AFRICAN 
STANDARD  DARS  
1355 -1 
First Edition 2020  
 
 Reference No. DARS 1355 -1:2020 (E) 
ICS 43.020  
 
 
© ARSO 2020  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vehicle standards — Specification for vehicle roadworthiness — 
Part 1 : Roadworthiness of vehicles already in use  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
ii © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   
Table of contents  
 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  1 
3.1 Definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  1 
3.2 Abbreviations  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  2 
3.3 Terminology  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  2 
4 Administrative requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  2 
4.1 Application form  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  2 
4.2 Evidence of vehicle having been presented  ................................ ................................ ..........  2 
4.3 Record of the roadworthiness inspection  ................................ ................................ ..............  2 
4.4 Certificate of fitness  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  3 
5 Procedural matters regarding the actual test  ................................ ................................ .................  3 
5.1 Circumstances where an examiner may refuse to examine a vehicle or to complete an 
examination  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  3 
6 Technical requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  3 
6.1 Registration plate — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ................................  3 
6.2 Information display — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ..............................  3 
6.3 Braking equipment  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  4 
6.4 Braking performance  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  7 
6.5 Lighting and light signalling and reflective equipment  ................................ ...........................  8 
6.6 Driver’s view, safety glass and mirrors — Reject if  ................................ .............................  10 
6.7 Windscreen washers and wipers — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ...... 10 
6.8 Steering and driving controls — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ............  11 
6.9 Size and Type of Tyres — Reject if  ................................ ................................ .....................  11 
6.10 Condition of Tyres — Reject if  ................................ ................................ .............................  12 
6.11 Road wheels and their connections to the vehicle — Reject if  ................................ ............  12 
6.12 Suspension including shock absorbers and torsion bars — Reject if  ................................ . 13 
6.13 Wheel alignment — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ...............................  13 
6.14 Condition of chassis — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ..........................  13 
6.15 Bodywork and various equipment — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ..... 13 
6.16 Engine & Transmission — Reject if  ................................ ................................ .....................  14 
6.17 Couplings on drawing vehicles and on trailers  ................................ ................................ .... 14 
6.18 Safety belts — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 15 
6.19 Wheel flaps or mudflaps — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ...................  16 
6.20 Rear and side underrun — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ....................  16 
6.21 Speedometer — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 16 
6.22 Horn or audible warning device — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ........  16 
6.23 Liquid leakage — Reject if, with or without the engine running  ................................ ...........  17 
6.24 Electrical wiring — Reject if ................................ ................................ ................................ . 17 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  iii 6.25 Dimensions — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 17 
6.26 Noise emissions — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ................................  17 
6.27 Exhaust gas emissions — Reject if  ................................ ................................ .....................  17 
6.28 Emergency warning equipment — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ........  18 
6.29 Modifications to vehicles — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ...................  18 
6.30 Vehicles designed or adapted for persons of reduced mobility — Reject if  ........................  18 
7 Requirements for motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles  ................................ ..........................  18 
7.1 Identification information — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ...................  18 
7.2 Equipment for motorcycles — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ...............  18 
7.3 General — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  19 
7.4 Brake roller test — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 19 
7.5 Other equipment for motorcycles, tricycles, or quadricycles — Reject if  ............................  19 
8 Additional requirements for passenger vehicles with more than 8 seats in addition to the driver 
seat 19 
8.1 Emergency exits and windows — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ..........  20 
8.2 Seats, doors, and seating accommodation — Reject if  ................................ .......................  20 
8 Vehicle design safety standards applicable on “date of entry into service”  ................................ . 21 
10 Vehicle dimensions — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 21 
11 Exempted vehicles — Reject if  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 21 
Annex A (normative)  Essential contents of the computerised roadworthiness test report  ..................  22 
Annex B (normative)  Chevron specification details  ................................ ................................ .............  23 
Annex C (normative)  Rear view from mirrors showing ground level that must be visible through the 
rear-view mirrors on both light and heavy vehicles at the road worthiness test  ................................ .... 25 
Annex D (normative)  Vehicle maximum dimensions  ................................ ................................ ...........  26 
Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  28 
 
  DARS 1355 -1:2020  
iv © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Foreword  
 
The African Organization for Standardization (ARS O) is an African intergovernmental organization 
established by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Organization of 
African Unity (AU)  in 1977 . One of the fundamental mandates of ARSO is to develop and harmoniz e 
African Standards (ARS) for the purpose of enhancing Africa’s internal trading capacity, increase 
Africa’s product and service competitiveness globally and uplift the welfare of African communities.  The 
work of preparing African  Standards is normally carried out through ARSO  technical committees. Each 
Member State  interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has the 
right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, Regional Economi c Communities 
(RECs), governmental and non -governmental  organizations , in liaison with ARSO , also take part in the 
work.  
 
ARSO  Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.  
 
The main task of technical committees is to prepare ARSO  Standards. Draft ARSO  Standards adopted 
by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an ARSO  
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bo dies casting a vote.  
 
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of 
patent rights. ARSO  shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.  
 
This African Standard was prepare d by the ARSO Technical (Harmonization ) Committee Number 08-
4/59 on Automotive Technology and  Engineering (ARSO/THC 0 8-4/ARSO/TC 59 ). 
 
 
 
© African Organisation for Standardisation  2020 — All rights reserved*  
 
ARSO Central Secretariat  
International House 3rd Floor  
P. O. Box 57363 — 00200 City Square  
NAIROBI, KENYA  
 
Tel. +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
 
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org  
Web: www.arso -oran.org  
  
                                                           
* © 2020 ARSO — All rights of exploitation reserved worldwide for African Member States’ NSBs.  DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  v  
Copyright notice  
 
This ARSO document is copyright -protected by ARSO. While the reproduction of this document 
by participants in the ARSO standards development process is permitted without prior permission 
from ARSO, neither this document nor any extract from it may be reproduced, stored or 
transmitted in any form for any other purpose without prior written permission from ARSO.  
 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document for  the purpose of selling it should be 
addressed as shown below or to ARSO’s member body in the country of the requester:  
 
 
© African Organisation for Standardisation 20 20 — All rights reserved  
 
ARSO Central Secretariat  
International House 3rd Floor  
P.O. Box  57363 — 00200 City Square  
NAIROBI, KENYA  
 
Tel: +254 -20-2224561, +254 -20-3311641, +254 -20-3311608  
 
 
E-mail: arso@arso -oran.org  
Web: www.arso -oran.org  
 
Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement. 
Violators may be p rosecuted.  
 
 
 
  DARS 1355 -1:2020  
vi © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Introduction  
 
This specification applies minimum safety requirements. It is not intended to cover all of the specific 
national safety requirements of countries for vehicles registered and operating within their borders but 
wherever possible countries are requested to standardise on the criteria contained in this specification.  
 
Requirements are included only for items which are critical to safety and which can be assessed by a 
vehicle examiner with the facilities of a vehicle testing station complying with whatever appropriate 
requirements are laid down in legislation for vehicle examiners and vehicle testing stat ions.  
 
This specification takes into account that in Africa  vehicles may be imported from a variety of countries 
or regions and such vehicles may have been designed to comply with the domestic requirements of 
specific source countries or regions anywhere i n the world.  
 
This standard consists of the following parts under the general title “Specification for vehicle 
roadworthiness” : 
 
Part 1: Roadworthiness of vehicles already in service  
 
Part 2: Roadworthiness of vehicles prior to entry into service and ther eafter  
 
Part 3: Roadworthiness — Supporting information  
 
Part 4: Roadworthiness — Requirements for vehicle examiners  
 
Part 5: Roadworthiness — Requirements for testing equipment  
 
Part 6: Roadworthiness — Requirements for combinations of vehicles  
 
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  1  
Vehicle standards — Specification for vehicle roadworthiness — 
Part 1 : Roadworthiness of vehicles already in use  
 
 
1 Scope  
 
This African Standard  covers the requirements for the examination and testing for roadworthiness of 
motor vehicles operating within the territories and across the borders within Africa . 
 
2 Normative references  
 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) ap plies.  
 
ARS 1355 -2: Vehicle standards — Specification for vehicle roadworthiness — Part 2: Roadworthiness 
of vehicles prior to entry into service, and thereafter  
 
ARS 1355 -3: Vehicle Standards — Specification for vehicle Roadworthiness — Part 3: Roadworthi ness 
— Supporting information  
 
ISO 3779 : Road vehicles — Vehicle identification number (VIN) — Content and structure  
 
ISO 3780:  Road vehicles – World manufacturer identifier (WMI) code  
 
ISO 4030:  Road vehicles – Vehicle identification number (VIN) – Location and attachment  
 
FMVSS 115: Federal VIN Requirements (Title 49, Chapter V, Part 565)  
 
UN ECE R 48: Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to the installation of 
lighting and light -signalling devices  
 
UN ECE R104 : Uniform provisions concerning the approval of retro -reflective markings for  heavy and 
long vehicles and their trailers.  
 
3 Terms and definitions  
 
For the purpose of this standard the following definition s apply . 
 
3.1 Definitions  
 
3.1.1 
legally permissible  
as limited by national or regional legislation  
 
3.1.2 
registration plate / licence plate / number plate  
the plate manufactured and embossed appropriately , which is attached to the front and rear of a motor 
vehicle or the rear of a trailer and a motor cycle  
 
3.1.3 
technically permissible  
as permitted and specified as such by the manufacturer  
 
3.1.4 
vehicle category definitions  
AFRICAN STANDARD  DARS 1355 -1:2020  
2 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  applied by the UN  ECE are inclu ded under Parts 2 and 3.  
 
3.1.5 
vehicle design compliance  
compliance to a vehicle safety design standard which has been published by a national or regional body  
 
3.2 Abbreviations  
 
ANPR  Automatic Number Plate Recognition  
 
CIE International Commission on Illumination  
 
COF  Certificate of Fitness issued after a periodic roadworthiness test which is to be displayed on 
the vehicle to which it relates  
 
FIA Federation Internationale de l’Automobile being the governing body of motor sport and which 
promotes safe,  sustainable and accessible mobility for all road users across the world  
 
LHD left hand drive designed for operation in countries where traffic drives on the right  
 
LPD lateral protection device also referred to as the side underrun device  
 
RHD  right hand drive designed for operation in countries where traffic drives on the left  
 
TRIPS  Transport Registers and Information Platform System  
 
UN ECE  United Nations Economic Commission for Europe  
 
VIN Vehicle Identification Number issued, affixed to and recorded on a vehicle in accordance 
with ISO 3779 , ISO 3780 and ISO 4030 or FMVSS 115  
 
3.3 Terminology  
 
Non-specific terms such as excessive, extensive, significant, impaired, deficient and such like 
expressions are used where finite  limits are inappropriate to apply, and the vehicle examiner is the final 
arbiter in such cases.  
 
4 Administrative requirements  
 
4.1 Application form 
 
The vehicle examiner must check that the Application Form for Roadworthiness is fully relevant to the 
vehicle to be examined. In particular the vehicle examiner must inspect and record the VIN and 
Registration Plate details by obtaining these from the vehicle itself and not from any documentation, 
then checking these details against the detail on the Appli cation Form.  
 
4.2 Evidence of vehicle having been presented  
 
An automated system must be provided to take photographs of the vehicle at random during testing 
showing its front ¾ including its registration plate and at the same time showing the testing stat ion in 
the background. Additional photographs showing the rear ¾ of the vehicle and its body together with a 
photograph of the VIN or chassis number must also be taken and filed.  
 
Additional requirements to minimise fraud are intended to be introduced suc h that the photographs, 
plate number, date, time and GPS co -ordinates should be recorded by the ANPR cameras. This 
ensures that photographic proof is available that the vehicle was tested. The fingerprints of the applicant 
are to be verified and all docume nts, including signatures scanned and recorded on the system.  
 
4.3 Record of the roadworthiness inspection  
 
A record of the inspection in respect of only the items that were rejected, covering at least the detail 
shown in Annex A, together with proof of id entity of vehicle tested and of the person presenting the 
vehicle for testing must be provided to the client.  
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  3 4.4 Certificate of fitness  
 
Vehicles complying with the requirements applicable in their country of registration or licensing shall 
carry a COF t o this effect in cases where the country of registration or licensing issues such certification 
and its national or regional legislation requires it to be carried on the vehicle and shall produce this 
certificate for inspection by a law enforcement officer . A COF disc certifying compliance to this 
specification must be carried on the vehicle.  
 
NOTE  Offline validation of the COF will be possible by means of the 2 dimensional barcode on the disc. Online validation of 
COF will be possible by means of TRIPS.  
 
5 Procedural matters regarding the actual test  
 
5.1 Circumstances where an examiner may refuse to examine a vehicle or to 
complete an examination  
 
a) If the information on the vehicle does not correspond with the information on the application.  
 
b) If the information on the vehicle appears to have been tampered with.  
 
c) If the vehicle is so dirty that the examiner would be unable to examine it efficiently.  
 
d) If the vehicle cannot be started or driven.  
 
e) If a defect is detected which renders the vehicle  unsafe or otherwise presents a risk to the 
examiner.  
 
f) A trailer must be connected to a suitable drawing vehicle.  
 
g) Some part which should be able to be opened cannot be opened.  
 
h) The person who presented the vehicle for test is uncooperative.  
 
i) The person who presented the vehicle for test refuses to leave the vicinity of the test area so 
as to give the examiner the privacy he requires, except in the case of single personnel operating 
a lane where the examiner welcomes the assistance provided by the driver, or in the case 
where a vehicle adapted for operation by a disabled person is not able to be operated safely 
by the examiner and the examiner welcomes the presence of the disabled person to assist by 
operating the vehicle.  
 
6 Technical requireme nts 
 
6.1 Registration plate — Reject if  
 
a) a registration plate is missing or insecure or not in accordance with national legislation.  
 
b) not easily legible to a person standing approximately 20m from the vehicle in line with its 
direction.  
 
6.2 Information display — Reject if  
 
a) information on vehicle identification, power and mass(es) as below, is not displayed on vehicles 
over 3  500kg GVM unless such vehicle models were not provided with plates by their 
manufacturers and it is not possible to obtain such data from the manufacturer:  
 
i) VIN or chassis number or frame number.  
 
ii) maximum engine power output (kW).  
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
4 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  iii) gross vehicle mass (GVM) – also referred to as technical maximum vehicle mass specified 
by the manufacturer (kg).  
 
iv) gross combination mass (GCM) – also referred to as technical maximum combination 
mass specified by the manufacturer (kg).  
 
v) gross axle masses – also referred to as technical maximum axle mass specified by the 
manufacturer (kg).  
 
b) information on vehicle identification as below, is displayed on any other vehicle:  
 
i) VIN or chassis number or frame number.  
 
c) vehicles entering into service from the date of mandatory application of this specification do not 
have the information as below on a data -plate:  
 
i) for light goods vehicle not exceeding 3  500kg, GVM and passenger cars the GVM, GCM, 
front axle and rear axle capacity,  
 
ii) for vehicles over 3  500kg, GVM and GCM.  
 
d) vehicles which are required to operate within certain speeds do not have the required sign at 
the rear.  
 
NOTE 1  In such cases loading enforcement will be according to the legally permissible maximum masses regulated in that 
country and according to the maximum tyre capacity.  Vehicles entering service from the date specified in 6.3 of ARS 1 355-2 will 
require the information display.  
 
NOTE 2  Guidance on the layout and derivation of the masses is given in Annex F of ARS 1355 -3. 
 
6.3 Braking equipment  
 
6.3.1  Controls and design — Reject if  
 
a) in the case of a vehicle for which the brakes are not covered in this Part of the specification 
unless it is equipped with a parking brake or other device to keep it stationary.  
 
b) parts of its assembly (including anti -slip provision) or mounting are damaged or missing or have 
excessive play or are fouli ng other components.  
 
c) have excessive movement when braking or not releasing fully.  
 
6.3.2  Hand lever operated brake control — Reject if  
 
a) parts of its assembly (including ratchet) or mounting are damaged or missing, have excessive 
play, are cracked, fractured, excessively corroded or are fouling other components.  
 
b) it cannot be operated from a normal driving position, is impeded in its travel, or has excessive 
movement when operating or not releasing fully, or does not readily stay in the “on” posit ion. 
 
c) it is not identifiable through different actuator colours (red and yellow for USA -origin vehicles) 
and readable labels.  
 
d) pivots are tight in operation or have excessive side play such that failure is likely.  
 
e) it is excessively worn in its ga te or lever locating mechanism.  
 
6.3.3  Vacuum assisted hydraulic brakes (vacuum drawn from engine) — Reject if  
 
a) the brake pedal creeps down when depressed.  
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  5 b) sponginess can be felt when the pedal is depressed.  
 
c) after depleting the vacuum with engine stopped, the pedal does not dip when the engine is 
started.  
 
d) there are visible leaks or “sweating” on any of the pipes, pipe connections or flexible connectors 
or brake assemblies or wheels after tests have been made on the vehicle.  
 
6.3.4  Compressed air or vacuum assisted hydraulic brakes (fitted with air compressors or 
vacuum pumps) — Reject if  
 
a) on vehicles which are fitted with air compressors or vacuum pumps to provide energy or 
assistance to the braking system, there is no visual or audible warning device for inadequate 
pressure or vacuum, or it is not fitted or working correctly.  
 
b) there is not enough pressure or vacuum to give at least two fully assisted brake applications 
after the warning device has indicated minimum effective w orking conditions.  
 
c) in the case of a solo vehicle the time to reach minimum effective working pressure after the 
warning signal is more than 3 minutes for pressure systems and 1 minute for vacuum systems, 
or 6 to 9 minutes for vehicles designed and equi pped to draw a trailer.  
 
NOTE   USA sourced heavy vehicles have a maximum operating pressure of approximately 700kPa whereas 
European sources use 850kPa or more and that charging times are longer for say vehicles with additional air operated 
equipment such  as air suspension.  
 
d) in the case of a trailer being coupled to the vehicle under test, the time to reach minimum 
effective working pressure after the warning signal is more than 6 minutes for pressure systems 
and 3 minutes for vacuum systems, for vehicl es designed and equipped to draw a trailer.  
 
e) there are visible leaks or “sweating” on any of the pipes, pipe connections or flexible connectors 
or brake assemblies or wheels after tests have been made on the vehicle.  
 
6.3.5  Full pressure hydraulic brake systems (fitted with a hydraulic pump) — Reject if  
 
a) the pressure in the hydraulic system is not maintained for 10 minutes when the brakes are off 
and the engine is stopped.  
 
b) there are visible leaks or “sweating” on any of the pipes, pipe connections or flexible connectors 
or brake assemblies or wheels after tests have been made on the vehicle.  
 
6.3.6  Trailer brakes — Reject if  
 
a) a trailer does not have a parking brake which acts on at least 2 wheels and an overrun or 
service brake, except that if it has a GVM of 750kg or less then any device which ensures safe 
parking is acceptable and an overrun or service brake is not required.  
 
b) if it entered into service after the date of mandatory application of this specificatio n and the 
overrun or service brake in b) above does not act on all wheels.  
 
c) the parking brake cannot be securely set.  
 
d) the mechanism is insecure, cracked, excessively worn or badly corroded.  
 
e) on twin -line air -braked systems the emergency brake doe s not apply automatically when the 
emergency (usually red) brake line is disconnected from the towing vehicle.  
 
f) does not have a parking brake acting on at least 2 wheels of the trailer which can be securely 
set. 
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
6 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  g) has loose, insecure, worn or damaged brake levers, chains, cables or linkages and the brakes 
cannot be fully applied or do not release easily.  
 
h) if any airline is fitted with a manual shut -off, other than a valve to apply the parking brake if fitted 
with spring brakes.  
 
i) a trailer over 750kg GVM but not exceeding 3 500kg GVM does not have an inertia (overrun) 
brake or a service brake acting on at least 2 wheels of the trailer, and that for trailers entering 
into service after the date of mandatory application of this speci fication reject if they do not have 
brakes operating on all wheels.  
 
j) a trailer over 3 500kg GVM does not have a service brake acting on at least 2 wheels of the 
trailer, and that for trailers entering into service after the date of mandatory application  of this 
specification reject if they do not have brakes operating on all wheels.  
 
NOTE  Under on -road operating conditions the requirement for the kind of brake required on a trailer may be 
influenced by legislation related to the mass of the drawing vehic le. 
 
6.3.7  Braking systems with ABS or ABS/EBS or ESC systems — Reject if  
 
a) any warning lamps for such systems do not illuminate as required when the ignition is switched 
on. 
 
b) any such warning lamps are missing or indicate a fault.  
 
c) any visible wir ing especially in the vicinity of the wheel brake assembly is loose or not present 
or not suitably protected against chafing or other damage.  
 
d) if equipped to tow a trailer the electric connection between towing and towed vehicle is not of 
the 13 -pin typ e or does not have does not have a separate plug from the vehicle electric system.  
 
6.3.8  Braking components – Various — Reject if any of the following can be detected  
 
a) brake rods, clevis joints, linkages, relays, levers, pins, pivots slack adjusters or  cables are 
seriously weakened by excessive wear or have abnormal play or locking devices missing.  
 
b) brake pipes and hoses contact moving parts or are excessively chafed or exposed to excessive 
heat.  
 
c) brake drums, backing plates and brake shoes are se riously weakened or insecure or missing.  
 
d) a brake pad or brake lining is less than 1 ,5mm thick or has been exposed to oil.  
 
e) a brake disc or drum is excessively worn or a brake drum shows signs of fracture.  
 
f) the brake fluid level below minimum or h ydraulic fluid reservoir cap missing.  
 
g) trailer couplings are interchangeable but have no indication of which line connects to which line.  
 
h) an incorrectly adjusted load -sensing valve.  
 
i) leaking air or vacuum connections.  
 
j) an air compressor drive bel t is missing or so loose that slippage is likely.  
 
k) an air reservoir cannot be drained, either automatically or manually.  
 
l) brake levers, slack adjusters and camshafts are not properly adjusted or aligned to give 
maximum force when the brakes are applied, or do not release to the fully -off position after the 
brakes are released.  
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  7 m) the s -cam shafts can move freely and do not tend the stick when air brakes are released.  
 
n) operating cylinders or diaphragms have excessive travel (if the manufacture r's service limits 
are not available, a limit of 55 mm for diaphragm types or half the length of the cylinder for 
piston types).  
 
o) spring brakes are not operating, or are wound off.  
 
6.3.9 Alarms and warning systems — Reject if  
 
a) any alarm or audible or visual warning system provided by the manufacturer is not present and 
functioning to warn of inadequate vacuum or air or hydraulic pressure or of insufficient brake 
fluid. 
 
6.4 Braking performance  
 
6.4.1  Braking efficiency — Reject if under any condition of loading with the engine 
disengaged, when  
 
a) using a brake roller tester with an automatic results recording system and an axle weighing 
system with automatic mass ( weight ) recording system  – the equivalent braking force i n N/kg 
that can be developed in relation to the axle load, is less than shown in Table 1 below, 
calculated from the brake roller tester results according to the following procedure:  
 
i) Determine the mass (weight) of each axle in kg. Add the masses ( weights ) of each axle 
together to obtain the  mass  (weight ) of the vehicle.  
 
ii) Using a brake roller tester obtain the brake force that is available for each axle by 
adding the brake force reading for the left hand and right-hand  brakes for each axle. 
Add the results for all axles together.  
 
iii) Calculate the brake efficiency from the total force in Newtons obtained in ii) and the 
total vehicle mass (weight) in kg obtained in i) in accordance with the following formula 
and check that the result is greater  than is shown for the equivalent braking force in 
N/kg in Table 1 below:  
 
(Total Brake Force x 1000) / (Total Vehicle Mass x 9.81)  
 
NOTE  The determinations in 6.4.1 and their calculations will be made and recorded automatically without any 
manual calculations being required by the vehicle examiner.  
 
Table 1 — Braking performance requirements  
 
 Equivalent braking 
force (N/kg)  
Vehicles and combinations designed for or capable of exceeding 40 km/h :  
Service Brake  4,4 
Secondary Emergency Brake  1,9 
Vehicles and combinations NOT designed for or capable of exceeding 40 
km/h :  
Service Brake  1,9 
Secondary Emergency Brake  0,95 
 
NOTE  See Clause 7 for specifics for motorcycles, tricycles (including Tuc Tucs) and quadricycles.  
 
b) the parking brake is unable to hold the vehicle stationary on a gradient of 1 in 8 (which is 0 ,125 
or 12 .5%) facing up and facing down, or the brake roller tester shows less than 1,1 N/kg when 
the parking brake is applied.  
 
c) the difference between the brake forces developed on each side of an axle is more than 30% 
of the highest brake force, also referred to as brake imbalance and calculated as follows, except 
that brak e imbalance calculations are not required for motorcycles nor for service and 
emergency braking systems:  DARS 1355 -1:2020  
8 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   
Highest force minus (Lowest force / Highest force) as a %  
 
d) there is little or no braking force at any wheel.  
 
e) the brake on any wheel is binding or sticking evidenced by a time lag when increasing brake 
pressure.  
 
f) the brake force indication fluctuates indicating brake drum ovality and the difference between 
the highest and lowest readings of brake force on the same axle is greater than 70% of th e 
highest reading.  
 
g) for vehicles for which the secondary brake control operates independently of the service brake 
the secondary brake performance is less than shown in the table above.  
 
6.4.2  Limitations on the use of equipment  
 
For the purposes of issuing of a COF the brake roller tester shall be  the only method used to ascertain 
braking performance and may be supplemented but shall not be substituted by a road test.  
 
6.5 Lighting and light signalling and reflective equipment  
 
6.5.1 General — Reject if  
 
a) headlights, dipped beam lights, direction indicator lights, stop lights, tail lights, number plate 
lights and reversing lights are not fitted or not operable or if any lens is damaged such that it is 
likely to deteriorate further, or missing or obscured, except that a number plate light is not 
required on a tractor.  
 
b) lighting and light signalling equipment such as, fog lights, end outline marker lights, daytime 
running lights, side marker lights are fitted but are not op erable. (Courtesy lights and interior 
lights need not be fitted nor be operable if fitted).  
 
c) any of the lighting in b) is not fitted nor operable or if any lens is damaged such that it is likely 
to deteriorate further or is missing or obscured.  
 
d) headlights do not have a dipped beam function, and which will not dazzle oncoming traffic.  
 
e) when using the headlight beam tester with automatic recording of results, the headlight and 
dipped beam do not meet the intensity and the dipping requirement specif ied by the 
manufacturer of the headlamp beam tester or vehicle manufacturer.  
 
f) for the purposes of issuing a Certificate of Fitness the testing for compliance of the headlamp 
beam must be performed by means of equipment which provides automatic recording  of the 
result.  
 
g) in the case of headlights designed for LHD vehicles crossing into member states with traffic 
driving on the left the use of blanking tape to block light which would otherwise dazzle oncoming 
traffic has not been applied (similarly for R HD vehicles operating in traffic driving on the right.  
 
h) all lights at the front of the vehicle do not emit white light.  
 
i) except in the case of vehicles designed with a single rear fog  lamp, if there is not a matching 
pair of lights each positioned eq uidistant from the vehicle centreline, or if they are not of 
approximately equal intensity.  
 
j) if additional front lighting systems are fitted which are likely to dazzle other road users. (e.g. 
light bars) and which are not homologated, or type approved f or that vehicle model and 
designed and supplied integral by the vehicle manufacturer.  
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  9 k) lights are not of the normal number or positions for vehicles of a given model known to a vehicle 
examiner.  
 
l) in cases where the number or position or switching app ears irregular the requirements of UN 
ECE Regulation 48 are taken as being acceptable.  
 
m) in the case of a breakdown vehicle is not fitted with side marker lights.  
 
6.5.2  Rear and side lights — Reject if  
 
a) stop, tail and any fog lights at the rear of the vehicle do not emit red light (except the reversing 
light) or if any such light is inoperable or if the lights on the LH side and on the RH side are not 
of approximately equal intensity, except for the case of vehicles designed with a single rear fog 
light which is red.  
 
b) all lights at the rear of a vehicle do not emit a red light except for the case of a reversing light.  
 
6.5.3  Signalling lights — Reject if  
 
a) direction indicators are not fitted and functioning or do not emit amber or yellow light t o the front 
or sides, and amber, yellow or red to the rear according to their designed colour and reject if all 
such lights cannot be brought into action by operation of a single hazard warning control except 
in the case of semaphore direction indicators, tractors, trailers and motorcycles.  
 
6.5.4  Identification and end outline marker lamps — Reject if  
 
a) identification lamps are fitted above the windscreen to a bus or goods vehicle over 3 500kg 
GVM and are not green or amber and if any lamp exceeds 21W.  
 
b) end outline marker lamps are fitted and do not emit white light to the front and red light to the 
rear. 
 
c) intermittently flashing red lights flashing in any directions are fitted to any vehicle other than an 
emergency service vehicle.  
 
d) lamps emitti ng a blue light are fitted to any vehicles other than those operated by a member of 
the police force, traffic officer, prisons service, military force or road transport inspector.  
 
6.5.5  Retro -reflective equipment — Reject if vehicles over 3500kg GVM or ov er 7m long  
 
a) are not fitted with retro -reflective yellow contour marking tape, which complies with and is 
marked to show compliance to UN ECE R104 Class C and which is 50mm (±5mm) wide and 
fitted along the sides and rear covering as close as possible to at least 80% of the overall length 
and width of the vehicle. Reflective red tape may be used at the rear instead of yellow.  
 
NOTE  Yellow is generally of a higher retro -reflective performance than red.  
 
b) are not fitted with a high intensity grade reflective chevron sign, which is 200 mm wide and long 
enough for the outer edges to be within 400 mm of the outer edges of the vehicle. The reflective 
materials, in red and yellow, shall be angled at 55 degrees a nd 100mm wide, as shown in 
Annex B and having the coefficient of retro -reflection in Table 3.  
 
NOTE  See Annex B for further information on materials.  
 
6.5.6  Colour of retro -reflective equipment and of lighting — Reject if  
 
a) white retroreflectors are not fitted to the front of trailers.  
 
b) red retroreflectors are not fitted at the rear.  
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
10 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  c) any colour of retro reflector or light other than white is fitted to the front, or other than amber or 
yellow is fitted to the side, or other than red is fitted to the  rear except:  
 
i) in the case of retro -reflective contour marking which may be fitted to the rear coloured 
yellow or red.  
 
ii) a brake anti -lock warning light fitted to the front of a trailer which may be green or red.  
 
iii) that the colour of retro-reflective number plates is exempted from these requirements.  
 
6.5.7  Steadiness of light — Reject if  
 
a) any light is fitted which does not emit a steady light excluding:  
 
i) direction indicating or hazard warning lights or light(s);  
 
ii) lights authorised for use by specified personnel, and  
 
iii) stop lights designed and supplied as integral parts by the manufacturer of a motor 
vehicle to provide warning of abnormally severe braking action.  
 
6.6 Driver’s view, safety glass and mirrors — Reject if  
 
a) a windscreen or a window to either side of the driver is not of safety glass or if the safety glass 
has been damaged or discoloured or tinted to the extent that the driver’s view to the front or 
sides is impaired, excluding cracks or damage which are not positioned in front of the driver.  
 
b) a windscreen to the front of the driver is not of the laminated type as indicated by two parallel 
lines on the windscreen or the word “laminated”.  
 
c) any glass is loose or not securely fitted or is not clearly id entifiable as safety glass.  
 
d) at least one mirror on each side is not fitted and is not securely mounted so as to avoid vibration 
under normal conditions of operation.  
 
e) when standing behind the vehicle in line with the side of the vehicle, one cannot see more than 
75% of the width of the mirrors.  
 
f) the vehicle is constructed or maintained or fitted with mirrors such that the driver is not able to 
see a full view of the roadway ahead and a sufficient view of the roadway to the rear.  
 
g) any mirror is broken or its reflectivity is impaired by corrosion or other damage.  
 
h) on vehicles where the steering wheel is on the wrong side for the national traffic rule, additional 
mirrors known as wide angle and close proximity mirrors shown in ARS 1355 -3 which w ere 
provided on more recent model heavy vehicles and buses, are missing, broken or otherwise.  
 
6.7 Windscreen washers and wipers  — Reject if  
 
a) the wiper operation is defective or does not provide the driver with a clear view of the road 
ahead.  
 
b) the wiper blade(s) has deteriorated such that it does not wipe the windscreen sufficiently cleanly 
to provide the driver with a clear view of the road ahead.  
 
c) if fitted with windscreen washers and the system is inoperative.  
 
d) wiper does not cover an adequ ate area or is not able to work continually.  
 
e) a wiper arm or blade is missing.  DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  11  
f) at least one windscreen wiper is present except in the case of a motorcycle.  
 
6.8 Steering and driving controls — Reject if  
 
a) the free play is such that the steering wheel can be rotated in either direction by more than 30 
degrees without movement of the road wheels, indicating excessive wear in the steering 
system.  
 
b) end float in line with the column is excessive.  
 
c) abnormal noise or stickiness of rotation is expe rienced when turning the steering wheels from 
side to side with the engine running.  
 
d) the steering column or steering wheel is clearly insecure or likely to become so as a result of 
incorrect security such as missing clamps or locking devices or wear.  
 
e) any power steering is clearly not producing the degree of assistance normal for that vehicle 
type.  
 
f) anti-slip surfaces on brake and clutch pedals are worn, loose or missing.  
 
g) pedal hinges are worn giving excessive sideways free -play or pedal movem ent is restricted.  
 
h) any anti -theft system has been retrofitted which could constitute a danger to an unfamiliar driver 
and which was not designed and supplied as an integral system by the manufacturer of the 
motor vehicle.  
 
i) legislation prohibits the registration or licensing of a left -hand -drive or right -hand -drive vehicle 
as from a particular date or according to other requirements and the vehicle under examination 
falls under such prohibition.  
 
j) there is significant play in any steering ball joint . 
 
k) the steering box is insecure, has significant play, stiffness or leaks oil.  
 
l) the steering servo functions incorrectly or has an excessive oil leak.  
 
m) the steering wheel or idler arm is insecure or has significant free play.  
 
n) the track rod, dr ag link or steering arm is loose, deformed or shows signs of heating to correct 
deformation.  
 
o) any steering stops (lock -stops) are missing.  
 
p) a steering damper is insecure or damaged.  
 
q) steering kingpins and control arm ball joints have significant p lay. 
 
r) control arm bushes exhibit excessive play.  
 
6.9 Size and type of tyres — Reject if  
 
a) the maximum load capacities of the tyres are less than the permissible axle carrying capacity 
of the road pavement.  
 
b) the maximum load capacities of the tyres  are not marked in kg or coded* on the sidewalls.  
 
c) tyres are marked “not for highway use” on vehicles designed for highway use.  
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
12 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  d) in the case of 10 to 16 seat passenger vehicles if the tyre designation does not include a “C” 
which signifies “commercia l radial ply” tyres – e.g. “195R15C”.  
 
e) tyres on a dual wheel are of different sizes such one tyre is clear of the ground.  
 
f) tyres on an axle are of different sizes or one is cross ply and another is radial ply but different 
makes on one axle are accep table.  
 
g) tyres are designed for snow operation only, but tyres designed for mud and snow are 
acceptable.  
 
h) the direction of travel is incorrect.  
 
i) if a tyre has a bead diameter less than 430mm and has been regrooved.  
 
NOTE  International codes for maximum capacities and speeds are shown in Annexes J and K of ARS 1355 -3. 
 
6.10 Condition of tyres — Reject if  
 
a) tread wear is extensive such that the tyre shows smooth areas where no tread is visible such 
that adhesion would be reduced, or if the tread depth is less than 1 .6 mm whether or not a tyre 
wear indicator is present.  
 
b) any cuts or bulges in sidewalls are deep enough to reach the body cords are likely to lead to 
deflation.  
 
c) in the case of dual wheels where sidewalls touch in the unladen condition.  
 
d) in the case of dual wheels where one tyre does not touch the road surface.  
 
e) any portion of the ply or cord structure is exposed.  
 
f) a tyre has been regrooved and which does not state “regrooveable” on its sidewall.  
 
g) the sidewall of the tyre shows evidence of repair in the case of a light vehicle.  
 
6.11 Road wheels and their connections to the vehicle — Reject if  
 
a) a tyre retaining ring is fractured or is lifting more than 1 .5mm from the rim.  
 
b) a nut or stud is missing, loose or for some reason is not clamping the wheel to the hub.  
 
c) any stud hole is excessively worn.  
 
d) a spigot wheel nut washer cracked.  
 
e) a wheel is badly damaged or distorted or with a locating spigot or dowel missing.  
 
f) a wheel is dam aged by the corners of a wheel nut cutting into the material of the wheel.  
 
g) the wheel fixings are not matched or compatible.  
 
h) a wheel made of aluminium alloy repaired by welding.  
 
i) a wheel has a load rating less than that required to support the  permissible axle carrying 
capacity of the road pavement.  
 
j) any half shaft bolt, nut or stud is missing or loose.  
 
k) any balance weights are not secure.  DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  13  
l) any interchangeable (quickly detachable) wheels have excessive play in their splines.  
 
m) on visual observation, any road  wheel does not run reasonably true.  
 
n) there is excessive play in the wheel bearings or kingpins when the front wheels are lifted off the 
ground and rocked top and bottom.  
 
o) control arms are damaged or show signs of repair a nd bushes are badly worn or missing.  
 
6.12 Suspension including shock absorbers and torsion bars — Reject if  
 
a) a suspension component or its attachment point is insecure, disconnected, cracked or so worn 
or damaged that its function is adversely affected . 
 
b) a suspension unit so weak that there are signs of fouling when the vehicle is laden.  
 
c) in the case of leaf springs the locating pin or any shackle or any component part is missing or 
clearly so badly worn that failure is probable or if a spring is clearly weak or has a broken blade 
or spring clamps missing.  
 
d) in the case of coil springs or torsion bars there is excessive free play or components missing 
or signs of repair by welding or a broken coil spring.  
 
e) in the case of air suspension there a re leaks in the system or signs of fouling during 
displacement or parts such as check straps missing.  
 
f) shock absorbers are present but are ineffective or mounting points are damaged or degraded.  
 
g) shock absorbers are missing on vehicle designs which d epend on the presence of shock 
absorbers.  
 
h) for the purpose of issuing a Certificate of Fitness the testing for compliance of the suspension 
must be performed by means of equipment which provides automatic recording of the result.  
 
6.13 Wheel alignment — Reject if  
 
a) side slip or wheel alignment exceeds the limits specified by the vehicle manufacturer or if not 
available by the manufacturer of the testing equipment.  
 
b) the vehicle can be seen to be “crabbing” i.e. positioned slightly sideways when movin g forward.  
 
c) the camber is clearly excessive on one side of the vehicle compared with the other side.  
 
d) for the purpose of issuing a Certificate of Fitness the testing for compliance of the wheel 
alignment must be performed by means of equipment which  provides automatic recording of 
the result.  
 
6.14 Condition of chassis — Reject if  
 
a) any chassis or cross member is broken or is cracked or deformed and weakened to the extent 
that failure is likely.  
 
b) deformation of the chassis or body is such that t he vehicle can be seen to be “crabbing”.  
 
6.15 Bodywork and various equipment — Reject if  
 
a) the vehicle body or cab is not firmly secured to any chassis.  
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
14 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  b) if corrosion is present to the extent that it is likely to reduce the strength of structural parts or 
areas which are necessary to support door pillars and hinges and mounting points for seats 
and safety belts and doors latches and hinges including the floor area.  
 
c) if corrosion is present that results in sharp edges or holes in panels that are likely to cause 
injury to occupants, pedestrians or other road users.  
 
d) the floor is not secure or is excessively rusted or broken.  
 
e) any step or handrail is loose to the extent that injury could be caused.  
 
f) any side guard, bull bar, rear underrun d evice, bumper bar or roof carrier is insecure or has 
sharp edges likely to cause injury to pedestrians or to other road users.  
 
g) in the case of a semi -trailer the landing legs do not operate correctly or are not securely 
mounted.  
 
h) if any such device p rotrudes beyond the maximum width of the vehicle and is not rounded so 
as to minimise the likelihood of injury to pedestrians or to other road users.  
 
i) doors do not latch closed securely or cannot be opened or closed easily.  
 
j) any seats are loose or th e forward or rearward adjustment does not latch securely.  
 
k) a seat backrest does not lock in an upright position.  
 
6.16 Engine & Transmission — Reject if  
 
a) gear selection is abnormally difficult or any gear selected can disengage without action by the 
driver.  
 
b) engine or transmission mountings or propshaft components are insecure, damaged, worn or 
produce abnormal noise.  
 
c) engine power output is clearly below normal levels such that the vehicle would be so slow -
moving as to be an obstacle to normal traffic flow.  
 
d) the vehicle cannot be driven in reverse.  
 
e) parts of the engine or exhaust are exposed such that a person could come into contact with hot 
parts and risk injury.  
 
6.17 Couplings on drawing vehicles and on trailers  
 
6.17.1  Drawbar eye or hook — Reject if  
 
a) the drawbar eye or hook or the pin, where appropriate, is not secure, or is excessively distorted 
or excessively worn, or  
 
b) the locking or safety devices are not in position or are not working correctly.  
 
NOTE  If the  vehicle has a coupled trailer, do not uncouple it. An examiner may be liable for any damage.  
 
6.17.2  Fifth wheel coupling — Reject if  
 
a) the fifth wheel assembly is not securely fitted to the chassis with at least 12 x grade 8.8 high 
tensile bolts in the  case of 90mm kingpin and 8 such bolts in the case of a 50mm kingpin, or of 
equivalent fastening strength;  
 
b) the safety locking device is missing, or is inadequate, damaged or ill -fitting;  DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  15  
c) any part is missing, broken, cracked, loose or excessively worn;  
 
d) on an uncoupled drawing vehicle the jaws are so worn or out of adjustment that the trailer 
kingpin might not be securely held, which is the case if the jaws are worn in excess of 6 mm, 
or  
 
e) on a coupled drawing vehicle and trailer there is excessive movement between the drawing 
vehicle and a trailer when the trailer brakes are applied and the driver lightly shunts the drawing 
vehicle backwards and forwards.  
 
6.17.3  Towing bracket, coup ling ball, coupling socket, tow bar and drawbar — Reject if  
 
a) a towing bracket or towbar or drawbar is loose, badly welded or incorrectly or not securely fitted;  
 
b) the coupling ball or socket is welded or shows signs of excessive wear;  
 
c) the tow bar is loose, badly welded or incorrectly fitted to the drawing vehicle;  
 
d) any part is cracked, broken, excessively worn or incomplete;  
 
e) any safety device or locking mechanism is not present and capable of functioning correctly, or  
 
f) mounting bolts are missing, loose or damaged or of mixed sizes or do not show the grade of 
material.  
 
6.17.4  Semi -trailer kingpin — Reject if  
 
a) the kingpin is not securely attached.  
 
b) mounting bolts are missing, loose or damaged or of mixed sizes or do not show the grade  of 
material.  
 
c) wear on the kingpin is such that it exceeds:  
 
i) 3 mm on an 89 mm diameter kingpin (2 mm on the 114 mm top part).  
 
ii) 1.8 mm on a 50.8 mm diameter kingpin (2 mm on the 73 mm top part).  
 
6.17.5  Semi -trailer suspension — Reject if  
 
a) on vehicles registered after the date specified in ARS 1355 -2, the axle unit of a semi -trailer is 
fitted with more than one type of suspension whether air suspension, steel suspension or rubber 
suspension.  
 
6.18 Safety belts — Reject if  
 
a) any safety belt  is not anchored securely.  
 
b) a safety belt of the retractable type does not retract.  
 
c) a safety belt of the inertia locking type does not lock when snatched.  Inertia locking type must 
not be confused with reel types that lock after slow withdrawal then  release.  
 
d) a safety belt is frayed or damaged such that it is unlikely to withstand accident loading.  
 
e) flexible stalk cable strands securing the buckle are broken.  
 
f) the tongue does not engage properly into the buckle.  
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
16 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  g) a webbing load limiter of  the “folded type” has been deployed.  
 
h) there are obvious signs of structural deficiency such that failure is likely.  
 
i) a safety belt is not of an approved or normal type of fitment or design.  
 
j) any safety belt required to be fitted according to the regulation of the member state is not fitted 
or is not of the type required by the regulation of the member state.  
 
6.19 Wheel flaps or mudflaps — Reject if  
 
a) goods vehicles after the date specified in ARS 1355 -2, in excess of 7  500 kg GVM, and trailers 
in excess of 3  500kg GVM excluding truck tractors, or passenger vehicles with more than 16 
seats, do not have wheel flaps or mudflaps at least as wide as the tyres, or that do not extend 
downwards to at least the horizontal centreline of the wheels.  
 
6.20 Rear and side underrun — Reject if  
 
a) for vehicles registered after the date specified in ARS 1355 -2, a rear underrun protection device 
is not fitted in the case of a trailer of GVM exceeding 3  500 kg or a goods vehicle in excess of 
12 000 kg GVM.  
 
b) the width of rear underrun device does not extend to the width measured to the outermost tyres 
and is not shorter than 100mm from the outermost edges of the vehicle.  
 
c) the rear underrun does not present a section at least 100 mm in depth to any impact from the 
rear and is not farther from the rear than 450mm.  
 
d) the ground clearance below the rear underrun is more than 550mm.  
 
e) the lateral extremities of the rear underrun device bend towards the rear or have sharp edges 
with a radius of less than 2,5mm.  
 
f) side underrun devices, also termed lateral protection devices (LPDs), if registered after the date 
specified in ARS 1355 -2 are not fitted to vehicles in excess of 3  500kg GVM in places where 
the longitudinal distance between the tyres on any two adjacen t axles exceeds 3 metres except 
in cases where equipment is fitted between such axles and which equipment fulfils the function 
of the LPD.  
 
NOTE  1 Rear underrun - Bodywork, chassis or other components which totally or partially fulfil the same function as the rear 
underrun are acceptable instead of a rear underrun, and rear underrun need not be fitted if it is incompatible with the use o f the 
vehicle. The function of a rear underrun device is to absorb the impact of a light vehicle running into the rear of the vehicle and 
avoiding the shearing of the roof its passenger compartment whilst utilising the cushioning effect of the crumple zone of the  light 
vehicle  
 
NOTE  2 Side underrun – also referred to as lateral protection device - is not required if it is not  possible for practical reasons to 
fit such a device. The function of the device is to prevent pedestrians, cyclists or motor cyclists from falling under the si des of the 
vehicle and being caught under the wheels and as such does not require the strength o f a rear underrun device.  
 
6.21 Speedometer — Reject if  
 
a) a speedometer is not fitted.  
 
b) it cannot be illuminated.  
 
c) in cases where the national legislation permits the vehicle to be driven whilst undergoing testing 
if the speed indication is observe d to be clearly inaccurate when driven even at low speeds, or 
if the indication oscillates severely.  
 
d) its speed indication does not show km/h.  
 
6.22 Horn or audible warning device — Reject if  DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  17  
a) a horn is not fitted or does not sound when operated.  
 
b) cannot be reached from the driver’s seat.  
 
c) is clearly inaudible in serving its function to warn other road users.  
 
6.23 Liquid leakage — Reject if, with or without the engine running  
 
a) any lubricating oil, hydraulic brake fluid or power steering flui d is seen to be forming another 
drip after wiping away any initial drips.  
 
b) any fuel leaks are evident.  
 
c) any filler cap is missing or of incorrect design for the relevant tank or reservoir.  
 
d) fluid containers or fuel tanks are not securely mounted.  
 
6.24 Electrical wiring — Reject if  
 
a) the battery or battery carrier is not securely fastened.  
 
b) any wiring is so positioned that it is chafing or likely to be damaged by heat.  
 
c) wiring is clearly inadequately insulated or secured.  
 
6.25 Dimensions — Reject if  
 
a) the wheelbase, overall length, front or rear overhang, width or height do not comply with the 
limits laid down in Annex D  for that type and mass of vehicle.  
 
6.26 Noise emissions — Reject if  
 
a) the noise emitted by the vehicle is significa ntly louder than would be expected from a properly 
maintained vehicle of similar design indicating that the silencer is in need of replacement or 
some other maintenance action is required.  
 
b) and in cases of doubt or dispute, when a microphone is positioned 0 ,5m from the open end of 
the exhaust pipe at a horizontal angle of 45% + - 10% to the direction of the exhaust flow and 
the engine is accelerated to 60% of its maximum speed and readings in excess of the following 
are obtained:  
Table 2 — Noise level  requirements  
 
Class of Vehicle  Maximum permissible noise 
level in decibels dB (A)  
Motorcycle (with or without a side car) or autocycle  83 
Any other vehicle not exceeding 3 500kg GVM  82 
Any goods or passenger vehicle with an engine 
capacity not exceeding 10 000cc  90 
Any goods or passenger vehicle with an engine 
capacity exceeding 10 000cc  92 
 
c) the exhaust system is corroded or damaged such that exhaust gas is leaking from the system.  
 
d) in the case of heavy vehicles with an engine braking system known as a “Jake Brake” check 
that its silencer is functioning when the brake is operated whilst the vehicle is on the overrun.  
 
6.27 Exhaust gas emissions — Reject if  
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
18 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  a) the extent of smoke or fumes from the vehicle is such that the driver of a following or overtaking 
vehicle would have some obscuration of his forward vision.  
 
b) the CO measurement from a petrol engine vehicle with 4 or more wheels exceeds 4 ,5% unless 
it is fitted with a catalytic converter or other advanced emiss ion control equipment in which case 
a limit of 0 ,5% applies.  
 
c) the CO measurement from a petrol engined vehicle with 2 or 3 wheels exceeds 6 ,0%. 
 
d) the smoke opacity measurement from a diesel engine vehicle exceeds 2 ,5m-1 for a normally 
aspirated diesel  engine and 3 ,0m-1 in the case of a turbocharged diesel engine when subjected 
to the free acceleration test according to the instructions of the manufacturer of the smoke 
opacity meter.  
 
e) the member state has legislated stricter limits for specific regio ns or cities within its borders 
then such limits must be applied but only to vehicles involved in non -cross -border operations.  
 
f) for the purposes of issuing a Certificate of Fitness the testing for compliance of the exhaust gas 
emissions must be performe d by means of equipment which provides automatic recording of 
the result.  
 
6.28 Emergency warning equipment — Reject if  
 
a) there are not two emergency warning triangles on each vehicle or trailer.  
 
b) there is no reflective vest or jacket present in the vehicle if so required by the national legislation 
of the country.  
 
6.29 Modifications to vehicles — Reject if  
 
a) a modification or change is apparent to the engine, braking system, suspension, track, load 
body, superstructure, exhaust system, general str ucture, lighting system or other aspect of the 
original vehicle design which, in the opinion of the examiner, is likely to significantly reduce the 
safety of the vehicle.  
 
b) the requirement in a) may be exempted if a report to the contrary is presented with the vehicle 
and which report is issued by a University or by a Professional Engineer or by an accredited 
testing authority or similar organization, institution or authority.  
 
6.30 Vehicles designed or adapted for persons of reduced mobility — Reject i f 
 
a) the vehicle fails any of the performance requirements of this specification or equipment which 
is normally considered to be necessary for safety is not present and has not been omitted for 
reasons of driver disability, such as foot controls in the ca se of a driver with no legs.  
 
b) in cases where the examiner does not consider himself or herself competent to operate and 
test the vehicle for roadworthiness the examiner may invite the driver into the testing area and 
allow the driver to demonstrate the roadworthiness of any aspect of vehicle performance and 
to be accompanied by the examiner if the examiner so desires.  
 
7 Requirements for motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles  
 
7.1 Identification information — Reject if  
 
a) The registration plate or information display does not comply with  6.1a) and 6.2b) i).  
 
7.2 Equipment for motorcycles  — Reject if  
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  19 a) any equipment normally supplied with the machine is missing, loose or damaged including, but 
not limited to, footrests, footrests rubbers, mudguards , support stands, fairings, saddles and 
pillion passenger seats, chain guards and sprocket covers.  
 
b) a support stand is not present to be able to support a parked motorcycle.  
 
c) the throttle and brake and clutch control levers and cables are damaged or sticky in operation 
such as to reduce the ability to control the machine with ease.  
 
d) the front suspension has deteriorated such that when the front brake is applied and the machine 
is rocked backwards and forwards excessive play in the front forks or st eering yoke is evident.  
 
e) the front or rear suspension has deteriorated such that the damping characteristic is 
significantly less than standard or if excessive free -play is evident in the hinge point or bushes.  
 
f) the handlebar width or height or the w heelbase dimension is modified extensively such that 
safe operation has been significantly reduced.  
 
g) the tyres are marked “for off -road use”, or “not for highway use”.  
 
h) a tyre is retreaded.  
 
i) the tread depth is less than 1,6 mm.  
 
j) in the case of a passenger carrying tricycle there are no features to reduce the likelihood of 
passengers falling out when cornering such as safety belts or side rails or grab rails.  
 
7.3 General — Reject if  
 
a) wheel alignment is such that the handlebars have to be held  at an angle to the machine.  
 
b) the machine pulls to one side.  
 
c) the free play in any part of the front or rear suspension or steering control is such that cornering 
stability or directional control would be impaired.  
 
d) the braking controls are difficult to operate.  
 
e) there are not two independent braking systems one operating on the front wheel(s) and the 
other on the rear wheel(s) and which can be operated independently or in combination with 
each other.  
 
7.4 Brake roller test — Reject if  
 
a) the equivalent braking force determined in accordance with 6.4.1 c) cannot be achieved in this 
case by adding the results the brake force obtained at each wheel.  
 
NOTE  If a passenger car roller tester is used then ensure that the unused portion of the ro ller is covered for safety 
reasons when testing motorcycles.  When testing tricycles and quadrucycles using two rollers extra care may be 
necessary in cases where both wheels on an axle are rigidly connected.  
 
 
7.5 Other equipment for motorcycles, tricycles, or quadricycles — Reject if  
 
a) any equipment detailed under Clause 7  is fitted and is deficient in terms of the rejection criteria 
given in Clause 7 . 
 
8 Additional requirements for passenger vehicles with more than 8 seats in 
addition to the driver seat  
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
20 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  8.1 Emergency exits and windows — Reject if  
 
a) vehicles with more than 8 seats in addition to the driver do not have the number of exits 
distributed around the vehicle to facilitate emergency exiting (including  knock -out windows, 
doors, and any roof hatches that can be used in an emergency) and which are provided at the 
rates for persons including the driver given below: - 
 
i) for 9 to 16 persons – 3 emergency exits  
 
ii) for 17 to 30 persons – 4 emergency exits  
 
iii) for 31 to 45 persons – 5 emergency exits  
 
iv) for 46 to 60 persons – 6 emergency exits  
 
v) for 61 to 75 persons – 7 emergency exits  
 
vi) for 76 to 90 persons – 8 emergency exits  
 
b) emergency exits in the form of escape windows or roof hatches are not  labelled as such (e.g. 
“Emergency Exit”) and are not of a dimension of at least 900mm x 450mm.  
 
c) the emergency exits are of the type where a window must be broken but there is no instrument 
such as a small hammer with a sharp point near the window that can be used to break the 
window.  
 
d) every alternate window on each side is not of the openable type unless the passenger 
compartment has forced ventilation.  
 
e) any windows are broken or loose.  
 
f) a seated passenger is able to risk injury by placing an e lbow out of an adjacent window.  
 
8.2 Seats, doors, and seating accommodation — Reject if  
 
a) the driver’s seat is no longer adjustable.  
 
b) there is no partition, guard or rail behind the driver to reduce the possibility of a passenger 
bumping into the dri ver. 
 
c) there is no notice inside the vehicle easily legible to passengers showing the maximum number 
of seated and standing passengers that the vehicle is licensed to carry, and the maximum load 
of goods that may be carried.  
 
d) for the above notice the seating accommodation per person is not measured at 380mm 
minimum width per person.  
 
e) there is no door on the side of the vehicle opposite to the driver’s side to allow passengers to 
embark or to disembark.  
 
f) any door on the driver’s side is not sealed  or locked and is not accessible to passengers.  
 
h) the width, depth, height above floor of any seat is not less than 380mm except that lower heights 
are permitted above wheel intrusions.  
 
i) for forward facing seats the distance between the front of a seatback and the rear of the seat 
in front is less than 570mm measured at seat level.  
 
j) a longitudinal unimpeded access gangway from the entrance to each row of seats is not 
provided or is not of at least 300mm width.  DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  21  
k) in the case of a passenger vehic le with 17 or more seats an unimpeded cross passageway is 
not present of 300mm width.  
 
l) any seat adjacent to an entrance or stairway does not have a guard, a rail or partition or similar 
measure to reduce the risk of injury to a passenger slipping from t hat seat.  
 
m) any seat or interior fitting is loose and likely to break free or cause injury in an accident.  
 
n) the sides of the passenger compartment are less than 600mm above the level of passengers' 
feet. 
 
9 Vehicle design safety standards applicable o n “date of entry into service”  
 
a) For vehicles entering into service for the first time and thereafter whenever a roadworthy test is 
required on that vehicle, the relevant vehicle design compliance requirements of both 
ARS 1355 -1 and ARS 1355 -2 must be complied with before a COF may be issued.  
 
b) For all vehicles, equipment which was fitted when new and which is intended to support safety 
must continue to be present and operative and in an acceptable condition.  
 
10 Vehicle dimensions — Reject if  
 
a) any of the limiting dimensions specified in Annex D for the particular type of vehicle are not 
complied with.  
 
11 Exempted vehicles — Reject if  
 
a) an examination shows that certain exempted vehicles do not have the basic brake stopping 
capability or that equipment which could meet the safety requirements of this specification such 
as safety glass, tyres, steering mechanism do not meet such safety requirements:  
 
NOTE  Certain vehicles below are clearly not designed to meet the all the requirements of this Ro adworthiness 
Specification are normally exempted by national or regional legislation.  
 
i) Drilling machines, mobile cranes, fork -lifts, straddle trucks, road making machines, 
earthmoving machines, construction machines, loading machines.  
 
ii) Tractors which are not goods vehicles and which are used solely for bona -fide 
agricultural, viticultural, or pastoral activities.  
 
iii) Vehicles owned by the military which are not designed or adapted for the carriage of 
goods or passengers.  
   DARS 1355 -1:2020  
22 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Annex A  
(normative)  
 
Essential cont ents of the computerised roadworthiness test report  
 
 
Results for braking, headlight beam, tailpipe emissions, suspension and wheel alignment must be 
obtained automatically without the intervention of the examiner being possible by using appropriate 
equipment.  
 
Test Report Basics  — Date/Vehicle Test Number/Vehicle Registration (or Licence) Plate Detail/VIN 
Number (or chassis number)/Vehicle Make and Model/Vehicle Colour/Odometer Reading/Testing 
Station No/Examiner No/ Result – Pass/Fail/Retest/ Signat ure. 
 
Evidence of vehicle having been presented for test  — Photographs of vehicle with Registration  
Plate and GPS/ Scanned Application Documentation with signatures/ Verification and recording of 
fingerprints  
 
Information Display  - Vehicle identification/ Mass data plate  
 
Braking Equipment  — Brake pedal/ hand lever/ Vacuum Assistance/ Build -up of Air or Vacuum/ 
Sustainability of Pressure or Vacuum/ Equipment on Trailers/ Condition of Braking Components/ Alarms 
and Warnings.  
 
Braking Performance  — Readings for each wheel brake, service and parking/ Calculated equivalent 
braking force, efficiency and imbalance on brake roller tester/ may be supplemented by measured 
deceleration in addition to results from brake roller tester  
 
Electrical System  — Windscreen wipers & washers/ Hooter/ Electrical Wiring & equipment/ Lighting 
including headlight beam reading/result  
 
Driver’s view  — Safety glass/ Mirrors  
 
Steering and Driving controls  — Free play/ Power assistance/ Pedals  
 
Tyres and Wheels  — Load capacities/ Condition/ Alignment reading/result  
 
Fittings and Equipment  — Suspension/ Shock absorbers reading/result / Bodywork/ Towing & 
Drawing equipment/ Wheel flaps/ Rear Underrun/ Speedometer/ Liquid leakage  
 
Engine and Transmission  — Condition/  Noise/ Power  
 
Safety belts  — Condition/ Number  
 
Dimensions — Whether exceeded  
 
Noise emissions  — Whether acceptable  
 
Exhaust gas emissions  — Whether acceptable reading/result  
 
Motorcycles, Tricycles, Quadricycles  — General equipment/ Suspension/ Handlebar s/ Tyres  
 
Additional for Passenger vehicles  — Emergency exits/ Seats/ Doors  
 
Remarks  
 
Name and Signature of Examiner  
   DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  23 Annex B 
(normative)  
 
Chevron specification details  
 
 
 
 
 
For vehicles 2 ,5m wide the length L must be at least 1 ,7m and for vehicles 2 ,6m wide must be 1 ,8m 
and in both cases must be long enough to be within 400mm of each side of the vehicle.  
 
Some cutting and trimming is permitted around protrusions and recesses at the rear of a vehicle.  
 
The red and yellow retroreflective materials are com monly known as a high intensity grade and their 
coefficient of retro -reflection must meet the values indicated in Table 3 below:  
 
Table 3: Coefficient of retro -reflection (cd/lx/m2) when tested in accordance with CIE 54*  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Any material tested shall comply with the requirements of Table 3 when tested in accordance with 
CIE 54 or equivalent standard by a laboratory accredited to ISO  17025 or equivalent standard.  
 
Examples of compliant reflective materials are:  
3M  3930 High Intensity Prismatic  
Avery Dennison  T6500 High Intensity Prismatic  
Oralite  5910 High Intensity Prismatic  
Nikkalite  94000 High Intensity Prismatic  
 
Non-compliant materials with inferior retro -reflective performance may not be used. Other brands of 
materials may be used only if the supplier produces evidence of compliance to the values in Table 3 
from a testing  authority accredited to ISO /IEC 17025 or equivalent . 
1 2 3 4 
Colour  Observation  angle  
α Entrance angle,  β 1  
(β2=0°, ε=0°)  
5° 40° 
       (cd/lx/m2) 
Red 0,33°  36 13 
Yellow  0,33°  120 60 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
24 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved   
Note that chevrons which comply with SANS 1329 -4 are acceptable and incorporate the above retro -
reflective materials. The differences in retro reflective performance between compliant and non -
compliant  materials are illustrated below – the upper chevron being non -compliant and the lower 
chevron being compliant.  
 
 
 
The “red only” chevron above is actually both red and yellow but the yellow is non -reflective and is 
almost invisible at night.  
 
   
DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  25 Annex C 
(normative)  
 
Rear view from mirrors showing ground level that must be visible through the 
rear-view  mirrors on both light and heavy vehicles at the roadworthiness test  
 
 
 
Figure  C.1 — LHD Class III Mirrors  
 
 
Figure  C.2 — RHD Class III Mirrors  
   
DARS 1355 -1:2020  
26 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Annex D 
(normative)  
 
Vehicle maximum dimensions  
 
 
D.1 Overall lengths  
 
D.1.1  Trailers  
 
Any trailer coupled to the drawing vehicle in such a manner that it cannot swivel in a horizontal plane  – 
1,8m max   
 
One axle or one axle unit:  
 
GVM exceeding  12 000kg – Overall length excluding drawbar or coupling – 11,3m max  
 
GVM not exceeding 12 000kg – Overall length excluding drawbar or coupling – 8,0m max  
 
More than one axle or one axle unit:  
 
GVM exceeding 12 000kg – Overall length excluding drawbar or coupling – 12,5m max  
 
D.1.2  Buses  
 
Bus – 15m 
 
Bus Train – 22m max  
 
Rapid transport bus train – 26m max  
 
D.1.3  Any other vehicle, excluding a semi -trailer  
 
Including any drawbar or coupling – 12,5m max  
 
NOTE  Bull bars and the like are excluded from measurements of overall length provided they do not increase the overall 
length by more than 300mm  
 
D.1.4 Articulated vehicle  
 
Truck tractor plus semi -trailer: 18,5 max 
 
D.1.5: Combination of vehicles  
 
Truck tractor plus semi -trailer and trai ler or any other combination: 22m max  
 
D.2 Overall widths  
 
Bus – 2,6m max if its track exceeds 1 ,9m, otherwise 2 ,5m max.  
 
Goods Vehicle – 2,65m max if the GVM exceeds 12 000kg.  
 
Any other vehicle – 2,5m max  
 
D.3 Overall heights  
 
Overall height – excluding load 
 
Double decker bus – 4,65m max  
 DARS 1355 -1:2020  
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  27 Any other vehicle – 4,6m max  
 
D.4 Turning radius and wheelbase  
 
Turning radius must not exceed 13 ,1m except for bus trains and twin steer 4 axle rigid goods vehicles 
where the max limit is 17 ,5m. 
 
Wheelbase – 8,5m max e xcept for a semi -trailer where 10m is allowed and a bus train where 8 ,5m is 
allowed measured from the front axle centreline to the centreline of the middle axle or axle unit.  
 
D.5 Front Overhangs  
 
Semi -trailer front overhang: 1 ,8m max.  
 
Any other vehicle (except a semi -trailer or a trailer with one axle or one axle unit): max front overhang 
60% of wheelbase.  
 
Any other vehicle including a semi -trailer or a trailer with one axle or one axle unit): max front overhang 
5,8m less half the wheelbase.  
 
Max front overhang 6 ,2m less half the wheelbase for vehicles where the front of the driver's seatback 
is not more than 1 ,7m from the front of the vehicle, and for a bus train the wheelbase measurement 
shall be from the centreline of the front axle to the centreline of the middle axle.  
 
D.6 Rear Overhangs  
 
Trailer, except a semi -trailer, is allowed a rear overhang of 50% max of the length of the trailer body, 
provided the trailer has one axle, or one axle unit, or two axles where their centrelines are less than 
1,2m a part. 
 
Refuse truck or street sweeper is allowed a rear overhang of 70% of its wheelbase.  
 
Any other vehicle is allowed a rear overhang of only 60% of its wheelbase.  
 
D.7 Projections  
 
Any projection to the front which exceeds the front overhang limits spec ified above.  
 
Any bracket projecting more than 150mm beyond the widest part of the vehicle.  
 
Motorcycle  — if some part of the motorcycle projects more than 600mm in front of the front axle 
centreline, or more than 900mm beyond the rear axle centreline, or more than 450mm on either side of 
the wheels, or more than 300mm beyond the outside of the wheel of any s idecar.  
 
 
  DARS 1355 -1:2020  
28 © ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved  Bibliography  
 
 
SADC HT 105 -1:2019, SADC Harmonized Text — Vehicle Standards — Specification for Vehicle 
Roadworthiness — Part 1: Roadworthiness of vehicles already in use  
 
CIE 54: Retroreflection: Definition and measurement  
 
ISO/IEC 17025 : General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories  
 
SANS 1329 -4: Retro -reflective and fluorescent warning signs for road vehicles. Part 4: Retro -reflective 
chevron signs  
 DARS 1355 -1:2020 
© ARSO 2020 — All rights reserved