The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986

• (ia) 12.15m when carrying one or more containers or swap bodies up to a total maximum length of 45 feet as part of an intermodal transport operation, or

• (ii) 12m in any other case; and

• (b) no point in the semi-trailer forward of the transverse plane passing through the axis of the king pin ... is more than–

• (i) 4.19m from the axis of the king pin, in the case of a car transporter, or

• (ii) 2.04m from the axis of the king pin, in any other case.

• (6A) For the purposes of paragraph (5A)—

• (a) where the forward end of the loading area of a motor vehicle is bounded by a wall, the thickness of the wall shall be regarded as part of the loading area; and

• (b) any part of a vehicle designed primarily for use as a means of attaching another vehicle to it and any fitting designed for use in connection with any such part shall be disregarded in determining the distance between the rear of a motor vehicle and the front of a trailer being drawn by it.

• (7) For the purpose of paragraph (6) the longitudinal distance from the axis of the king pin to the rear of a semi-trailer is the distance between a transverse plane passing through the axis of the king pin and the rear of the semi-trailer.

• (7A) Where a semi-trailer has more than one king-pin or is constructed so that it can be used with a king-pin in different positions, references in this regulation to a distance from the king-pin shall be construed

• (a) in relation to a vehicle which was manufactured after 1st January 1999, as a reference to the foremost king-pin or, as the case may be, the foremost king-pin position; and

• (b) in relation to any other vehicle, as a reference to the rearmost king-pin or, as the case may be, the rearmost king-pin position.

• (7B) For the purposes of paragraphs (5A), (6) and (7)—

• (a) a reference to the front of a vehicle is a reference to the transverse plane passing through the extreme forward projecting points of the vehicle; and

• (b) a reference to the rear of a vehicle is a reference to the transverse plane passing through the extreme rearward projecting points of the vehicle,

inclusive (in each case) of all parts of the vehicle, of any receptacle which is of a permanent character and accordingly strong enough for repeated use, and any fitting on, or attached to the vehicle but exclusive of—

• (i) the things set out in sub-paragraph (i) of the definition of “overall length” in the Table in regulation 3(2), and

• (ii) in the case of a semi-trailer, the things set out in sub-paragraph (ii)(a) of that definition.

• (8) Where a broken down articulated vehicle is being towed by a motor vehicle in consequence of a breakdown–

• (a) paragraph (5) shall have effect in relation to the combination of vehicles as if sub-paragraph (b) were omitted, and

• (b) for the purposes of paragraph (4) and of paragraph (5) as so modified, the articulated vehicle shall be regarded as a single trailer.

• (9) No person shall use or cause or permit to be used on a road, a trailer with an overall length exceeding 18.65m unless the requirements of paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12 are complied with.

• (10) For the purposes of this regulation—

• (a) “a motor vehicle of category N2” means a vehicle of the type described in point (b)(ii) of Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2007 and (EC) No 595/2009 and repealing Directive 2007/46/EC,

• (b) “a motor vehicle of category N3” means a vehicle of the type described in point (b)(iii) of Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2007 and (EC) No 595/2009 and repealing Directive 2007/46/EC.

Width

8

• (1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), the overall width of a vehicle of a class specified in an item in column 2 of the Table shall not exceed the maximum width specified in column 3 in that item.

1	2	3
Item	Class of vehicle	Maximum width (metres)
1	A locomotive, other than an agricultural motor vehicle.	2.75
2	A refrigerated vehicle, conditioned container or swap body	2·60
3	Any other motor vehicle.	2.55
4	A trailer drawn by a motor vehicle other than a motor cycle.	2.55
. . .	. . .	. . .
. . .	. . .	. . .
. . .	. . .	. . .
8	A trailer drawn by a motor cycle.	1.5

• (2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to a broken down vehicle which is being drawn in consequence of the breakdown.

• (3) No person shall use or cause or permit to be used on a road a wheeled agricultural motor vehicle drawing a wheeled trailer if, when the longitudinal axes of the vehicles are parallel but in different vertical planes, the overall width of the two vehicles, measured as if they were one vehicle, exceeds 2.55 metres.

• (4) In this regulation—

• “refrigerated vehicle” means any vehicle which is specially designed for the carriage of goods at low temperature and of which the thickness of each of the side walls inclusive of insulation, is at least 45 mm; and

• “conditioned container or swap body” means a container or swap body used to carry goods at controlled temperatures on different modes of transport.

Height

9

• (1) The overall height of a bus shall not exceed 4.57 m.

• (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (2A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Indication of overall travelling height

10

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this regulation, no person shall drive or cause or permit to be driven on a road a motor vehicle with an overall travelling height exceeding 3m unless a notice is displayed in the cab, in such a manner that it can easily be read by the driver, and the notice meets the requirements of paragraph (3).

• (2) Subject to the provisions of this regulation, no person shall use or cause or permit to be used on a road a motor vehicle with an overall travelling height exceeding 3m if any letters or numbers are displayed in the cab, otherwise than in a notice which meets the requirements of paragraph (3)—

• (a) where they could be read by the driver; and

• (b) which could be understood as indicating a height associated with the vehicle or any trailer drawn by it.

• (3) The requirements of this paragraph in respect of a notice are that—

• (a) the notice gives an indication of vehicle height expressed in feet and inches, or in both feet and inches and in metres;

• (b) the numbers giving the indication in feet and inches are at least 40mm tall;

• (c) the height expressed in feet and inches and (where applicable) the height expressed in metres are—

• (i) if the vehicle is a vehicle to which regulation 10A applies, not less than the predetermined height mentioned in regulation 10A (2)(a) or the overall travelling height (whichever is the greater), or

• (ii) if the vehicle is not a vehicle to which regulation 10A applies, not less than the overall travelling height;

• (d) if the vehicle is not a relevant vehicle, the height expressed in feet and inches does not exceed the overall travelling height by more than 150mm;

• (e) if the vehicle is a relevant vehicle, the height expressed in feet and inches does not exceed the overall travelling height by more than 1m;

• (f) if the height is expressed in both feet and inches and in metres, the height expressed in feet and inches and the height expressed in metres do not differ by more than 50mm; and

• (g) no other letters or numbers which could be understood as being an indication of any height associated with the vehicle or any trailer drawn by it are displayed in the notice.

• (4) Paragraph (1) shall not apply if, having regard to the lengths of road which the driver might drive along in the course of fulfilling the purpose of the journey taking into account any possibility of unforeseen diversions and the driver having difficulty in finding his way, it is highly unlikely that the driver would during the course of the journey encounter any bridge or other overhead structure which does not exceed by at least 1m—

• (a) in the case of a vehicle to which regulation 10A applies, the maximum travelling height.; or

• (b) in any other case, the overall travelling height.

• (5) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a vehicle on a particular journey and at a particular time if—

• (a) one or more documents are being carried in the vehicle which are within the easy reach of the driver and that or those documents describe a route or a choice of routes which the driver must take in order to fulfil the purpose of the journey without risk of the vehicle, its load or equipment or any trailer drawn by the vehicle, its load or equipment, colliding with any bridge or other overhead structure; and

• (b) the vehicle is on such a route which is so described or is off that route by reason of a diversion that could not reasonably have been foreseen at the beginning of the journey.

• (6) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a vehicle on a particular journey if—

• (a) one or more documents are being carried in the vehicle which are within the easy reach of the driver and that or those documents contain information as to—

• (i) the height of bridges and other overhead structures under which the vehicle and any trailer drawn by it could pass, and

• (ii) the height of bridges and other overhead structures under which the vehicle and any trailer drawn by it could not pass,

without the vehicle, its load or equipment or any such trailer, its load or equipment, colliding with any bridge or other overhead structure; and

• (b) the information is such that, having regard in particular to the matters referred to in paragraph (7), it would enable any driver to fulfil the purpose of the journey without there being any risk of the vehicle, its load or equipment or any trailer, its load or equipment, colliding with any bridge or other overhead structure while on the journey.

• (7) The matters referred to in paragraph (6) are—

• (a) the roads which the driver might drive along in the course of fulfilling the purpose of the journey taking into account any possibility of unforeseen diversions and of the driver having difficulty in finding his way;

• (b) the height of bridges and other overhead structures that would be encountered were the vehicle to proceed along any of those roads; and

• (c) the setting of any device of a description specified in regulation 10A(2).

• (8) Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply to motor vehicle if it has an overall travelling height of not more than 4m and—

• (a) it is a vehicle registered or put into circulation in an EEA State and is being used in international traffic; or

• (b) it is a motor vehicle drawing a trailer registered or put into circulation in an EEA State and that trailer is being used in international traffic.

• (9) For the purposes of this regulation—

• (a) “EEA State”, and “high level equipment” and “maximum travelling height” have the meanings given in regulation 10C;

• (b) “overall travelling height” in relation to a motor vehicle means—

• (i) if it is not drawing a trailer, the overall height for the time being of the vehicle, its equipment and load, or

• (ii) if it is drawing one or more trailers, the overall height for the time being of the combination of vehicles, their equipment and loads.

• (c) a motor vehicle is a “relevant vehicle” if at any particular time—

• (i) the vehicle or any trailer drawn by it is fitted with high level equipment with a maximum, height of more than 3m; and

• (ii) the overall travelling height is less than the maximum travelling height.

• (10) In paragraph (8), “international traffic” and “registered or put into circulation” have the same meanings as in article 3 of Community Directive 85/3.

Overhang

11

• (1) The overhang of a wheeled vehicle of a class specified in an item in column 2 of the Table shall not, subject to any exemption specified in that item in column 4, exceed the distance specified in that item in column 3.

1	2	3	4
Item	Class of vehicle	Maximum overhang	Exemptions
1	Motor tractor	1.83 m.	(a) a track-laying vehicle (b) an agricultural motor vehicle
2	Heavy motor car and motor car	60% of the distance between the transverse plane which passes through the centre or centres of the foremost wheel or wheels and the transverse plane which passes through the foremost point from which the overhang is to be measured as provided in regulation 3(2).	a busa refuse vehiclea works trucka track-laying vehiclean agricultural motor vehiclea motor car which is an ambulancea vehicle designed to dispose of its load to the rear, if the overhang does not exceed 1.15 ma vehicle first used before 2nd January 1933a vehicle first used before 1st January 1966 if— the distance between the centres of the rearmost and foremost axles does not exceed 2.29 m, andthe distance specified in column 3 is not exceeded by more than 76 mmheating plant on a vehicle designed and mainly used to heat the surface of a road or other similar surface in the process of construction, repair or maintenance shall be disregarded.

• (2) In the case of an agricultural motor vehicle the distance measured horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rear portion of the vehicle between the transverse planes passing through the rearmost point of the vehicle and through the centre of the rear or the rearmost axle shall not exceed 3 m.

• (3) A heavy motor car shall be taken to comply with the requirements of paragraph (1) if it meets the requirements of paragraph 7.6.2 of Annex I of Community Directive 97/27.

Minimum ground clearance

12

• (1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), a wheeled trailer which is—

• (a) a goods vehicle; and

• (b) manufactured on or after 1st April 1984,

shall have a minimum ground clearance of not less than 160 mm if the trailer has an axle interspace of more than 6 m but less than 11.5 m, and a minimum ground clearance of not less than 190 mm if the trailer has an axle interspace of 11.5 m or more.

• (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply in the case of a trailer—

• (a) which is fitted with a suspension system with which, by the operation of a control, the trailer may be lowered or raised, while that system is being operated to enable the trailer to pass under a bridge or other obstruction over a road provided that at such times the system is operated so that no part of the trailer (excluding any wheel) touches the ground or is likely to do so; or

• (b) while it is being loaded or unloaded.

• (3) In this regulation—

• “axle interspace” means— in the case of a semi-trailer, the distance between the point of support of the semi-trailer at its forward end and, if it has only one axle, the centre of that axle or, if it has more than one axle, the point halfway between the centres of the foremost and rearmost of those axles; andin the case of any other trailer, the distance between the centre of its front axle or, if it has more than one axle at the front, the point halfway between the centres of the foremost and rearmost of those axles, and the centre of its rear axle or, if it has more than one axle at the rear, the point halfway between the centre of the foremost and rearmost of those axles; and

• “ground clearance” means the shortest distance between the ground and the lowest part of that portion of the trailer (excluding any part of a suspension, steering or braking system attached to any axle, any wheel and any air skirt) which lies within the area formed by the overall width of the trailer and the middle 70% of the axle interspace, such distance being ascertained when the trailer— is fitted with suitable tyres which are inflated to a pressure recommended by the manufacturer, andis reasonably horizontal and standing on ground which is reasonably flat.

Turning circle

13

• (1) This regulation applies to a bus first used on or after 1st April 1982.

• (2) Every vehicle to which this regulation applies shall be able to move on either lock so that , both with and without all its wheels in contact with the ground, no part of it projects outside the area contained between concentric circles with radii of 12.5 m and 5.3 m.

• (2A) In relation to a vehicle manufactured before 1st June 1998 paragraph (2) shall have effect as if the words “, both with and without all its wheels in contact with the ground,” were omitted.

• (3) When a vehicle to which this regulation applies moves forward from rest, on either lock, so that its outermost point describes a circle of 12.5 m radius, no part of the vehicle shall project beyond the longitudinal plane which, at the beginning of the manoeuvre, defines the overall width of the vehicle on the side opposite to the direction in which it is turning by more than—

• (a) 0.8 m if it is a rigid vehicle of 12m or less in overall length; or

• (b) 1.2 m if it is a rigid bus of over 12m in overall length or an articulated bus.

• (4) For the purpose of paragraph (3) the two rigid portions of an articulated bus shall be in line at the beginning of the manoeuvre.

Connecting sections and direction-holding of articulated buses

14

• (1) This regulation applies to every articulated bus first used on or after 1st April 1982.

• (2) The connecting section of the two parts of every articulated bus to which this regulation applies shall be constructed so as to comply with the provisions relating to such a section specified in paragraph 5.9 in ECE Regulation 36 as regards vehicles within the scope of that Regulation.

• (3) Every articulated bus to which this regulation applies shall be constructed so that when the vehicle is moving in a straight line the longitudinal median planes of its two parts coincide and form a continuous plane without any deflection.

B — BRAKES

Braking systems of certain vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1983

15

• (1) Save as provided in paragraphs (2), (3) and (4), the braking system of every wheeled vehicle of a class specified in an item in column 2 of the Table which, in the case of a motor vehicle, is first used on or after 1st April 1983 or which, in the case of a trailer, is manufactured on or after 1st October 1982 shall comply with the construction, fitting and performance requirements specified in Annexes I, II and VII to Community Directive 79/489, and if relevant, Annexes III, IV, V, VI and VIII to that Directive in relation to the category of vehicles specified in that item in column 3.

Provided that it shall be lawful for any vehicle of such a class which, in the case of a motor vehicle, was first used before 1st April 1983 or which, in the case of a trailer, was manufactured before 1st October 1982 to comply with the said requirements instead of complying with regulations 16 and 17.

• (1A) Save as provided in paragraphs (2),(3), (3A) and (5), the braking system of every wheeled vehicle of a class specified in an item in column 2 of the Table which, in the case of a motor vehicle, is first used on or after the relevant date or which, in the case of a trailer, is manufactured on or after the relevant date shall comply with the construction, fitting and performance requirements specified in Annexes I, II and VII to Community Directive 85/647, and if relevant, Annexes III, IV, V, VI, VIII, X, XI and XII to that Directive in relation to the category of vehicles specified in that item in column 3.

Provided that it shall be lawful for any vehicle of such a class which, in the case of a motor vehicle, was first used before the relevant date or which, in the case of a trailer, was manufactured before the relevant date to comply with the said requirements instead of complying with paragraph (1) or with regulations 16 and 17.

• (1B) In paragraph (1A), the relevant date in relation to a vehicle of a class specified in item 1 or 2 of the Table is 1st April 1990, in relation to a vehicle specified in item 4 of that Table is 1st April 1992, in relation to a vehicle in items 7, 8, 9 or 10 of that Table is 1st October 1988 and in relation to a vehicle of any other class is 1st April 1989.

• (1C) Save as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), (3A) and (5A), the braking system of every wheeled vehicle of a class specified in an item in column 2 of the Table which, in the case of a motor vehicle, is first used on or after 1st April 1992 or which, in the case of a trailer, is manufactured on or after 1st October 1991 shall comply with the construction, fitting and performance requirements specified in Annexes I, II and VII to Community Directive 88/194, and if relevant, Annexes III, IV, V, VI, VIII, X, XI and XII to that Directive in relation to the category of vehicles specified in that item in column 3.

Provided that it shall be lawful for any vehicle of such a class which, in the case of a motor vehicle, was first used before 1st April 1992 or which, in the case of a trailer, was manufactured before 1st October 1991 to comply with the said requirements instead of complying with paragraph (1) or (1A) or with regulations 16 and 17.

• (1D) Save as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), (3A) and (5A), the braking system of every wheeled vehicle of a class specified in an item in column 2 of the Table which, in the case of a motor vehicle, is first used on or after 1st April 1995 or which, in the case of a trailer, is manufactured on or after that date shall comply with the construction, fitting and performance requirements specified in Annexes I, II, and VII to Community Directive 91/422, and if relevant, Annexes III, IV, V, VI, VIII, X, XI and XII to that Directive in relation to the category of vehicles specified in that item in column 3.

Provided that it shall be lawful for any vehicle of such a class which, in the case of a motor vehicle, was first used before 1st April 1995 or which, in the case of a trailer, was manufactured before that date to comply with the said requirements instead of complying with paragraph (1), (1A) or (1C) or with regulations 16 and 17.

• (1E) Save as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), (3A), (5A) and (5B) the braking system of every wheeled vehicle of a class specified in an item in column 2 of the Table which, in the case of a motor vehicle, is first used on or after 1st May 2002 or which, in the case of a trailer, is manufactured on or after 1st May 2002 shall comply with the construction, fitting and performance requirements of Annexes I, II and VII to Community Directive 98/12/EC and if relevant, Annexes III, IV, V, VI, VIII, X, XI, XII, XIII and XIV to that Directive in relation to the category of vehicles specified in that item in column 3.

Provided that it shall be lawful for any vehicle of such a class which, in the case of a motor vehicle, was first used before 1st May 2002 or which, in the case of a trailer, was manufactured before 1st May 2002 to comply with the said requirements instead of complying with paragraphs (1), (1A), (1C) or (1D) or with regulations 16 and 17.

• (2) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1), (1A), (1C), (1D) and (1E) do not apply to—

• (a) an agricultural trailer that is not drawn at a speed exceeding 40 km/h;

• (aa) an agricultural trailed appliance that is not drawn at a speed exceeding 20 mph;

• (b) a locomotive;

• (c) a motor tractor;

• (d) an agricultural motor vehicle , not being a category T tractor, unless it is first used after 1st June 1986 and is driven at more than 20 mph;

• (da) a category T tractor unless it is first used after 1st June 1986 and is driven at more than 40 km/h;

• (e) a vehicle which has a maximum speed not exceeding 25 km/h;

• (f) a works trailer;

• (g) a works truck;

• (h) a public works vehicle;

• (i) a trailer designed and constructed, or adapted, to be drawn exclusively by a vehicle to which sub–paragraph (b), (c), (e), (g) or (h) of this paragraph applies;

• (j) a trailer falling within regulation 16(3)(b), (bb), (bc), (d), (e), (f) or (g);

• (ja) a trailer which is manufactured before 1st January 1997 and has a maximum total design axle weight that does not exceed 750 kg; or

• (k) a vehicle manufactured by Leyland Vehicles Limited and known as the Atlantean Bus, if first used before 1st October 1984.

• (3) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1), (1A), (1C), (1D) and (1E) shall apply to the classes of vehicles specified in the Table so that—

• (a) in item 3, the testing requirement specified in paragraph 1.5.1 and 1.5.2 of Annex II to Community Directives 79/489, 85/647, 88/194, 91/422 and 98/12 shall apply to every vehicle specified in that item other than—

• (i) a double–decked vehicle first used before 1st October 1983, or

• (ii) a vehicle of a type in respect of which a member state of the European Economic Community has issued a type approval certificate in accordance with Community Directive 79/489, 85/647, 88/194, 91/422 or 98/12;

• (b) in items 2 and 3—

• (i) the requirements specified in paragraph 1.1.4.2 of Annex II to Community Directive 79/489, 85/647, 88/194, 91/422 and 98/12 shall not apply in relation to any vehicle first used before 1st April 1996;

• (ii) those requirements shall not apply in relation to any relevant bus first used on or after that date;

• (iii) sub–note (2) to paragraph 1.17.2 of Annex I to Community Directive 85/647, 88/194, 91/422 and 98/12 shall not apply in relation to any vehicle,

and for the purposes of this sub-paragraph “relevant bus” means a bus that is not a coach;

• (c) in items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, in the case of vehicles constructed or adapted for use by physically handicapped drivers, the requirement in paragraph 2.1.2.1 of Annex I to Community Directive 79/489 that the driver must be able to achieve the braking action mentioned in that paragraph from his driving seat without removing his hands from the steering control shall be modified so as to require that the driver is able to achieve that action while continuing to steer the vehicle; and

• (d) in items 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the requirement specified in paragraph 1.1.4.2 of Annex II to Community Directive 79/489 shall not apply to a vehicle first used (in the case of a motor vehicle) or manufactured (in the case of a trailer) before the relevant date as defined in paragraph (1B) if either—

• (i) following a test in respect of which the fee numbered 26024/26250 to 26257, prescribed in Schedule 1 to the Motor Vehicles (Type Approval and Approval Marks) (Fees) Regulations 1990, or the corresponding fee prescribed under any corresponding previous enactment is payable, a document is issued by the Secretary of State indicating that, at the date of manufacture of the vehicle, the type to which it belonged complied with the requirements specified in Annex 13 to ECE Regulation 13.03, 13.04, 13.05, 13.06, 13.07, 13.08 or 13.09; or

• (ii) as a result of a notifiable alteration to the vehicle within the meaning of regulation 3 of the Plating and Testing Regulations, a fitment has been approved as complying with the requirements mentioned in sub–paragraph (i).

• (3A) The requirements specified in paragraphs (1A), (1C), (1D) and (1E) shall apply to a road tanker subject to the exclusion of paragraph 4.3 of Annex X to Community Directive 85/647.

• (3B) No motor vehicle to which paragraph (1D) or (1E) applies and which is first used on or after 1st April 1996 shall be fitted with an integrated retarder unless either—

• (a) the motor vehicle is fitted with an anti–lock device which acts on the retarder and which complies with the requirements specified in Annex X to Community Directive 91/422 or Community Directive 98/12; or

• (b) the retarder is fitted with a cut–out device which allows the combined control to apply the service braking system alone and which can be operated by the driver from the driving seat;

and expressions (other than the word “vehicle”) used in this paragraph which are also used in Annex I to Community Directive 85/647 shall, for the purposes of this paragraph, have the same meanings as in that Annex save that “retarder” shall not in any circumstances include a regenerative braking system.

• (4) Instead of complying with paragraph (1) of this regulation, a vehicle to which this regulation applies may comply with ECE Regulation 13.03, 13.04, 13.05, 13.06, 13.07, 13.08 or 13.09.

• (5) Instead of complying with paragraph (1A) of this regulation, a vehicle to which this regulation applies may comply with ECE Regulation 13.05, 13.06, 13.07, 13.08 or 13.09.

• (5A) Instead of complying with paragraph (1C) or (1D) of this regulation, a vehicle to which this regulation applies may comply—

• (a) in the case of a trailer manufactured before 1st April 1992, with ECE Regulation 13.05 or 13.06; or

• (b) in the case of any vehicle not falling within sub–paragraph (a), with ECE Regulation 13.06 13.07, 13.08 or 13.09.

• (5B) Instead of complying with paragraph (1E) of this regulation, a vehicle to which this regulation applies may comply with ECE Regulation 13.09.

• (6) In paragraph (3A), the expression “road tanker” means any vehicle or trailer which carries liquid fuel in a tank forming part of the vehicle or trailer other than that containing the fuel which is used to propel the vehicle, and also includes any tank with a capacity exceeding 3m3 carried on a vehicle.

• (7) In this regulation, and in relation to the application to any vehicle of any provision of Community Directive 85/647, 88/194, 91/422 or 98/12, the definitions of “semi–trailer”, “full trailer” and “centre–axle trailer” set out in that Directive shall apply and the meaning of “semi–trailer” in column 2 of the Table in regulation 3(2) shall not apply.

• (8) For the purposes of the preceding provisions of this regulation the date on which a trailer was manufactured shall be taken to be the date on which its manufacture was completed except that, in the case of a trailer whose manufacture has been completed for more than 8 years and which has been the subject of a notifiable alteration under regulation 30 of the Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) Regulations 1988, it shall be taken to be the date on which the notifiable alteration was completed.

• (9) A trailer, whose manufacture has been completed for more than eight years and which has been the subject of a notifiable alteration under regulation 30 of the Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) Regulations 1988, shall comply with all requirements of Community Directives relating to braking systems which applied to the trailer at the date when the notifiable alteration was completed.

1	2	3
Item	Class of Vehicle	Vehicle Category in the Community Directive
1	Passenger vehicles and dual–purpose vehicles which have 3 or more wheels except—dual–purpose vehicles constructed or adapted to carry not more than 2 passengers exclusive of the driver;motor cycles with sidecar attached;vehicles with three wheels, an unladen weight not exceeding 410kg, a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h and an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc;buses.	M1
2	Buses having a maximum gross weight which does not exceed 5000 kg.	M2
3	Buses having a maximum gross weight which exceeds 5000 kg.	M3
4	Dual–purpose vehicles not within item 1; and goods vehicles, having a maximum gross weight which does not exceed 3500 kg, and not being motor cycles with a sidecar attached.	N1
	Goods vehicles with a maximum gross weight which—
5	exceeds 3500 kg but does not exceed 12,000 kg;	N2
6	exceeds 12,000 kg.	N3
	Trailers with a maximum total design axle weight which—
7	does not exceed 750 kg;	01
8	exceeds 750 kg but does not exceed 3500 kg;	02
9	exceeds 3500 kg but does not exceed 10,000 kg;	03
10	exceeds 10,000 kg.	04

Braking systems of vehicles to which regulation 15 does not apply

16

• (1) Save as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), this regulation applies to every vehicle to which regulation 15 does not apply.

• (2) Paragraph (4) of this regulation does not apply to a vehicle which complies with regulation 15 by virtue of the proviso to regulation 15(1), (1A), (1C), (1D) or (1E), or which complies with Community Directive 79/489, 85/647, 88/194, 91/422 or 98/12 or ECE Regulation 13.03, 13.04, 13.05, 13.06, 13.07, 13.08 or 13.09.

• (3) This regulation does not apply to the following vehicles, except in the case of a vehicle referred to in (a) insofar as the regulation concerns parking brakes (requirements 16 to 18 in Schedule 3)—

• (a) a locomotive first used before 2nd January 1933, propelled by steam, and with an engine which is capable of being reversed;

• (b) a trailer which is designed for use and used for street cleansing and does not carry any load other than its necessary gear and equipment;

• (ba) a trailer which has a maximum total design axle weight that does not exceed 750 kg;

• (bb) a trailer which—

• (i) is an agricultural trailer manufactured before 1st July 1947;

• (ii) is being drawn by a motor tractor or an agricultural motor vehicle at a speed not exceeding 10 mph;

• (iii) has a laden weight not exceeding 4070 kg; and

• (iv) is the only trailer being drawn;

• (bc) a trailer which is being drawn by a motor cycle in accordance with regulation 84;

• (c) an agricultural trailed appliance;

• (d) an agricultural trailed appliance conveyor;

• (e) a broken down vehicle;

• (f) before 1st October 1986—

• (i) a trailer with an unladen weight not exceeding 102 kg which was manufactured before 1st October 1982; and

• (ii) a gritting trailer; or

• (g) on or after 1st October 1986, a gritting trailer with a maximum gross weight not exceeding 2000 kg.

• (4) Save as provided in paragraph (7), a vehicle of a class specified in an item in column 2 of the Table shall comply with the requirements shown in column 3 in that item, subject to any exemptions or modifications shown in column 4 in that item, reference to numbers in column 3 being references to the requirements so numbered in Schedule 3.

1	2	3	4
Item	Class of vehicle	Requirements in Schedule 3	Exemptions or modifications
	Motor cars
1	First used before 1st January 1915.	3, 6, 7, 13, 16	Requirements 13 and 16 do not apply to a motor car with less than 4 wheels.
2	First used on or after 1st January 1915 but before 1st April 1938.	1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 16	A works truck within items 1 to 11 is not subject to requirements 1, 2, 3 or 4 if it is equipped with one braking system with one means of operation.
3	First used on or after 1st April 1938 and being either a track-laying vehicle or a vehicle first used before 1st January 1968.	1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16
4	Wheeled vehicles first used on or after 1st January 1968.	1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 18
	Heavy motor cars
5	First used before 15th August 1928.	1, 6, 16
6	First used on or after 15th August 1928 but before 1st April 1938.	1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 16
7	First used on or after 1st April 1938 and being either a track-laying vehicle or a vehicle first used before 1st January 1968.	1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16
8	Wheeled vehicles first used on or after 1st January 1968.	1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 18
	Motor cycles
9	First used before 1st January 1927.	3, and, in the case of three-wheeled vehicles, 16
10	First used on or after 1st January 1927 but before 1st January 1968.	2, 7, and, in the case of three-wheeled vehicles, 16
11	First used on or after 1st January 1968 and not being a motor cycle to which paragraph (5) applies.	2, 7, and, in the case of three-wheeled vehicles, 18
	Locomotives
12	Wheeled vehicles first used before 1st June 1955.	3, 6, 12, 16
13	Wheeled vehicles first used on or after 1st June 1955 but before 1st January 1968.	3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18
14	Wheeled vehicles first used on or after 1st January 1968.	3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18
15	Track-laying vehicles.	3, 6, 16
	Motor tractors
16	Wheeled vehicles first used before 14th January 1931 and track-laying vehicles first used before 1st April 1938.	3, 4, 6, 7, 16	Industrial tractors within items 16 to 19 are subject to requirement 5 instead of requirement 4.
17	Wheeled vehicles first used on or after 14th January 1931 but before 1st April 1938.	3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 16
18	Wheeled vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1938 but before 1st January 1968.	3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16
19	Wheeled vehicles first used on or after 1st January 1968.	3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18
20	Track-laying vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1938.	3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 16
	Wheeled agricultural motor vehicles (other than category T tractors) not driven at more than 20 mph
21	First used before 1st January 1968.	3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 16
22	First used on or after 1st January 1968 but before 9th February 1980.	3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 18
23	First used on or after 9th February 1980.	3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18
	Invalid carriages
24	Whenever first used.	3, 13
	Trailers
25	Manufactured before 1st April 1938.	3, 10, 14, 17
26	Manufactured on or after 1st April 1938 and being either a track-laying vehicle, an agricultural trailer or a vehicle manufactured before 1st January 1968.	3, 8, 10, 14, 17	Agricultural trailers are not subject to requirement 8.
27	Wheeled vehicles manufactured on or after 1st January 1968, not being an agricultural trailer.	3, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18	Trailers equipped with brakes which come into operation on the overrun of the vehicle are not subject to requirement 15.
	Category T tractors not driven at more than 40 km/h
28	First used before 1st January 1968.	3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 16
29	First used on or after 1st January 1968 but before 9th February 1980.	3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 18
30	First used on or after 9th February 1980.	3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18

Provided that wheeled agricultural motor vehicles , not being category T tractors, not driven at more than 20 mph are excluded from all items other than items 21 to 23 and provided further that category T tractors not driven at more than 40 km/h are excluded from all items other than items 28 to 30.

• (5) Subject to paragraphs (5B) and (6), the braking system of a motor cycle to which this regulation applies and which is—

• (a) of a class specified in an item in column 2 of the Table below; and

• (b) first used on or after 1st April 1987 and before 22nd May 1995;

shall comply with ECE Regulation 13.05, 78 or 78.01 or Community Directive 93/14 in relation to the category of vehicles specified in that item in column 3.

• (5A) Subject to paragraph (6), the braking system of a motor cycle to which this regulation applies and which is—

• (a) of a class specified in an item in column 2 of the Table below; and

• (b) first used on or after 22nd May 1995;

shall comply with ECE Regulation 78.01 or Community Directive 93/14 in relation to the category of vehicles specified in that item in column 3.

1	2	3
Item	Class of Vehicle	Vehicle Category in ECE Regulations or Community Directive 93/14 (as the case may be)
1	Vehicles (without a sidecar attached) with two wheels, an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc and a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h.	L1
2	Vehicles with three wheels (including two-wheeled vehicles with a sidecar attached) and with an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc and a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km/h.	L2
3	Vehicles with two wheels (without a sidecar attached) and with—an engine capacity exceeding 50 cc, ora maximum design speed exceeding 50 km/h.	L3
4	Vehicles with two wheels, a sidecar attached and—an engine capacity exceeding 50 cc, ora maximum design speed exceeding 50 km/h.	L4
5	Vehicles with three wheels (excluding two-wheeled vehicles with a sidecar attached) and with—an engine capacity exceeding 50cc, ora maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h.	L5

• (5B) In relation to a motor cycle with two wheels manufactured by Piaggio Veicoli Europei Societa per Azione and known as the Cosa 125, the Cosa 125E, the Cosa L125, the Cosa LX125, the Cosa 200, the Cosa 200E, the Cosa L200 or the Cosa LX200, paragraph (5) shall have effect as if ECE Regulation 13.05 were modified by–

• (a) the omission of paragraph 4.4 (approval marks), and

• (b) in paragraph 5.3.1.1, (independent braking devices and controls), the omission of the word “independent” in the first place where it appears,

but this paragraph shall not apply to a motor cycle first used on or after 1st July 1991.

• (6) Paragraph (5) does not apply to a works truck or to a vehicle constructed or assembled by a person not ordinarily engaged in the business of manufacturing vehicles of that description.

• (6A) Paragraph (5A) does not apply to—

• (a) a vehicle with a maximum speed not exceeding 25 km/h; or

• (b) a vehicle fitted for an invalid driver.

• (7) Instead of complying with the provisions of paragraph (4) of this Regulation an agricultural motor vehicle may comply with Community Directive 76/432 or 96/63.

Vacuum or pressure brake warning devices

17

• (1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), every motor vehicle which is equipped with a braking system which embodies a vacuum or pressure reservoir or reservoirs shall be equipped with a device so placed as to be readily visible to the driver of the vehicle and which is capable of indicating any impending failure of, or deficiency in, the vacuum or pressure system.

• (2) The requirement specified in paragraph (1) does not apply in respect of—

• (a) a vehicle to which paragraph (1), (1A), (1C), (1D) or (1E) of regulation 15 applies, or which complies with the requirements of that regulation, of Community Directives 79/489, 85/647, 88/194, 91/422 or 98/12 or of ECE Regulation 13.03, 13.04, 13.05, 13.06, 13.07, 13.08 or 13.09;

• (b) an agricultural motor vehicle which complies with Community Directive 76/432 or 96/63;

• (c) a vehicle with an unladen weight not exceeding 3050 kg propelled by an internal combustion engine, if the vacuum in the reservoir or reservoirs is derived directly from the induction system of the engine, and if, in the event of a failure of, or deficiency in, the vacuum system, the brakes of that braking system are sufficient under the most adverse conditions to bring the vehicle to rest within a reasonable distance; or

• (d) a vehicle first used before 1st October 1937.

Maintenance and efficiency of brakes

18

• (1) Every part of every braking system and of the means of operation thereof fitted to a vehicle shall be maintained in good and efficient working order and be properly adjusted.

• (1A) Without prejudice to paragraph (3), where a vehicle is fitted with an anti-lock braking system (“the ABS”), then while the condition specified in paragraph (1B) is fulfilled, any fault in the ABS shall be disregarded for the purposes of paragraph (1).

• (1B) The condition is fulfilled while the vehicle is completing a journey at the beginning of which the ABS was operating correctly or is being driven to a place where the ABS is to undergo repairs.

• (1C) Where a goods vehicle of category N₂ or N₃ is being used to tow a trailer of category O₃ or O₄ and both vehicles are fitted with an ISO 7638 connector to provide a dedicated power supply to the ABS, then these connectors shall be used regardless of any alternative method available on the vehicles to provide such power.

• (2) Paragraph (3) applies to every wheeled motor vehicle except—

• (a) an agricultural motor vehicle , not being a category T tractor, which is not driven at more than 20 mph;

• (aa) a category T tractor which is not driven at more than 40 km/h;

• (b) a works truck; ...

• (c) a pedestrian-controlled vehicle; and

• (d) an industrial tractor.

• (3) Every vehicle to which this paragraph applies and which is of a class specified in an item in column 2 of Table I shall, subject to any exemption shown for that item in column 4, be so maintained that—

• (a) its service braking system has a total braking efficiency not less than that shown in column 3(a) for that item; and

• (b) if the vehicle is a heavy motor car, a motor car first used on or after 1st January 1915 or a motor-cycle first used on or after 1st January 1927, its secondary braking system has a total braking efficiency not less than that shown in column 3(b) for those items.

Provided that a reference in Table I to a trailer is a reference to a trailer required by regulation 15 or 16 to be equipped with brakes.

1	2	3	3	3	4
Item	Class of vehicle	Efficiencies (%)	Efficiencies (%)	Efficiencies (%)	Exemptions
		(a)	(a)	(b)
1	A vehicle , not included in item 1A, to which regulation 15 applies or which complies in all respects other than its braking efficiency with the requirements of that regulation or with Community Directives 79/489, 85/647, 88/194, 91/422 or 98/12 or with ECE Regulation 13.03, 13.04, 13.05, 13.06, 13.07, 13.08 or 13.09—				A motor cycle.
1A	A vehicle of a class specified in item 1 of the Table in regulation 15 and first used on or after 25th July 2010.	58	58	29
	(a) when not drawing a trailer;	50	50	25
	(b) when drawing a trailer	45	45	25
2	A vehicle, not included in item 1 and not being a motor cycle, which is first used on or after 1st January 1968—
	(a) when not drawing a trailer;	50	50	25
	(b) when not drawing a trailer manufactured on or after 1st January 1968;	50	50	25
	(c) when drawing a trailer manufactured before 1st January 1968	40	40	15
3	Goods vehicles and buses (in each case) first used on or after 15th August 1928 but before 1st January 1968 having an unladen weight exceeding 1525 kg being—
	(a) rigid vehicles with 2 axles not constructed to form part of an articulated vehicle—
	(i) when not drawing a trailer	45	45	20
	(ii) when drawing a trailer	40	40	15
	(b) other vehicles, including vehicles constructed to form part of an articulated vehicle, whether or not drawing a trailer	40	40	15
3A	A category T tractor which is driven at more than 40 km/h—
	(a) when not drawing a trailer	50	50	25
	(b) when drawing a non-agricultural trailer	45	45	25
4	Vehicles not included in items 1 to 3A—				(a) a bus;
	(a) having at least one means of operation applying to at least 4 wheels;	50	50	25	(b) an articulated vehicle;
	(b) having 3 wheels and at least one means of operation applying to all 3 wheels and not being a motor cycle with sidecar attached—				(c) a vehicle constructed or adapted to form part of an articulated vehicle;
	(i) when not drawing a trailer	40	40	25	(d) a heavy motor car which is a goods vehicle first used before 15th August 1928.
	(ii) in the case of a motor cycle when drawing a trailer	40	40	25
	(c) other
	(i) when not drawing a trailer	30	30	25
	(ii) in the case of a motor cycle when drawing a trailer.	30	30	25

• (3A) For a category T tractor which is driven at more than 40 km/h, when drawing an agricultural trailer each component of the combination shall comply with the requirements of that component specified in item 3A(a) of Table I and with paragraph (5)(c).

• (4) A goods vehicle shall not be deemed to comply with the requirements of paragraph (3) unless it is capable of complying with those requirements both at the laden weight at which it is operating at any time and when its laden weight is equal to—

• (a) if a plating certificate has been issued and is in force for the vehicle, the design gross weight shown in column (3) of that certificate or, if no such weight is so shown, the gross weight shown in column (2) of that certificate; and

• (b) in any other case, the design gross weight of the vehicle.

Provided that in the case of a goods vehicle drawing a trailer, references in this paragraph to laden weight refer to the combined laden weight of the drawing vehicle and the trailer and references to gross weight and design gross weight are to be taken as references to train weight and design train weight respectively.

• (4A) A bus shall be deemed not to comply with the requirements of paragraph (3) unless it is capable of complying with those requirements both at its laden weight for the time being and at its relevant weight.

• (4B) For the purposes of paragraph (4A), the relevant weight,—

• (a) in relation to a bus first used on or after 1st April 1982, is its maximum gross weight; and

• (b) in relation to a bus first used before that date, is the weight specified in paragraph (4C).

• (4C) The weight referred to in paragraph (4B)(b) is—

$$X+63.5(Y+Z)kg$where—X is the unladen weight of that bus in kilograms;Y is the number of passengers that the bus is constructed or adapted to carry seated in addition to the driver; andZ is—in the case of a PSV which is not an articulated bus and has a standing capacity exceeding 8 persons, the standing capacity minus 8;in the case of a PSV which is an articulated bus, the standing capacity; orin any other case, nil.$

• (5) The brakes of—

• (a) an agricultural motor vehicle, not being a category T tractor, which is first used on or after 1st June 1986 and is not driven at more than 20 mph;

• (b) a category T tractor which is first used on or after 1st June 1986 and is not driven at more than 40 km/h; and

• (c) an agricultural trailer manufactured on or after 1st December 1985,

shall be capable of achieving a braking efficiency of not less than 25% when the weight of the vehicle is equal to the total maximum axle weights which the vehicle is designed to have.

• (6) Every vehicle or combination of vehicles specified in an item in column 2 of Table II shall be so maintained that its brakes are capable, without the assistance of stored energy, of holding it stationary on a gradient of at least the percentage specified in column 3 in that item.

1	2	3
Item	Class of vehicle or combination	Percentage gradient
1	A vehicle specified in item 1 of Table I—
	(a) when not drawing a trailer	16
	(b) when drawing a trailer	12
2	A vehicle to which requirement 18 in Schedule 3 applies by virtue of regulation 16.	16
3	A vehicle, not included in item 1, drawing a trailer manufactured on or after 1st January 1968 and required, by regulation 15 or 16, to be fitted with brakes.	16

• (7) For the purpose of this regulation the date of manufacture of a trailer which is a composite trailer shall be deemed to be the same as the date of manufacture of the semi-trailer which forms part of the composite trailer.

• (8) A vehicle which is subject to, and which complies with the requirements in, item 1 in Tables I and II shall not be treated as failing, by reason of its braking efficiency, to comply with regulation 15 or with Community Directives 79/489, 85/647, 88/194, 91/422 or 98/12 or with ECE Regulation 13.03, 13.04, 13.05, 13.06, 13.07, 13.08 or 13.09.

• (9) In this regulation—

• “PSV” means a public service vehicle within the meaning of section 1 of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981;

• “standing capacity”, in relation to a PSV, means the number of persons that can be carried standing without an offence being committed under section 26 of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981.

Application of brakes of trailers

19

Where a trailer is drawn by a motor vehicle the driver (or in the case of a locomotive one of the persons employed in driving or tending the locomotive) shall be in a position readily to operate any brakes required by these Regulations to be fitted to the trailer as well as the brakes of the motor vehicle unless a person other than the driver (or in the case of a locomotive a person other than one of the persons employed in driving or tending the locomotive) is in a position and competent efficiently to apply the brakes of the trailer.

C — WHEELS, SPRINGS, TYRES AND TRACKS

General requirement as to wheels and tracks

20

Every motor cycle and invalid carriage shall be a wheeled vehicle, and every other motor vehicle and every trailer shall be either a wheeled vehicle or a track-laying vehicle.

Diameter of wheels

21

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Springs and resilient material

22

• (1) Save as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4), every motor vehicle and every trailer shall be equipped with suitable and sufficient springs between each wheel and the frame of the vehicle.

• (2) Save as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4)in the case of a track-laying vehicle—

• (a) resilient material shall be interposed between the rims of the weight-carrying rollers and the road surface so that the weight of the vehicle, other than that borne by any wheel, is supported by the resilient material; and

• (b) where the vehicle is a heavy motor car, motor car, or trailer it shall have suitable springs between the frame of the vehicle and the weight-carrying rollers.

• (3) This regulation does not apply to—

• (a) a wheeled vehicle with an unladen weight not exceeding 4070 kg and which is—

• (i) a motor tractor any unsprung wheel of which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre;

• (ii) a motor tractor used in connection with railway shunting and which is used on a road only when passing from one railway track to another in connection with such use;

• (iii) a vehicle specially designed, and mainly used, for work on rough ground or unmade roads and every wheel of which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre and which is not driven at more than 20 mph;

• (iv) a vehicle constructed or adapted for, and being used for, road sweeping and every wheel of which is fitted with either a pneumatic tyre or a resilient tyre and which is not driven at more than 20 mph;

• (b) an agricultural motor vehicle , not being a category T tractor, which is not driven at more than 20 mph;

• (ba) a category T tractor which is not driven at more than 40 km/h;

• (c) an agricultural trailer, or an agricultural trailed appliance;

• (d) a trailer used solely for the haulage of felled trees;

• (e) a motor cycle;

• (f) a mobile crane;

• (g) a pedestrian-controlled vehicle all the wheels of which are equipped with pneumatic tyres;

• (h) a road roller;

• (i) a broken down vehicle; or

• (j) a vehicle first used on or before 1st January 1932.

• (4) Paragraphs (1) and (2)(b) do not apply to a works truck or a works trailer.

Wheel loads

23

• (1) Subject to paragraph (2) this regulation applies to—

• (a) a semi-trailer with more than 2 wheels;

• (b) a track-laying vehicle with more than 2 wheels; and

• (c) any other vehicle with more than 4 wheels.

• (2) This regulation does not apply to a road roller.

• (3) Save as provided in paragraphs (4) and (5), every vehicle to which this regulation applies shall be fitted with a compensating arrangement which will ensure that under the most adverse conditions every wheel will remain in contact with the road and will not be subject to abnormal variations of load.

• (4) Paragraph (3) does not apply in respect of a steerable wheel on which the load does not exceed—

• (a) if it is a wheeled vehicle, 4250 kg; and

• (b) if it is a track-laying vehicle, 2540 kg.

• (5) In the application of paragraph (3) to an agricultural motor vehicle, wheels which are in line transversely on one side of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle shall be regarded as one wheel.

Tyres

24

• (1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), every wheel of a vehicle of a class specified in an item in column 2 of the Table shall be fitted with a tyre of a type specified in that item in column 3 which complies with any conditions specified in that item in column 4.

• (2) The requirements referred to in paragraph (1) do not apply to a road roller and are subject, in the case of any item in the Table, to the exemptions specified in that item in column 5.

1	2	3	4	5
Item	Class of vehicle	Type of tyre	Conditions	Exemptions
1	Locomotives not falling in item 6	Pneumatic or resilient
2	Motor tractors not falling in item 6	Pneumatic or resilient	No re-cut pneumatic tyre shall be fitted to any wheel of a vehicle with an unladen weight of less than 2540 kg unless the diameter of the rim of the wheel is at least 405 mm
3	Heavy motor cars not falling in item 6	Pneumatic		The following, if every wheel not fitted with a pneumatic tyre is fitted with a resilient tyre— (a) a vehicle mainly used for work on rough ground; (b) a tower wagon; (c) a vehicle fitted with a turn-table fire escape; (d) a refuse vehicle; (e) a works truck; (f) a vehicle first used before 3rd January 1933.
4	Motor cars not falling in item 6	Pneumatic	No re-cut tyre shall be fitted to any wheel of a vehicle unless it is— (a) an electrically propelled goods vehicle or, (b) a goods vehicle with an unladen weight of at least 2540 kg and the diameter of the rim of the wheel is at least 405 mm.	The following, if every wheel not fitted with a pneumatic tyre is fitted with a resilient tyre— a vehicle mainly used for work on rough ground;a refuse vehicle;a works truck;a vehicle with an unladen weight not exceeding— 1270 kg if electrically propelled;1020 kg in any other case;a tower wagon;a vehicle fitted with a turn-table fire escape;a vehicle first used before 3rd January 1933.
5	Motor cycles	Pneumatic	No re-cut tyre shall be fitted	The following, if every wheel not fitted with a pneumatic tyre is fitted with a resilient tyre— (a) a works truck; (b) a pedestrian-controlled vehicle
6	(a) agricultural motor vehicles, not being category T tractors, which are not driven at more than 20 mph; and(b) category T tractors which are not driven at more than 40 km/h	Pneumatic or resilient	The same as for item 2	The requirement in column 3 does not apply to a vehicle of which—every steering wheel is fitted with a smooth-soled tyre which is not less than 60 mm wide where it touches the road; andin the case of a wheeled vehicle, every driving wheel is fitted with a smooth-soled tyre which— is not less than 150 mm wide if the unladen weight of the vehicle exceeds 3050 kg, or 76 mm wide in any other case, and eitheris shod with diagonal cross-bars not less than 76 mm wide or more than 20 mm thick extending the full breadth of the tyre and so arranged that the space between adjacent bars is not more than 76 mm; oris shod with diagonal cross-bars of resilient material not less than 60 mm wide extending the full breadth of the tyre and so arranged that the space between adjacent bars is not more than 76 mm.
7	Trailers	Pneumatic	Except in the case of a trailer mentioned in paragraph (d) of column 5, no re-cut tyre shall be fitted to any wheel of a trailer drawn by a heavy motor car or a motor car if the trailer—has an unladen weight not exceeding— if it is a living van, 2040 kg; orin any other case, 1020 kg; oris not constructed or adapted to carry any load, other than plant or other special appliance which is a permanent or essentially permanent fixture and has a gross weight not exceeding 2290 kg	an agricultural trailer manufactured before 1st December 1985;an agricultural trailed appliance;a trailer used to carry water for a road roller being used in connection with road works;the following if every wheel which is not fitted with a pneumatic tyre is fitted with a resilient tyre— a works trailer;a refuse vehicle;a trailer drawn by a heavy motor car every wheel of which is not required to be fitted with a pneumatic tyre;a broken down vehicle; ora trailer drawn by a vehicle which is not a heavy motor car or a motor car.

• (3) Save as provided in paragraph (4) a wheel of a vehicle may not be fitted with a temporary use spare tyre unless either—

• (a) the vehicle is a passenger vehicle (not being a bus) first used before 1st April 1987; or

• (b) the vehicle complies at the time of its first use with ECE Regulation 64 or Community Directive 92/23.

• (4) Paragraph (3) does not apply to a vehicle constructed or assembled by a person not ordinarily engaged in the trade or business of manufacturing vehicles of that description.

Tyre Loads and Speed Ratings

25

• (1) Save as provided in paragraphs (3), (4), (7A) and (7B) any tyre fitted to the axle of a vehicle–

• (a) which is a class of vehicle specified in an item in column 2 of Table I; and

• (b) in relation to which the date of first use is as specified in that item in column 3 of that Table;

shall comply with the requirements specified in that item in column 4 of that Table.

1	2	3	4
Item	Class of vehicle	Date of first use	Requirements
1	Vehicles which are of one ormore of the following descriptions, namely–goods vehicles,trailers,buses,vehicles of a class mentioned in column 2 in Table III	Before 1st April 1991	The requirements of paragraphs (5) and (6)
2	Vehicles which are of one ormore of the following descriptions–goods vehicles,trailers,buses,vehicles of a class mentioned in column 2 in Table III,and do not fall within item 3 below	On or after1st April 1991	The requirements of paragraphs (5), (6) and (7)
3	Vehicles of a class mentioned in paragraph (2)	On or after1st April 1991	The requirements of paragraph (5)

• (2) The classes of vehicle referred to in item 3 in column 2 of Table I are–

• (a) engineering plant;

• (b) track-laying vehicles;

• (c) vehicles equipped with tyres of speed category Q;

• (d) works trucks; and

• (e) motor vehicles with a maximum speed not exceeding 30 mph, not being vehicles of a class specified in–

• (i) items 2 and 3 of Table II; or

• (ii) paragraph (7A) or sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) of this paragraph;

• or trailers while being drawn by such vehicles.

• (3) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any tyre fitted to the axle of a vehicle if the vehicle is–

• (a) broken down or proceeding to a place where it is to be broken up; and

• (b) being drawn by a motor vehicle at a speed not exceeding 20 mph.

• (4) Where in relation to any vehicle first used on or after 1st April 1991 a tyre supplied by a manufacturer for the purposes of tests or trials of that tyre is fitted to an axle of that vehicle, paragraph (7) shall not apply to that tyre while it is being used for those purposes.

• (5) The requirements of this paragraph are that the tyre, as respects strength, shall be designed and manufactured adequately to support the maximum permitted axle weight for the axle.

• (6) The requirements of this paragraph are that the tyre shall be designed and manufactured adequately to support the maximum permitted axle weight for the axle when the vehicle is driven at the speed shown in column 3 in Table II in the item in which the vehicle is described in column 2 (the lowest relevant speed being applicable to a vehicle which is described in more than one item).

1	2	3	4
Item	Class of vehicle	Speed (mph)	Variation to the load-capacity index expressed as a percentage	Variation to the load-capacity index expressed as a percentage
			Tyres marked in accordance with ECE Regulation 30, 30.01 or 30.02 and relevant car tyres	Tyres marked in accordance with ECE Regulation 54 and relevant commercial vehicle tyres
1	A vehicle of a class for which maximum speeds are prescribed by Schedule 6 to the 1984 Act other than an agricultural motor vehicle	The highest speed so prescribed	Single wheels: none	None
			Dual wheels: 95.5%
2	An electrically propelled vehicle used as a multi-stop local collection and delivery vehicle and having a maximum speed of not more than 25 mph	The maximum speed of the vehicle	None	150%
3	An electrically propelled vehicle used as a multi-stop local collection and delivery vehicle and having a maximum speed of more than 25 mph and not more than 40 mph	The maximum speed of the vehicle	None	130%
4	An electrically propelled vehicle used only within a radius of 25 miles from the permanent base at which it is normally kept and having a maximum speed of more than 40 mph and not more than 50 mph	The maximum speed of the vehicle	None	115%
5	A local service bus	50	None	110%
6	A restricted speed vehicle	50	None	The relevant % variation specified in Annex 8 to ECE Regulation 54 or Appendix 8 to Annex II to Community Directive 92/23
7	A low platform trailer , an agricultural motor vehicle, an agricultural trailer, an agricultural trailed appliance or an agricultural trailed appliance conveyor	40	None	The relevant % variation specified in Annex 8 to ECE Regulation 54 or Appendix 8 to Annex II to Community Directive 92/23
8	A municipal vehicle	40	None	115%
9	A multi-stop local collection and delivery vehicle if not falling within the class of vehicle described in items 2 or 3 above	40	None	115%
10	A light trailer or any trailer equipped with tyres of speed category F or G	60	Single wheels: 110%	The relevant variation specified in Annex 8 to ECE
			Dual wheels: 105%	Regulation 54 or Appendix 8 to Annex II to Community Directive 92/23
11	A trailer not falling in items 6–10	60	Single wheels: none	None
			Dual wheels: 95.5%
12	A motor vehicle not falling in items 1–11	70	Single wheels: none	None
			Dual wheels: 95.5%

• (7) The requirement of this paragraph is that the tyre when first fitted to the vehicle was marked with a designated approval mark or complied with the requirements of ECE Regulation 30, 30.01, 30.02 or 54, or, in the case of a retreaded tyre, with the requirements of ECE Regulation 108 or 109.

• (7A) The requirements of paragraphs (6) and (7) shall not apply to any tyre fitted to the axle of a vehicle of a class specified in an item in column 2 of Table III while the vehicle is being driven or drawn at a speed not exceeding that specified in that item in column 3 of that Table.

1	2	3
Item	Class of vehicle	Speed ...
1	Agricultural motor vehicles other than category T tractors	20 mph
2	Agricultural trailers	40 km/h
3	Agricultural trailed appliances	20 mph
4	Agricultural trailed appliance conveyors	20 mph
5	Works trailers	18 mph
6	Category T tractors	40 km/h

• (7B) Paragraph (7C) applies where a tyre fitted to the axle of a vehicle—

• (a) bears a speed category symbol and load–capacity index, being marks that were moulded on to or into the tyre at the time that it was manufactured;

• (b) is designed and manufactured so as to be capable of operating safely at the speed and load indicated by those marks; and

• (c) is designed so as to be capable of being fitted to the axle of a vehicle of a class specified in item 1, 2, 3 or 4 in column 2 of Table III above.

• (7C) In the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (7B), paragraph (7) shall not apply to the tyre if—

• (a) the vehicle is being driven or drawn at a speed that does not exceed the speed indicated by the speed category symbol or 50 mph (whichever is the less), and

• (b) the load on the tyre does not exceed the load indicated by the load–capacity index.

• (8) A vehicle of a class described in column 2 in Table II first used on or after 1st April 1991 shall not be used on a road–

• (a) in the case where there is no entry in column 4 specifying a variation to the load-capacity index expressed as a percentage, if the load applied to any tyre fitted to the axle of the vehicle exceeds that indicated by the load-capacity index; or

• (b) in the case where there is such an entry in column 4, if the load applied to any tyre fitted to the axle of the vehicle exceeds the variation to the load-capacity index expressed as a percentage.

• (9) In this regulation–

• “designated approval mark” means the marking designated as an approval mark by regulation 5 of the Approval Marks Regulations and shown at item 33 in Schedule 4 to those Regulations (that item being a marking relating to Community Directive 92/23);

• “dual wheels” means two or more wheels which are to be regarded as one wheel by virtue of paragraph 7 of regulation 3 in the circumstances specified in that paragraph;

• “load-capacity index” has the same meaning as in paragraph 2.28 of Annex II to Community Directive 92/23 or paragraph 2 of ECE Regulation 30.02 or ECE Regulation 54, or as “load index” in paragraph 2 of ECE Regulation 108 or ECE Regulation 109;

• “local service bus” means a bus being used in the provision of a local service as defined in section 2 of the Transport Act 1985;

• “municipal vehicle” means a motor vehicle or trailer limited at all times to use by a local authority, or a person acting in pursuance of a contract with a local authority, for road cleansing, road watering or the collection and disposal of refuse, night soil or the contents of cesspools, or the purposes of the enactments relating to weights and measures or the sale of food and drugs;