The UK’s Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revised its guidance on how it categorises vehicle defects in roadside checks.

The revision was published on 6 January, 2021 and outlines the actions the DVSA takes when roadworthiness defects are found during vehicle inspections. The changed rules will be enforced from 1 February, 2021.

What’s changed

The banning of tyres aged over 10 years on the front axles of lorries, buses, coaches and all single wheels of minibuses (9 to 16 passenger seats) from 1 February, 2021 is covered in the revisions. Additional notes on dash mounted tables, laptops, tablets and mobile phones have been added to issues affecting the view of the road. Other updated sections include: brakes, lamps, steering control and suspension.

The revision record has also been updated, which identifies all the changes in this guide.

Changes to heavy vehicle Annual Test inspection manuals

Ahead of the ban on tyres over 10 years old, the DVSA has also published changes to the Annual Test inspection manuals for passenger service vehicles and heavy goods vehicles. Section 8 of the updated documents explains how the procedures and standards on the condition of tyres will change from 1 February, 2021. The manuals also give guidance on tyre age markings and set out the deficiency categories for these items at Annual Test. A change table listing all the changes in the manuals is also available to view. 

DVSA has also published an updated version of the Guide to maintaining roadworthiness. 


Using old tyres on historic vehicles

The new regulations exempt non-commercial vehicles aged 40 years and older from these requirements.

Photo: DVSA roadside checks