Correct as at 25th April 2024. It may be superseded at any time.
Extract taken from: Vehicle Inspection Portal > VIRMs > In-service certification (WoF and CoF) > Unclassified vehicles > Vehicle structure
3 Vehicle structure
3-1 Vehicle structure
Reasons for rejection
Condition
1. The structure of the vehicle has visible:
a) deformation from the original shape that has affected the vehicle’s structural integrity (Note 1) (Note 3), or
b) cracking, or
c) fracture, or
d) any corrosion, damage or repair that the inspector considers has caused weakening of a load-bearing structure.
2. A protection structure, specialist equipment or a cab is not securely attached to the vehicle body or chassis.
Note 1
The structure of the vehicle includes the chassis, body mounting points and the body frame, but not any specialist equipment or protection structure, except for their attachment to the vehicle.
Note 2
Corrosion damage is where the metal has been eaten away, which is evident by pitting. The outward sign of such corrosion damage is typically displayed by the lifting or bubbling of paint. In extreme cases, the area affected by the corrosion damage will fall out and leave a hole.
Note 3
The vehicle inspector may request additional relevant information from a repairer or other relevant person. The vehicle inspector should withhold the WoF if there is reason to believe that the vehicle has:
a) structural damage, or
b) inadequate structural repair(s), or
c) corrosion damage
to the extent that it could affect the vehicle’s structural strength or one of the vehicle’s safety requirements. If the owner questions the decision, the vehicle inspector should recommend the vehicle owner obtain further written assessment from the equipment manufacturer or other suitable person.
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Condition
1. The vehicle must be safe to be operated.
2. The components and materials must be fit for their purpose and within safe tolerance of their state when manufactured or modified.