DVSA issues major safety update to vehicle inspection manuals amid new legislation

The changes will affect the Individual Vehicle Approval inspection manual which sets out how DVSA examiners will inspect vehicles to make sure they meet the necessary standards.

As part of the changes, numerous sections of the manual have been modified, including fuel tanks, protective steering, speedometer and reverse gear, installation of lights, and headlamps.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

The DVSA said it has provided detailed explanations for these changes in the release notes at the beginning of the manual.

Additionally, each affected section includes a record of revision page, offering specific information on the updates for drivers to get on board with.

These modifications are expected to have a substantial impact on drivers and vehicle owners across the UK.

Key changes to the inspection manual include updates to non-European and other acceptable standards.

Other updates include unmodified mass-produced vehicles imported from Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand which will now be considered “compliant” with specific ECE regulations.

Requirements for front airbags have also been revised for vehicles manufactured using parts of a registered vehicle as well as ones produced in very low volume.

The DVSA detailed: "The installation of lights section now features a new Figure 4b, detailing requirements for multiple lamps to be considered as one."

Notably, mass-produced vehicles will no longer need to provide evidence of compliance for LED headlamps regarding light output, self-levelling, and cleaning systems.

However, this requirement remains in place for “non-mass-produced" vehicles and modified or non-standard headlamp units.

These updates reflect the DVSA's commitment to maintaining up-to-date safety standards for vehicles on UK roads, the agency stated.

The changes reflect the latest safety standards and legislative requirements for vehicles on British roads.

Drivers have been told to familiarise themselves with the new regulations, particularly if they own imported vehicles or those with LED headlamps.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Pay-per-mile car tax changes could force drivers to pay £600 more and replace 100-year-old system
• E-bikes get seized in London as riders illegally modify speeds to 70mph to steal phones from pedestrians
• Major car brands set to issue 260 vehicle recalls this year as millions of drivers could be impacted

Meanwhile, industry professionals, including mechanics and vehicle inspectors, will need to familiarise themselves with these updates to ensure they can properly assess vehicles under the new guidelines.

The implementation date comes into force on October 9 with drivers urged to check the new regulations ahead of the deadline.