Roadside Checks

Roadside checks are held all over the country, at the roadside and at permanent sites such as weighbridges.

What to expect

Vehicles are selected for examination and are directed to the check site by a police officer. During mobile checks the police officer will direct you to the temporary check site.

Once at the check site your vehicle will be examined by Traffic and Vehicle Examiners.

Traffic Examiners

A Traffic Examiner will inspect your vehicle to ensure its compliance with roadworthiness standards. They will also check;

tachographs
vehicle weight
vehicle licensing
other documentation
on some occasions VOSA take part in multi agency checks which involves checks by other enforcement agencies including customs and excise, department of social services, immigaration and others.

Vehicle Examiners

The Vehicle Examiner will inspect and check the mechanical componants on the vehicle and the condition of bodywork.

Examiners are appointed by the Secretary of State under section 66(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

The legislation and regulations that are followed during these checks are;

EEC Directives 3820/85 and 3821/85 - Drivers hours and tachographs
Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981
Road Vehicles - Construction and Use) Regulations 1986
Traffic Act 1968
Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations 1996
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Road Traffic Act 1988
The Goods Vehicle - Plating and Testing Act 1988
Vehicles Excise and Regualtions Act 1994
Goods Vehicle - Licensing of Operators Act 1995
Road Traffic - Foreign Vehicle Act 1972
Inspection Notices

These are issued to all vehicles examined by a Vehicle Examiner.

Additional Information

Hazchem Directive

For every Inspection of a dangerous goods vehicle by a traffic examiner an EEC directive form will be completed as required by DTLR. The driver will be issued with a duplicate copy for information.

Speed Limiter Kits

On some roadside checks you may find that some examiners will use equipment to ensure that the speed limiter is working correctly. If the speed limiter is not working correctly or there are signs of interfering or tampering a prohibition will be issued.

Other Infringements

When interviews are conducted with drivers/operators at the roadside under caution, notes are taken at the time. You will be asked specific questions relevant to the offence(s). Documentation may be seized as evidence and a receipt issued. Further investigation will take place which could lead to prosecution.

Emissions

Some roadside checks are to check emissions only. These are carried out by vehicle examiners on all types of vehicles including cars and light vans. If the exhaust system is emitting excessive smoke a prohibition may be issued. Further information and acceptable emissions levels can be obtained by calling our MOT information line on: 0845 6005977

Driver Licences

On occasion traffic examiners are asked to carry out work on behalf of DVLA which involves taking drivers details at the side of the road, a form is completed and the database interrogated to ensure the correct drivers licence is held.