When you become a commercial driver, you will be required to assure that your vehicle is in the appropriate condition necessary to carry out jobs. This will also include checking that the provided information, certification and any other paperwork for your vehicle is in date and accurate. One of these includes a VTG plate and certificate.
What is a VTG 6 Plate?
Sometimes called a “ministry plate,” a Vehicle Goods Transport (VTG) plate provides the vital information for the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) and trailer the information is relevant to and applied to a vehicle or chassis at the point of manufacture.
Is the VTG 6 plate a legal requirement?
All HGVs and trailers must have an in date VTG 6 plate and plating certificate. This is required if both the vehicle and trailer have annual MOTs.
Where is the plate on HGVs
For an HGV, the VTG 6A plate must be fixed in the cab. It must also be visible and easy to read from the passenger door. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) explain that it must be visible from outside the vehicle (e.g. Standing on ground, with the door open) For trailers, the VTG 6T plate must be displayed on the trailer chassis. Once again, it needs to be visible and clear to read.
Both the HGV and trailer must also have a plating certificate, also known as a VTG 7A or VTG 7T.
Both certificates can be stored with the vehicle’s paper work, either in the office or within the cab.
What vehicles need these?
Vehicles that meet the following criteria:
- Any vehicles that are either built, or have been adapted to form part of an articulated vehicle
- Semi-trailers
- Horseboxes with a gross weight of over 3.5 tonne
- ‘A’ frame trailers and converter dollies manufactured on or after 1st January 1979
- Trailers with an unladen weight of over 1,020kg, with powered braking systems
Vehicles which are exempt include:
- Work trucks, straddle carriers used only as work trucks and trailers
- Public Service Vehicles
- Vehicles with a maximum speed of less than 5Mph (Miles Per Hour)
- Track laying vehicles
Why is the VTG plate important?
The plate outlines the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and axle weights the vehicle is permitted to. The plate and certificate is updated annually, as per the MOT date. So, when you are a commercial driver operating different vehicles, you can be aware of the vital information that is essential in the safe work of HGVs and goods vehicles.
Consequences if your HGV does not have this plate
If your vehicle and/or trailer do not have the appropriate and up to date plate and certificate required, you can face consequences such as fines, legal action, or your HGV could be impounded.
Information Provided
The VTG 6 plate provides information regarding the following:
- Serial number
- Number plate
- DTp reference number (information about the vehicle’s braking system)
- Manufacture and model
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Rigid or articulated function
- Original registration date
- Year of manufacture
- Gross weight, train weight and maximum train weight
- Length and width
- Axle weights
- Conditions regarding the use of tyres
- Whether or not it is exempt from requiring a speed limiter
All these components must be accurate to the specifications and limits of the vehicle and trailer. During your HGV driver training with 2 Start, you will be shown where the VTG plate is located, and what is included on the plate.
Keeping plate details accurate
If you make any notable changes for your HGV or trailer, such as:
- Chassis
- Tyres
- Brakes
- Weight limit
You are required to update your VTG 6 plate and plating certificate. The cost for this is £27.
Applying for a VTG 6 plate
The application process will depend on what type of vehicle or trailer requires the plate and certificate.
HGV
You will need to register the vehicle with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), then, record the details of the HGV to the DVSA. After this, the DVSA will send you the plate and certificate.
Trailer
The manufacturer of the trailer must apply for the plate and certificate prior to selling the trailer. The documents are given with the trailer purchase. This is done by the manufacture applying for permission to supply a large goods trailer for use on the road.
There is no charge for either application of the HGV or trailer.
VTG 6 Plate Missing?
If you notice that the plate or certificate is missing, or if the plate is damaged and is not legible, you will need to address this to the DVSA. Operating without the plate can result in fines, or legal repercussions.
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