Van Drivers Warned Over Tyre Faults, Fines and Roadside Checks

Jun 5

For van drivers and fleet operators, roadworthiness is not only about passing the annual truck or Van CVRT. Vehicle defects can also be picked up during roadside checks, and the consequences can include fines, penalty points, court appearances and time off the road.

Recent warnings put out by the RSA have put tyre faults and commercial vehicle compliance very much back in focus. For businesses that rely on vans every day, a small defect can quickly become an issue if it is not dealt with early.

What to Know About Vehicle Defect Penalties

Vehicle defects are not just problems you need to worry about when your annual commercial vehicle test (CVRT) comes around. Your or your drives can be stopped at any time, meaning that it’s imperative to stay on top of maintenance and daily checks all year round.

Tyre Faults Can Lead to Penalty Points

Tyres are one of the most visible parts of a vehicle, which makes defects easier to spot during checks. It’s not just worn tread you should check for, either, as damaged or bulging sidewalls can lead to enforcement action being taken against you.

That’s why you should:

Check tread, pressure and sidewalls regularly, not just when your van testing date is approaching.
Replace tyres with visible damage or bulging before they lead to a roadside penalty or failed inspection.

Failed Roadside Checks Disrupt the Working Day

For many businesses, a van off the road means missed jobs, delayed deliveries and unhappy customers. Even a simple defect can cause unnecessary downtime if it is found during an inspection.

Ideally, you need to be doing:

Regular walkaround checks can reduce avoidable delays.
Defect reporting as part of your daily vehicle use.

The main message here for van drivers is simple: do not wait for your van CVRT to find out whether a vehicle is roadworthy. Tyres, lights, brakes, paperwork and known defects should be checked regularly to help avoid fines, penalty points and disruption.

Book Your Van CVRT with Argent Today

At Argent, we provide CVRT testing for vans, jeeps, HGVs, trailers and mixed fleets from our Dublin Northside and Dublin Southside test centres. We help commercial vehicle operators stay compliant, reduce downtime and keep vehicles ready for the road.

If your van or fleet vehicle is due for testing, book your CVRT with Argent today. Staying ahead of testing and maintenance helps keep your business moving safely and legally.