BY LES OLDRIDGE, A.I.R.T.E., A.M.1.M.I.
Page 65
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'esting of vehicles
(AVE ALREADY dealt (CM September 6 58) with the police powers to test vehicles ler Section 67 of the Road Traffic Act 1960_ .eader has since pointed out that Section 3 of the same Act is the main authorization vehicle examiners to inspect vehicles, and there may be some misunderstanding on point I will clarify the position.
;ection 67 gives power to vehicle examiners. I to police constables authorized by their 3f officer, to test any vehicle on a road to see t the requirements respecting brakes. ?ring gear, tyres, lighting equipment. ectors, and as to the prevention of smoke, les or vapour are complied with.
;ection 183 gives powers to examiners and tifying officers, but not police constables, inspect goods vehicles for the purpose of ing they are maintained in fit and service? condition and that the provisions in relation to Part 1 of the Act are observed. They may detain the vehicle during the time it is required for the inspection and at any reasonable time enter premises where they have reason to believe a goods vehicle is kept.
There is a maximum fine of £20 for obstructing a police officer or examiner under Section 67, and £50 for obstructing an examiner under Section 183.
It will be seen that Section 67 applies to all vehicles and that police officers as well as vehicle examiners have the power to test, while Section 183 is confined to goods vehicles only and the power to inspect is limited to MoT staff. This section is wider in its scope in that the inspection is to ascertain that the vehicle is in a fit and serviceable condition and not for the specific, reasons outlined in Section 67.