As an owner you should ensure that your heavy vehicle is well maintained and roadworthy at all times.
The HVIS inspection is an examination by the RTA’s vehicle inspectors which includes a mechanical and visual assessment. The inspection is covered by guidelines established for Authorised Inspection Stations (Heavy Vehicles) and the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2007.
The following is a guide to preparing for the HVIS inspection:
- The driver presenting the vehicle for inspection must be correctly licensed to drive that particular class of heavy vehicle.
- All brakes must operate correctly and must be free from leaks (ensure air reservoirs are drained and that drain valves can be readily operated).
- Tyres must have at least 1.5mm of tread and must be free of deep cuts.
- Steering and suspension components must be in good condition (check for worn bushes, bearings and joints).
All required lights must operate.
- The portion of the windscreen directly in front of the driver must be free from cracks and scratches that inhibit vision.
- Windscreen wipers and washers must operate.
- The body and cab must be securely mounted and the structure of the vehicle must be in good condition.
- The exhaust must be secure and free from leaks.
- The vehicle should be unladen at the time of inspection.
- The vehicle must be clean (especially underneath) for inspection.
With tilt-cab vehicles, ensure that the cab can be readily tilted for inspection of the engine bay.
Accredited public passenger vehicles must have a certified fire extinguisher installed in the vehicle.
If your vehicle is overdimensioned or overmass, it is your responsibililty to ensure you travel on an approved route to the inspection site.
Important
If the vehicle is not presented in an appropriate condition, the RTA can refuse to inspect the vehicle. A subsequent inspection will be undertaken once the vehicle meets the above conditions. Another inspection fee will be charges in these circumstances.
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