A: Based on DVSA’s Categorisation of Vehicle Defects, page 107, it states that the offence would be categorised as a ‘complete suspension system malfunction’. It is listed as an immediate prohibition if it is deemed that it is ‘adversely affecting stability/control or likely to cause a danger.’ In this case, it appears as though the enforcement officer has deemed that it is adversely affecting the stability of the vehicle.
The offence also mentions guidance note 11, which clarifies the offence of the malfunction to be where the ‘suspension system deflated or significantly above normal ride height’. As the trailer was above the standard ride height, this would constitute a prohibition.
Licence to trim...
Q: One of our drivers has decided to grow out their facial hair, meaning they now have a large beard. The photograph on their licence does not show this; do they need to update their licence?
A. There is no legislative requirement to update the photograph with changes to things such as facial hair, however if the driver was to be stopped by enforcement officers and it was determined that the changes rendered the face totally unrecognisable, the driver may be requested to renew the photograph to reflect the updated likeness.
