The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued revised guidance on how they will be categorising vehicle defects in roadside checks.

Published 22 August, the new guidance outlines the changes coming into force and the actions the DVSA can take during failed vehicle inspections. The new rules will be enforced from 1 September 2022.

Load security

The DVSA has flagged specific changes to the updated guidance on load securing:

“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 (DVSA) have also updated the motorcycle section on tyre tread depth, re-cut tread and brake fluid leaks.”

If you think your business could be affected by these changes you should read the updated guidance. For a full list of changes, please read the change table in the last section of the updated DVSA manual.