Construction and Use of Vehicles Flashcards
What is construction and use legislation?
Relates to the maintenance of a vehicle to a roadworthy standard, and the circumstances in which it may create a danger to other road users.
The legislation is written in the form of regulations, notably the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 and the Road Vehicles and Lighting Regulations 1989.
When dealing with tyre offences it is important to record sufficient information so the specific tyre can be identified when presenting evidence.
What does this include?
Size Rating Dimension Description of defects its Location on the vehicle
When describing a tyres location on the vehicle, what system is used?
Front (F)
Rear (R)
Nearside (NR) - side closest to curb when driving on the left.
Offside (OS) - side further from the curb when driving on the left.
Tyre at the front of the car on the driver’s side would be what location?
F/O/S
195/50 R 15 92V
The side wall information above can be interpreted as…
- Section width is 195 mm (distance between outer edge of each sidewall under normal inflation).
- Aspect ratio is 50% (compares the height of the side wall with the section width).
- Letter R denotes that tyre has a radial construction (most tyres).
- 15 (wheel rim diameter in inches)
- 92 (load index)
- V (speed rating)
Offences relating to tyre conditions.
Tyres must be…
In good condition
Suitable for the purpose for which they are being used.
Inflated to the correct pressure.
Under what legislation should tyres not be in such a condition that they could cause damage to the road surface or persons?
Regulation 27(1)(h) of the Road Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
What types of tyre damage is not permitted?
- Cuts anywhere on the surface of the tyre, longer than 25 mm or 10% of the section width of the tyre (whichever is the greater), and also deep enough to reach the ply or cord.
- Lumps, bulges or tears.
- Exposed ply or cord.
For private cars and vans (driving licence category B and Private Light Goods vehicles) and their trailers must have tread grooves of what depth?
At least 1.6 mm deep over the centre 3/4 tread width.
For motorcycles, larger passenger vehicles and larger good vehicles, the tyres must have tread grooves of what depth?
At least 1.0 mm deep over the centre 3/4 tread width.
What are the obligatory lights required for a vehicle?
Front of the car:
- Position lights (‘side lights’)
- Dipped and main beam headlights
- Direction indicators
Back of the car:
- Position lights (‘side lights’)
- Direction indicators
- Stop lights (brake lights)
- Fog lights
- Registration plate lamp
- Reflector (albeit not strictly a light)
A hazard warning signal device is also obligatory.
Position lights must be present where…
All four corners of a vehicle, to indicate the vehicle’s presence and width to other road users.
The front are white, back are red.
When are cars dipped lights not required?
With street lighting with a 30mph limit or less or if the fog lights are illuminated.
Hazard warning lights should only be used when?
- When the vehicle is stationary, to alert other road users of an obstruction.
- When moving on a motorway or dual carriageway, to warn drivers behind of an obstruction ahead.
- By the driver of a bus when children under 16 are getting on or off, or to summon help.
Are what times of the day must different lights be on?
Position lights (sidelights) must be used as soon as the sun sets and until the sun rises.
Dipped headlights should be used during hours of darkness (half hour after sunset, half hour before sunrise).
What is the permitted rate of flash be for direction indicators?
Must be amber and flash between 60 and 120 times a minute.