A reminder of updated Guernsey vehicle construction and use legislation coming into effect on 29th March 2021
In ratifying the International Convention on Road Traffic, 1968 (The Vienna Convention), the States of Guernsey was obliged to introduce a number of road safety related initiatives, including the updating of existing construction and use legislation.
These changes should not have a significant impact as most modern, well maintained vehicles/trailers should already meet the required standards and therefore most islanders will not need to make any changes to their vehicle. The exception being older vehicles or home-built/modified trailers.
The new legislation comes into effect on Monday 29th March 2021 which will require the following:
- Every motor vehicle must be fitted with an anti-theft device by which one of the essential components of the vehicle can be put out of action or blocked when the vehicle is parked.
- All vehicles and trailers must be fitted with a securely affixed chassis plate with a minimum of the name and trade mark of the manufacturer, the manufacturer’s production or serial number and where applicable an engine number.
- Certain goods vehicles and trailers must be fitted with side-guards and rear underrun devices. These devices would help prevent road users from going underneath a goods vehicle or trailer in the event of a collision.
The legislation will apply to goods vehicles which exceed 3,500kg maximum gross weight and first registered on or after 1 April 1984, and to trailers with an un-laden weight which exceeds 1,020kg manufactured on or after 1 May 1983.
Certain types of vehicles are exempt from the legislation, definitions of these can be found online here.
As the legislation is brought into force, the organisation is conscious that the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions may have impacted the operator’s/owner’s ability to make these changes. Therefore, the law will be proportionally policed until a reasonable period of time has passed, to allow people to ensure they have time to fulfil these changes to their vehicles.
For operators/owners who are unsure of the legislation in relation to their own particular vehicle/trailer and require information or technical guidance, please contact Traffic & Highway Services on 01481 223400 or by email at [email protected].
More information on this motor vehicle legislation can be found online here.
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