, official guidance on categorizing vehicle defects and the action to take is provided in an official guide for inspectors produced by the DVSA.

While the guide is primarily aimed at those inspecting vehicles it is also made available publicly available so that vehicle owners, operators and drivers can become more aware of the DVSA’s standards.

This guide has recently been updated to include the following changes

• the introduction of tyre pressure measurement at the roadside for single fitment tyres
• engine malfunction indicator lamp defects and additional notes for emission control system faults
• extra notes for assessing lighting defects and number plates
• updates to indirect vision devices
• new defects for modified seatbelts

You can download the full guide from the GOV.UK website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/categorisation-of-defects