Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) Regulations 1988 (“the 1988 Regulations”) as follows.
The weight threshold (set by regulation 4(1)(c) of the 1988 Regulations) is changed from unladen weight of 1525 kilograms to design gross weight (as defined in regulation 3 of these Regulations) of 3500 Kilograms. The exemption for living vans is accordingly amended.
Examiners are not to be under an obligation to accept a vehicle for a periodical test, or for a re-test following a periodical test, or to proceed with such a test if the Ministry plate (issued by the Secretary of State following the issue or amendment of a plating certificate) is not affixed to the vehicle in accordance with the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (S.I. 1986/1078) (“the Construction and Use Regulations”) or contains particulars which do not correspond to the vehicle to which it is affixed. As a consequence of this new condition of acceptance the Ministry plate has been omitted from the construction and use requirements which are prescribed for the purposes of a goods vehicle test (“the prescribed construction and use requirements”).
The excess fuel device (regulation 61 of the Construction and Use Regulations) and the maintenance of speedometers (regulations 36 of those Regulations) have been omitted from the prescribed construction and use requirements.
Converter dollies used for agriculture, horticulture or foretry are exempted from the 1988 Regulations.
There are other minor and consequential amendments.