Vehicle Inspection and Load Securing Flashcards

What is a 'prohibition notice' issued by an RSA vehicle inspector?

Answer: A legal notice preventing a vehicle from being used until a specified defect is repaired — driving after a prohibition is a criminal offence

A prohibition notice (immediate or delayed) prevents the vehicle from operating on the road until the specified defect is remedied. An immediate prohibition means the vehicle cannot move. Driving under prohibition is a serious criminal offence.

What is the importance of checking the vehicle's emergency equipment during a pre-trip inspection?

Answer: Emergency equipment (first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangles) must be present, accessible, and in working order — some items are legally required

Commercial vehicles are required to carry certain emergency equipment. Fire extinguishers, warning triangles, and first aid kits must be present, accessible, and in date. Requirements vary by vehicle type and operation.

How should a driver check the trailer coupling king pin area during an inspection?

Answer: Visually check the kingpin for cracks, damage, or excessive wear — a bent or worn kingpin must be reported and replaced

The trailer kingpin must be inspected for cracks, bending, excessive wear, or corrosion. A damaged kingpin can fail under load, causing the trailer to separate from the tractor unit — a catastrophic failure.

What is the maximum permitted overhang of a load beyond the rear of a vehicle in Ireland?

Answer: Up to 2 metres — beyond 1 metre, a rear marker board is required; beyond 2 metres, a police escort may be needed

Loads may overhang up to 2 metres beyond the rear without special permits in most cases, but rear overhang beyond 1 metre requires a marker board. Longer overhangs require abnormal load permits.

Why is it important to check the condition of the trailer's underrun guard (rear bumper bar)?

Answer: It must be secure, undamaged, and at the correct height to protect car occupants from underrunning the trailer in a rear collision

The rear underrun guard prevents cars from sliding under a trailer in a collision (underride), protecting occupants from catastrophic injury. It must be fitted securely, undamaged, and at the correct height.

What is the difference between a 'dangerous' and a 'major' defect in the CVRT and RSA inspection system?

Answer: Dangerous defects pose an immediate road safety risk — the vehicle cannot be driven; major defects require repair before the next journey

The CVRT inspection uses EU-standard categories: Dangerous = immediate risk to road safety — vehicle prohibited on the spot. Major = significant risk — must be repaired before the next journey. Minor = minor issue, no immediate action required.