Vehicle structure

3-3 Heavy PSV roof racks

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory requirement

1. A roof rack does not have a sign or plate on the left-hand side.

2. A roof rack sign or plate does not state:

a) the purpose of the roof rack, if other than for general baggage, or

b) the maximum weight it is allowed to carry, or

c) the manufacturer of the roof rack, or

d) at least one of the following:

i. the make, model and registration number of the PSV to which it is fitted

ii. vehicle identification number or chassis number of the PSV to which it is fitted

iii. if rated and certified either by the vehicle manufacturer or by a  heavy vehicle specialist certifier for a vehicle model, the approval for that vehicle model.

Condition

3. The roof rack sign or plate is:

a) not securely fitted, or

b) not legible.

4. A roof rack that is fitted to a heavy PSV:

a) is not fitted as appropriate for that particular vehicle make and model, or

b) is not fitted securely, eg fastenings are missing, broken or loose, or

c) shows signs of significant deterioration that affects its ability to hold or retain the rated load.

Modification and repair

5. A modification or repair affects the roof rack, or a roof rack has been fitted, and:

a) is not excluded from the requirements for HVS certification (Table 3-3-1), or

b) the modification is not for the purpose of law enforcement or the provision of emergency services, or

c) is missing proof of HVS certification (other than one rated and certified by the vehicle manufacturer), ie:

i. the vehicle was modified or repaired before the last CoF inspection and no LANDATA record has been entered, or

ii. the vehicle was modified or repaired since the last CoF inspection and no valid LT400 form from a HVS certifier of category HVEC, HVMC or HVIC has been presented.

Table 3-3-1. Requirements for HVS certification

HVS certification is required

HVS certification is not required

Fitting a roof rack (other than one rated and certified by the vehicle manufacturer)

Any repair or modification not listed in the left-hand column unless the vehicle inspector considers that certification is required because the modification or repair has affected the vehicle’s safety performance (a second opinion from an expert may be needed, eg the manufacturer’s representative or a reputable workshop).

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Mandatory requirement

1. A roof rack that is fitted to a heavy PSV must have a sign or plate on the left-hand side stating:

a) the purpose of the roof rack, if other than for general baggage, and

b) the maximum weight it is allowed to carry, and

c) the manufacturer of the roof rack, and

d) either:

i. the make, model and registration number of the PSV to which it is fitted, or

ii. vehicle identification number or chassis number of the PSV to which it is fitted, or

iii. if rated and certified by the vehicle manufacturer or a category HVEC, HVIC or HVMC heavy vehicle specialist certifier for a vehicle model, the approval for that vehicle model.

Condition

2.A roof rack fitted to a heavy PSV must:

a) be fitted and rated as appropriate for that particular make and model of PSV, or

b) be rated and certified by a category HVEC, HVIC, or HVMC heavy vehicle specialist certifier and fitted in accordance with their instructions.

3. A roof rack that is fitted to a heavy PSV must be fitted in accordance with instructions by a category HVEC, HVIC or HVMC heavy vehicle specialist certifier.

Modification

4. A modification that affects the roof rack of a heavy PSV, including the fitting of a roof rack, must be inspected and certified by an HVS certifier, unless the vehicle:

a) is excluded from the requirements for HVS specialist certification (Table 3-3-1), and

b) has been inspected in accordance with the requirements in this manual, including those for equipment, condition and performance.

Page amended 1 April 2023 (see amendment details)

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