Correct as at 28th March 2024. It may be superseded at any time.

Extract taken: from Vehicle Inspection Portal > VIRMs > In-service certification (WoF and CoF) > Unclassified vehicles > Vehicle exterior > External projections

2-1 External projections

Reasons for rejection

Condition and performance

1. The risk of a component (Note 1) hooking a vehicle, or hooking or grazing a person, has not been minimised.

2. An ornamental object or fitting (Note 2) protrudes in such a way that it is likely to injure a person.

3. A protruding object or fitting that has a functional purpose (Note 3) is fitted in a way that does not reduce the risk of injury to a person.

4. A component, object or fitting is not securely attached to the vehicle.

5. A protruding object or fitting adversely affects the driver’s vision or control.

Note 1

Components include damaged, corroded and exposed body panels.

Note 2

Ornamental object or fitting means an object or fitting that does not have a practical purpose, for example bonnet emblems. The external projections requirements relate to the design and maintenance of objects and fittings that protrude from the exterior of the motor vehicle with regard to the safety of other motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

Note 3

Functional object or fitting means an object or fitting that has a practical purpose.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Permitted equipment

1. A vehicle may be fitted with a protruding ornamental or functional object or fitting.

Condition and performance

2. A protruding ornamental object or fitting (Note 2) must not be likely to injure a person.

3. A protruding object or fitting that has a functional purpose (Note 3) must be installed so that the risk of the object or fitting causing injury to a person is minimised.

4. Components of a vehicle, including damaged or corroded body panels, must be such that the risk of their hooking a vehicle, or hooking or grazing a person, is minimised.

5. A protruding object or fitting must not adversely affect driver vision or driver control.