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Guidance

How vehicle defects are categorised in roadside checks and vehicle tests

How vehicle defects found during roadside inspections or vehicle tests are categorised and what action will be taken when they're found.

Updates to this page

From:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Published:
10 July 2013
Last updated:
9 December 2024
Show all updates

  1. Updated the categorisation of vehicle defects document to include changes from 9 December 2024. The full list of changes is in the change table at the end of the document.

  2. Added the Categorisation of vehicle defects from 5 May 2023 and Categorisation of vehicle defects: changes from 5 May 2023

  3. Added the categorisation of vehicle defects that will apply from 1 September 2022. The full list of changes is in the change table at the end of the document.

  4. Added the Categorisation of vehicle defects (from 1 May 2022).

  5. Added the Categorisation of vehicle defects (from 1 February 2021) and Categorisation of vehicle defects: changes from 1 February 2021

  6. Updated the categorisation of vehicle defects with the latest version, which includes updates to parts 1 and 2 of the guide. The full list of changes is in the change table at the end of the document.

  7. Updated the categorisation of roadworthiness defects document with changes in part 1 to include a new inspection notice item for 10-year-old tyres, and in parts 2 and 3 to reflect changes to vehicle testing introduced on 20 May 2018.

  8. Removed the version of the categorisation of vehicle defects guide that applied until 19 May 2018.

  9. Updated the version of the categorisation of vehicle defects guide that will apply from 20 May 2018.

  10. Added the version of the categorisation of vehicle defects guide that will apply from 20 May 2018.

  11. An updated version of the 'Categorisation of roadworthiness defects' has been published.

  12. An updated version of the categorisation of roadworthiness defects guide.

  13. First published.

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Categorisation of vehicle defects

PDF, 29.6 MB, 268 pages

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Details

This guide tells you what actions Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) examiners and authorised constables can take when they find roadworthiness defects during:

  • roadside vehicle inspections
  • annual tests (MOTs)

You can use it to find out more about DVSA’s inspection standards and possible defects.

Updates are listed at the end of the document.

This is not a legal document. It must not be treated as an interpretation of the relevant laws, which only the courts can provide.

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