The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003

Motor vehicles used for cutting grass or trimming hedges

51.—(1) Motor cutters are a recognised category of special vehicles.

(2) The authorisation requirements applicable to motor cutters are—

(a) the requirements specified in paragraphs (3) to (5);

(b) the Construction and Use Regulations, apart from—

(i) regulation 8 (width);

(ii) regulation 82(11) (restrictions on wide/long loads or fixed appliances);

(c) the Authorised Weight Regulations; and

(d) the Lighting Regulations.

(3) The overall width of the motor cutter, together with any equipment mounted on it, must not exceed 2.55 metres.

(4) All cutting or trimming blades that form part of the machinery fitted to, or mounted on, the motor cutter must be effectively guarded so that no danger is caused (or is likely to be caused) to any person.

(5) But paragraphs (3) and (4) do not apply at any time when the motor cutter is cutting grass or trimming hedges.

(6) “Motor cutters” means motor vehicles that are specially constructed to—

(a) be used as grass cutters and hedge trimmers; and

(b) be controlled by a person other than a pedestrian.