Vehicle Weight Replating
- How do I find the plated weight of a vehicle?
- Articulated vehicles and drawbar combinations
- How are vehicles replated?
- What will be on the green plate?
- How can I apply for my test?
- Do I need to make any other changes to my documentation?
The Road Vehicles (authorised weights) (amendment no.1) Regulations from 2000 came into effect on 1 February 2001. This amendment allows 3 axle articulated tractors and 3 or more axle drawbar rigid vehicles fitted with EURO 2 engines to operate at 44,000 kg gross train weight.
How do I find the plated weight of a vehicle?
The gross plated weight is the total permitted weight of a loaded vehicle. If you want to confirm the permitted weight look on the Department of Transport (DfT) plate and plating certificate or the manufacturer’s plate if there is no Department plate. DfT plates are fitted on motor vehicles after first registration and on trailers after they have undergone a DfT annual test.
The plates are usually found: On motor vehicles - inside the cab in a conspicuous position; or on trailers - on the nearside, often on the headboard.
Articulated vehicles and drawbar combinations
From 1 February 2001 the GB train weight limit for an articulated tractor or a drawbar rigid was increased to 44 tonnes. As with the 41 tonne legislation, the combination must consist of 3 or more axle drawing vehicles and 3 or more axle trailers. When operating at this weight the drive axle weight must not exceed 10,500kg. Road friendly suspension is required on the motor vehicle, unless the rear axle weights do not exceed 8,500kg when operating at this weight. Additionally the vehicle must have a Euro 2 engine.
Trailer requirements
The trailer must have at least 3 axles and must be fitted with road friendly suspension. The distance between the coupling centre and the centre of the rearmost axle of a semi-trailer must be at least 8m.
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Euro 2 engines
All goods vehicles registered on or after 1 October 1997 are required to be fitted with a Euro 2 engine. Prior to this date some vehicles were fitted with Euro 2 engines. Most of the major manufacturers have provided Technical Section GVC with lists of pre 1 October 1997 Euro 2 engined vehicles. Manufacturers may have Euro 1 engines that may be upgraded to Euro 2. Contact your dealer for details. Some manufacturers may issue a certificate confirming that the engine has been upgraded. In most cases replating to 44,000kg will be carried out as a paperwork exercise, with no need for examination of the vehicle. It may be necessary to examine some vehicles, particularly those which were registered prior to 1 October 1997 to confirm that a Euro 2 engine is fitted.
How are vehicles replated?
Vehicles registered on or after 1 October 1997
If your vehicle has 44,000kg design train weights shown on the Ministry Plate, replating will not normally require an inspection of the vehicle. Applications for replating to the higher weights should be sent on form VTG10 to the VOSA, 91-2 The Strand, Swansea SA1 2DH or to any of the VOSA's Goods Vehicle Test Stations (see Vehicle Testing Stations and Garages for contact details).
VTG10 forms are available from any VOSA Test Station or the VOSA website. To avoid delays please include the following information when you send the application:
- clearly indicate that you require the vehicle to be replated at 44,000 kg train weight.
- £17.00 fee - cheques should be made payable to Vehicle and Operator Services Agency.
- your current plating certificate (VTG 7) for the vehicle.
- a copy of the registration document (V5) if the vehicle was registered before 1998 to allow us to check whether a Euro 2 engine is fitted.
- if you have changed the tyres include:
- details of the size, load index and speed rating of the new tyres.
- if your vehicle has not already been replated to 41tonnes please include the following information:
- for 3 axle motor vehicles the distance between the front axle and the rear axle measured between the wheel hub centres in metres.
- the type of suspension fitted to the drive axles e.g. air, steel.
Vehicles registered before 1 October 1997
As above, but additionally you will need to ensure that the vehicle is fitted with a Euro 2 engine. We have information for most makes of vehicle and you can check by telephoning 01792 454232 or 454278. If we do not have the information for a particular vehicle you may need to contact the vehicle dealer or manufacturer. In some cases it may be necessary to inspect the vehicle to confirm that a Euro 2 engine is fitted. If the manufacturer has given you a certificate to confirm that the engine has been upgraded to Euro 2 standard please send this certificate with your application.
What will be on the green plate?
The centre column on the green plate shows the weights that vehicles can operate throughout the European Community. For vehicles which are being replated to the new regulations and amended regulations the EEC weights will be the same as the GB weights, with two exception; the EEC train weight has a maximum limit of 40,000kg whereas the GB limit is now 44,000kg (for EURO 2, 3 axle tractors and 3 or more axle drawbar rigids). 44000kg Maximum train weight will only be shown on three axle tractors.
Combined road/rail transport 44,000kg maximum GTW
The articulated vehicle concessionary rate of VED for combined transport is to be retained, Where a vehicle is plated at 44,000kg GB GTW, 44,000kg will also be entered in the Max GTW box. Use limitation will be determined by the VED paid and this will be indicated on the tax disc. The 38,000kg and 41,000kg, rates of VED are being retained. Where these are requested on a voluntary downrate basis, 44,000kg Max GTW will be allocated, design weight permitting.
Vehicles with non EURO 2 engines
These will continue to previous GB GTW limits of 40,000kgs for 2 axle vehicles and 41,000kgs for 3 axle vehicles. Where design weight permits 44,000kgs Max GTW, will still be allocated for combined road rail transport. As before this does not apply to 2 axle tractors.
How can I apply for my test?
Send the Details of Notifiable Alterations (VTG 10)
application form to VOSA, 91-2 The Strand, Swansea SA1 2DH or to any of the VOSA's Goods Vehicle Test Stations (see Vehicle Testing Stations and Garages for contact details). Click here for the Latest Fees for this service.
Do I need to make any other changes to my documentation?
Vehicles must have excise licence showing the correct VED weight after replating.
Page last updated: 02/06/2008