When your vehicle passes its commercial vehicle test, you will be issued with a pass statement by the test centre. You must exchange this in your local motor tax office for a certificate of roadworthiness (CRW) as soon as possible. You will need to keep this safe and be able to present it when requested by a member of the Garda Siochána.
The certificate is proof that your vehicle has been tested for roadworthiness and, as such, is viewed by the authorities as just as important as having valid tax and insurance.
Failure to have a current CRW certificate is an offence under Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. Conviction for this offence carries five penalty points and the courts may impose a fine of up to €3,000 and/or up to three months’ imprisonment.
Lost certificates
If you lose your certificate of roadworthiness, you can apply to your local motor tax office for a replacement.
Test centres will issue signed photocopied pass statements but they will only do so within four weeks of the test being carried out and motor tax offices are not obliged to accept copies of pass statements.
Note: there is no provision in legislation for replacing a lost pass statement from the test centre so it is essential you exchange your pass statement for a certificate of roadworthiness as soon as possible.
Second hand goods vehicles and buses
You should get a valid certificate of roadworthiness when you purchase a goods vehicle or bus over 1 year old. This certificate simply assures that the vehicle meets the minimum condition of roadworthiness on the date it was tested.
No reliance may be placed by a prospective purchaser on the certificate of roadworthiness for assurance that the vehicle is in good condition when they purchase it.
Instead, you should get a suitably qualified mechanic or auto engineer to inspect the vehicle before you buy it. For further information, refer to the National Consumer Agency Guide to buying a vehicle.
If you purchased a vehicle which you later found unsatisfactory, or unfit for purpose, you can contact the National Consumer Agency for advice on your rights.
More information:
Commercial Vehicle Testing
The Road Safety Authority
Clonfert House
Bride Street
Loughrea
Co Galway
Tel: 091 872600
Fax: 091 872660