Requirements from November 2013
From 15 November 2013 vehicles used in these categories of tests must have a load as shown in the table.
| Vehicle category | Vehicle or trailer affected | Minimum real weight | Minimum load requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Vehicle | 10,000 kg | 5 x 1,000 litre IBCs |
| C+E ‘drawbar’ vehicle | Towing lorry and trailer | 10,000 kg for lorry and 5,000kg for trailer | 5 x 1,000 litre IBCs (lorry) and 3 x 1,000 litre IBCs (trailer) |
| C+E articulated lorry | Semi-trailer | 15,000 kg | 8 x 1,000 litre IBCs |
| B+E, C1+E, D1+E and D+E | Trailers | 800 kg | 600 kg of aggregates or 1 IBC of 1,000 kg or 600 kg capacity when filled with water |
Rules about the load
The load requirement is:
- bagged aggregates like sand, stone chippings, gravel or any other recycled material packages (but not toxic materials) in sealed transparent bags – the bags must:
- all weigh the same
- be at least 10 kg
- have the weight clearly stamped on them
- water, in intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) which are made from semi-transparent moulded plastic usually reinforced with a wire framework
The examiner may need to inspect an IBC used as ‘load’ for the test, so it’s important that they can visually check it has the correct water level.
You can’t use any other type of load.
The load must be secured appropriately to the vehicle or trailer.
Minimum real weight
The ‘real weight’ is the actual weight of the vehicle and the load combined. This cannot be more than the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM).
The MAM is the potential weight of a vehicle or trailer including the maximum load that can be carried safely. This is also known as gross vehicle weight (GVW) or permissible maximum weight.