Vehicle standards: safety

Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval scheme (MSVA) (122 kb)

An introduction to the inspection for motorcycles which do not have Type Approval, including motor tricycles and light quadricycles.

Published:: 02 February 2009

Golf cart style vehicles (51 kb)

Guidance about the permitted use of golf cart style vehicles on the public highways, eg roads, pavements, cycle paths. This includes crossing a road with a golf cart.

Published:: 02 February 2009

Self-balancing scooters and similar vehicles (40 kb)

Information about vehicles such as the Segway and similar vehicles.

Published:: 02 February 2009

Trailers drawn by motorcycles (45 kb)

Information summarising the technical requirements for towing a trailer with a motorcycle.

Published:: 02 February 2009

Motorised scooters (38 kb)

Information about the use of Go-peds, Citybugs and similar small, powered, stand-on scooters

Published:: 02 February 2009

A-frames and Towing Dollies (40 kb)

Advice about the use of A-frames and towing dollies, including braking requirements and speed limits.

Published:: 02 February 2009

Miniature Motorcycles and Minimotos (39 kb)

Information about the use of miniature motorcycles on the roads.

Published:: 02 February 2009

American caravans and trailers (56 kb)

Information about the braking and coupling requirements and permitted sizes of American trailers, including "fifth wheel" trailers.

Published:: 02 February 2009

Vehicle imports and single vehicle approval

Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)

A review by the Transport Research Laboratory of the DRL reports from the European Commission.

Electronic Stability Control

Information about Electronic Stability control (ESC) and information about the some of the names which manufacturers use for ESC.

Published:: 16 January 2008

Motorcyclists' helmets - Test methods and new technologies (12 Mb)

This document is the final report from the DfT research project ‘Motorcyclists’ Helmets - Test Methods And New Technologies’ which ran from 2003 to 2006. The project carried an objective review of current and state of the art helmet technologies whilst developing a body of knowledge to develop the basis for a consumer information programme for motorcycle helmets. Published 20/02/2007 by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL).

Published:: 28 March 2007

Towing cars and light vehicles: frequently asked questions

This answers the questions often asked by members of the public about towing with cars and light goods vehicles.

Published:: 01 September 2006

Guidance about the supply and sale of pedal cycles

This includes information about the supply of bicycles sold ready assembled and in kit form.

Published:: 01 September 2006

Guidance about lights on pedal bicycles

Information about the lights which are required to be fitted to pedal cycles and which lights are permitted.

Published:: 01 September 2006

Regulations for Self-balancing Scooters

A fact sheet to explain the laws that self-balancing scooters users should comply with.

Published:: 29 August 2006

Airbags

General advice about safe use of vehicles fitted with airbags.

Published:: 03 August 2005

Bus, coach, minibus and HGV seat belts - Guidance note for businesses

The technical requirements for seat belts fitted on buses, coaches, minibuses and HGVs.

Published:: 23 September 2004

Requirements for trailers

Information about how to calculate how much a vehicle can tow, dimensions of trailers and safety requirements.

Published:: 28 June 2001

Lighting requirements for fork lift trucks

The lighting requirements for Fork Lift trucks in operation.

Published:: 18 October 2005

Minibus and coach seat belts

Advice to users and operators of minibuses and coaches carrying children.

Published:: 03 August 2005

Seat belts fitted in minibuses, buses and coaches - MOT testing

Important information for anyone who owns or has responsibility for a minibus, bus or coach with more than 8 passenger seats and with seat belts fitted to forward-facing passenger seats.

Published:: 03 August 2005

Motorcycle helmets, visors and goggles - useful information

This document is a general summary of the legislative requirements for motor cycle helmets, visors and goggles.

Published:: 03 August 2005

Code of practice for horse drawn vehicles

A straightforward guide to best practice, including the minimum levels of competence, for drivers of horse drawn vehicles, particularly those with paying passengers.

Published:: 03 August 2005

Safety of loads on vehicles - code of practice (2 Mb)

Guidance for drivers who are carrying loads on vehicles including how to secure a load, unloading and driving the vehicle along with other road users and pedestrians.

Published:: 17 October 2005

Regulations for powered two and three-wheeled vehicles

General guidance and details of legislation, including those for certain quadricycles.

Published:: 18 October 2005

Summaries of construction and use regulations for motor vehicles

Information about the regulations relating to seat belts, glazing and mirrors in road vehicles.

Published:: 23 September 2004