Proposed new BIVA scheme

[malpasman]

Proposed new BIVA scheme

Here are some details of the proposed new basic Individual Vehicle Approval (BIVA) scheme versus the existing Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) scheme.

From 29 April 2009, the SVA test will no longer be available. It will be replaced by a similar test known as Basic IVA or BIVA. The new BIVA scheme will apply to new vehicles and vehicles up to 10 years old and will permit certain alternative standards such as US and Canadian standards, as is the case with SVA.

From 29 April 2012, the BIVA test will become mandatory for Motorhomes (motor caravans) and Ambulances which are new or under 10 years old.

This document provides a summary comparison of the new Basic Individual Vehicle Approval (BIVA) technical requirements compared with the existing Single vehicle Approval (SVA) scheme as it applies to 'amateur built' (kit car), very low volume production vehicles, and certain other specialised categories (i.e. vehicles that are schedule 2 vehicles under SVA). This document reflects the current proposals for BIVA as of 1 March 2008, but the technical requirements may be subject to further change.

1. Noise

The technical requirements are the same as SVA.

2. Emissions

The technical requirements are the same as SVA.

3. Fuel tanks

This item incorporates fuel input and general construction requirements for fuel tanks the same as or equivalent to SVA. For plastic fuel tanks and fuel tanks for gaseous fuels (e.g. LPG, CNG) the fuel tanks must be type approved. In addition a vehicle must be designed to avoid excessive evaporative emissions e.g. with a tethered fuel cap.

4. Rear registration plate space

This requires sufficient space to mount a plate that meets legal requirements, which include provisions for smaller plates on imported vehicles.

5. Steering effort

For conventional manual or power assisted steering systems this item requires only basic safety checks for function and effort. EC Directive requirements apply for technologically advanced ('Steer by wire') systems that cannot be checked by inspection alone.

6. Door latches and hinges

The requirements are the same as SVA.

7. Audible warning device (horn)

This item requires an adequate audible warning device to be fitted but it must not be a bell, gong or siren.

8. Indirect vision (mirrors)

The technical provisions are based on EC directive requirements which have different fitting and field of view requirements to SVA. The main changes are the mandatory requirement for a nearside exterior mirror and field of view requirements covering a larger area. As a result of the larger field of view requirement special provision is made for certain narrow bodied vehicles where the field of view is modified to allow for rear wheels and bodywork which may obstruct the view.

9. Braking

The technical requirements are the same as SVA with the added requirement of a braking reaction time.

10. EMC (radio interference suppression)

The requirements are the same as SVA.

11. Diesel smoke

The requirements are the same as SVA.

12. Interior fittings (cars)

The requirements are the same as SVA except that a seat for a disabled person is not exempt.

13. Anti-theft (alarm or immobiliser optional)

The requirements for an anti-theft device are the same as SVA. If an optional alarm system or immobiliser is fitted it must comply with the relevant EC directive.

14. Protective steering

The requirements are the same as SVA but with changes to the permitted exemptions and modifications. For example where a disabled vehicle is fitted with controls that can easily be removed, the vehicle is assessed as if the controls are not fitted.

15. Seat strength

Adjustable or folding seats shall have a locking mechanism, which for folding seats shall be easily accessible to a passenger sat immediately behind the seat concerned if necessary to exit the vehicle. Head restraints (or 'high back' seats) are a mandatory fitment on outboard front seats. Their minimum height is specified. For cars - the strength of the seat back and its locking systems shall be assessed by inspection. The head restraint shall be energy absorbing.

16. Exterior projections (cars)

Some requirements the same as SVA and some of the old SVA requirements have been replaced by reference to equivalent paragraphs of the EC Directive. The overall effect is much the same as SVA by ensuring that projections are suitably radiused, blunted, protected or designed so as not to be a hazard. Special provisions are included for original equipment badges and press stud fittings used on convertible vehicles.

17. Speedometer and reverse gear

A speedometer accuracy check is required which is the same as SVA. Other requirements are specified by reference to the relevant EC directive and having the same requirements as SVA except for an addition graduation marking requirement on the speedometer and a check that a means of reversing the vehicle is provided. Markings will be required in mph and km/h.

18. Plates (statutory)

This item requires a manufacturer’s plate and marking of the vehicle identification number on the chassis. A unique VIN is mandatory, preferably 17 digits but at minimum 8. In the case of multi-stage build (e.g. truck chassis converted into motor caravan or ambulance) a plate is required for each stage.

19. Seat belt anchorages

This requires compliance with the technical provisions of the relevant EC directive in a later version to that specified in SVA. For cars the installation requirements are much the same as SVA and will be verified in the same way.

20. Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices

The technical requirements are those of the relevant directive with some exceptions. The requirements are comparable to current regulations. Individual lighting devices are specified (listed as separate items 21 to 25, 25A, 26, and 28 to 30, some of which are optional devices) and, like SVA, type approved lamps are not required as long as they are of sufficient intensity (brightness). If gas discharge headlamps are fitted then automatic levelling and headlamp wash/wipe are required.

31. Seat belts

Seat belts are required to comply with the technical requirements of the relevant EC directive, which has the same effect as SVA. Provision is made for BS-marked harness belts and for disabled person’s belts.

32. Forward vision

This item requires adequate view of the road ahead which is already part of SVA under the general construction requirements.

33. Identification of controls

This requires controls to be marked in accordance with the relevant EC directive or at least to be clearly identified to avoid confusion.

34. Demist/defrost

An adequate system is required. The details will be specified in the inspection manual but will be much the same as SVA.

35. Wash/wipe

An adequate system is required. The details will be specified in the inspection manual but will be much the same as SVA.

36. Heating systems (optional)

This is an optional item but if fitted compliance with the technical requirements of the relevant EC directive is required. It is primarily intended for combustion heaters and heating systems that may pose a risk. Tests will not be required where water is used as the heat transfer system.

37. Wheel guards (mudguards)

The vehicle must be provided with wheel guards, which may be part of the bodywork. The wheel guards must be designed so as to protect other road users from thrown up stones, mud, ice and water, and to reduce for those users the potential dangers due to contact with the moving wheel. The technical requirements are those of the relevant EC directive except that provision for snow chains is not required.

38. Head restraints

For those seats where a head restraint must be fitted the head restraint must be energy absorbing. The technical provisions are those of the relevant EC directive either under this item or under item 15.

40. Engine power

This is required under SVA for noise testing and is now specified as a separate item. Manufacturers declaration will be accepted.

41. Diesel emissions

This is a new item included to cater for heavy vehicles with diesel engines which now fall within the scope of the BIVA scheme (e.g. motor caravans). Most light vehicles will comply with item 2 and where appropriate item 11.

44. Masses & dimensions (cars)

All vehicles must conform with the following: Max length 12m, max width 2.5m (except motor caravans 2.6m). The manufacturer must determine the maximum technically permissible mass (known as Gross Vehicle Weight - GVW), and maximum axle weights similar to the design weight requirements under SVA.

45. Safety glass

The windscreen and windows to side of driver must be of safety glass and bear an appropriate approval mark. Other windows may be fitted with safety glazing e.g. plastic.

46. Tyres

The requirements are for approved tyres fitted in accordance with the technical requirements of the relevant EC directive. Tyres must be appropriate for the vehicle in terms of load capacity, speed rating, and type of tyre.

48. Masses & dimensions (light trucks)

All vehicles must conform with the following: Max length 12m, max width 2.55m (2.6m if refrigerated) and manoeuvrability requirements may apply to long vehicles . The manufacturer must determine the maximum technically permissible mass (known as Gross Vehicle Weight - GVW), and maximum axle weights. These masses must be marked on the VIN plate (see item 18).

49. External projection of cabs (light trucks)

The technical requirements of the relevant EC directive are specified however these are much the same as the SVA requirements for the external projections of cars except that it is limited to the cab.

50. Couplings (optional)

This item applies if an optional coupling device is fitted. The coupling device must be EC type approved but attachment to the vehicle will be checked by means of a visual assessment.

60. Frontal protection systems (bull bars)(optional)

If a bull bar is fitted the device must be approved to the relevant EC directive. This requirement is added in the interests of pedestrian safety.

General construction

The general construction requirements are the same as SVA except that provisions for fuel tanks are deleted as these are included under item 3.

Vehicle Certification Agency

The second para states this is for new vehicles and up to ten years old. Anyone have any idea about vehicles over ten years old?

The Vehicle Certification Agency is this another government department or will this replace Vosa?

Many thanks Alan

[FridgeFreezer]

Perhaps more interestingly, a bit of googling returns:

I have also recieved the following from VOSA.

Good afternoon,

Your enquiry has been passed to me due to its technical nature. This has

caused a delay in you receiving a reply, for which I apologise. Your

question is more involved than you might think, but I shall try to answer

all the points raised to enable you to make an informed decision on the

changes to the regulations in 2009.

The information on the stated web site has a foundation, but there is a lot

of false information being put about by people with a poor understanding of

what is actually happening. Basically, SVA will cease in May 2009 and be

replaced by Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA). This is in line with the

introduction of European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) in 2009. This

is European legislation that we have to implement.

Currently we do not know what actual effect this will have on Kit Cars, as

the exact regulations are currently being formulated. But, currently, there

are no plans to stop Kit Car testing. However, it is fair to say that there

will be changes to the current SVA requirements and additional elements to

the test.

I have attached a link to the Department of Transport web site which deals

with the change in legislation coming in to effect in 2009. I have also

attached the Directive document which you may like to read as well.

Department for Transport - EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval

(See attached file: Recast Framework Directive.pdf)

I do hope this information is helpful, but should you have any further

questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best regards,

Mark

Mark Vickers

Technical Officer

Single Vehicle Approval

Passenger Cars & Light Goods Vehicles

Vehicle & Operator Services Agency

Department for Transport.

He also attached the european directive

Russ

Also, since this seems to be an exercise in harmonising the SVA with EU directives: Directives & Regulations

[Ryan]

Just looking at the VOSA website brought up this basic leaflet (warning PDF download).

It seems to suggest there still will be a SVA.

[Guest diesel_jim]

This is in line with the

introduction of European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) in 2009. This

is European legislation that we have to implement

As usual, it's "Europe" that causes all the f-ups. the sooner they ban Europe, the better

[missingsid]

Just looking at the VOSA website brought up this basic leaflet (warning PDF download).

It seems to suggest there still will be a SVA.

If they kept a National only SVA it would not bother me if my motor was banned from Europe, hell it might even be a benifit

[Orgasmic Farmer]

At least home-build trailers will have to have a basic test for road-worthiness. I don't reckon thats such a bad idea TBH. Reading the PDF it would appear that for individual builds the Status Quo may remain in place??

[Guest diesel_jim]

At least home-build trailers will have to have a basic test for road-worthiness. I don't reckon thats such a bad idea TBH. Reading the PDF it would appear that for individual builds the Status Quo may remain in place??

Trouble is, it'll end up like in America or otehr euro countries, where the trailer has to have its own registration and tests.... more expense that we have to fork out for.

[protoprincess]

Trouble is, it'll end up like in America or otehr euro countries, where the trailer has to have its own registration and tests.... more expense that we have to fork out for.

Seing the state of some trailers it does not seems to be such a bad idea

[FridgeFreezer]

Wot he said - there's not much to f*** up with a trailer yet you do see some total shockers on the roads. I'd have no issue with a trailer MOT.

[Night Train]

I guess I will have to find out how it affects my trailers and what I will need to do with them. Not a bad thing but I hope I don't lose my pole trailer.