Type approval

This chapter covers the requirements a vehicle’s components and/or systems must be tested and approved to, in order to comply with regulatory standards. It also explains approval marks, the application and which vehicles are typically exempt.

Download the type approval chapter of the Yearbook of Road Transport Law

What is Type Approval?

Type approval is the system whereby the vehicle, its components or systems can be tested and approved for compliance with standards. UK tests are done by or on behalf of the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA). Type approval schemes have been in force in parts of Europe for many years to check parts and systems on new vehicles before registration.

Type approval schemes have ben in force in parts of Europe for many years to check parts and systems on new vehicles before registration. DfT published a consultation on road vehicle type approval, proposing to implement the directly applicable type approval Framework Regulation (EU) 2018/858 into domestic law. A new set of Regulations, the Road Vehicle (Approval) Regulations 2020 were proposed, which came into force from 1st September 2020.