Changes to vehicle inspections
Inspectors need to get to grips with changes to the vehicle-inspection requirements manuals (VIRMs) for in-service certification, which kick in on April 1.
When it comes to warrants and certificates of fitness, new images have been released to show when tyre cracks should result in failures.
The updated VIRM includes removing mechanical portable brake decelerometers from the approved brake-testing equipment list and simplified wording around repairs inside the critical vision area (CVA) of the windscreen.
Due to conflicting statements between the VIRM and repair rules or NZ standards, vehicle inspectors have been rejecting repairs certified by authorised repairers as acceptable.
To reduce confusion, Waka Kotahi is simplifying the wording in the VIRM for repairs to this, “the CVA is damaged [apart from scratching, surface pitting, small stone marks and certified visible repairs that do not affect the driver’s vision]”. A note to this has been extended to, “damage includes any unrepaired damage and attempted visible repairs that unreasonably impair the driver’s vision”.
As for tyres, illustrations have been added to show examples of tyre cracks that can be accepted as minor and those more than 25mm long. Other pictures, some of which are featured above, show cracks deemed to be inspection fails. The remaining VIRM changes are:
• Updates to the recommended method of checking brakes on light trailers.
• A new reason for rejection stating the Cardan shaft park-brake warning sticker is compulsory, and a sample image of the sticker for COFs only.
• An update in the introduction and to a large number of heavy vehicle and heavy trailer pages allowing for electronic document retention. To access the combined WOF and COF amendment preview, click here.
When it comes to heavy-vehicle specialist certification, the transport agency is adding a section that details how engineering certifiers can issue a professional opinion on a component when they’ve determined an LT400 is not required.
This may include situations when a clean and treat is required, or inspection of damage is recorded but certification isn’t required yet. Click here for more information.
Finally, Waka Kotahi is introducing a fresh look to its vehicle inspection portal (VIP) so it’s more user-friendly and provides the agency with greater flexibility going forward. The new VIP is also mobile and tablet friendly.
It will go live after 5.30pm on March 21. There may be a small period when the portal is unavailable, but it should be back up and running pretty quickly. Click here to download a short guide.
It explains new features. These include “sticky tabs” so you always know where you are on a page, a “back to top” button to reduce scrolling, and pop-up reminders when there’s been an amendment.
The agency says it’s still easy to find your way around the VIP – the content itself remains the same and is in the same order it is now. The links are also unchanged, so any saved bookmarks or favourites will still work.
