Agricultural Vehicle Type Approval

What is Type Approval?

Vehicle Type Approval is a certification process that ensures agricultural vehicles meet specific safety and environmental standards before they can be used on UK roads. Think of it as a quality control passport that confirms your agricultural vehicle is safe and legal for both field and road use.

When is Type Approval Required?

According to the Department for Transport guidance, all new agricultural vehicles supplied for use in the UK must undergo type approval. This includes tractors, telescopic handlers (telehandlers), and self-propelled agricultural machinery. The process verifies that production samples of a specific design meet predetermined performance standards, with only the approved specification being valid for use.

Types of Agricultural Vehicles Covered

Different categories of agricultural vehicles require different forms of approval. Agricultural tractors, as defined in EU Regulation 167/2013, are vehicles designed to “pull, push, carry, and actuate” equipment for agricultural or forestry work. Telehandlers can also be type-approved as tractors, though operators should check their specific machine’s classification in the manufacturer’s documentation.

Special Type Agricultural Vehicles

For vehicles that fall outside standard dimensions, special type approval may be required. According to the GOV.UK guidance, vehicles between 2.55 meters and 3.5 meters wide are classified as special-type agricultural vehicles and are subject to specific speed restrictions and operational requirements. These vehicles must comply with additional safety measures, including proper marking and, in some cases, escort requirements.

Getting Type Approval

Vehicle manufacturers must ensure their agricultural machines meet all relevant requirements before seeking type approval. The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) serves as the UK’s national approval authority for new agricultural vehicles. The specification of the product is recorded during the approval process, and only that specific specification receives approval.

Operating Without Type Approval

Operating an agricultural vehicle without the necessary type-approval can have serious consequences. Not only could it invalidate your insurance, but it may also result in legal penalties. For farmers and agricultural contractors, ensuring their vehicles have the appropriate type-approval is crucial for both compliance and safety.

Remember that this type of approval is different from roadworthiness testing. While agricultural vehicles used solely for agriculture, horticulture, or forestry are exempt from regular roadworthiness testing, they must still meet type approval requirements when first supplied for use in the UK.