The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 1990

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

1.  These Regulations further amend the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 by increasing the permitted overall length of articulated vehicles and of semi-trailers so long as certain conditions are met.

2.  Previously the maximum permitted overall length of an articulated vehicle was 15.5 metres whenever manufactured and of a semi-trailer manufactured on or after 1st May 1983, 12.2 metres.

3.  These lengths are increased to 16.5 metres and 14.04 metres so long as:

(a) the longitudinal distance between the axis of the king pin and the rear of the semi-trailer does not exceed 12 metres, (12.5 in the case of a car transporter) and

(b) no point on the front of the semi-trailer is more than 2.04 metres (4.19 metres in the case of a car transporter) from the axis of the king pin.

4.  The maximum length of an articulated vehicle incorporating a low loader is extended to 18 metres. This does not apply to stepframe low loaders. Definitions of “low loader” and “stepframe low loader” are inserted in regulation 3 of the 1986 Regulations.

5.  The maximum length of a composite vehicle is extended to 14.04 metres provided it is being drawn by a goods vehicle with a weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes or an agricultural motor vehicle. A composite trailer is defined in regulation 3(2) of the 1986 Regulations as a combination of a converter dolly and a semi-trailer.

6.  Provision is made in respect of the turning circle of articulated vehicles with an overall length exceeding 15.5 metres. These provisions do not apply to low loaders or stepframe low loaders.

7.  In so far as the amendments relate to vehicles registered or put into circulation in any Member State of the EEC other than the UK, they are made in consequence of Council Directive 85/3/EEC (OJ No. L22, 3.1.1985, p14) as read with Council Directive 89/461/EEC (OJ No. L22, 3.8.89, p7).

8.  The Regulations also make a minor amendment to the Table in regulation 7(1) of the 1986 Regulations so as to make it clear that the 12 metre limit on certain trailers with at least 4 wheels does not apply to semi-trailers. The opportunity has been taken to re-draft the provisions which were previously in regulation 7(3) and to make provision for cases where an articulated vehicle is being towed in consequence of a breakdown.

9.  Copies of the Directives referred to above can be obtained from HM Stationery Office.