What powers do VOSA have?

[mikesaa309]

Just wondering what can VOSA do at the road side. I heard they can do a full MOT test, is it also possible for them to do a dyno check at the road side?

Also are they only about when police call them out to check a vehicle? I've only ever seen one parked up as if they're waiting for a dodgy looking vehicle to come past so they can pull it over and inspect it.

[hellkat]

Rule of thumb:
When posing the question "What power/s does [insert relevant government department/agency/QUANGO] have?" - the simple answer will always be: "Too many".
____________________
Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[spooks007]

VOSA have a LOT more powers than police when it comes to vehicles on the road. They have the ability to place immediate prohibition orders, which means you cannot move that vehicle until they are satisfied that the repairs are MOT compliant. They are ruthless and not to be messed with. They can/do go out on their own without the police.

[yen_powell]

They can get your hair really clean.
____________________
Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits

[mikesaa309]

Are they able to conduct MOT tests at the road side or dyno checks? Presumably by using a lorry with testing equipment?

[N cee thirty]

[lihp]

[Tungtvann]

Do they have powers of arrest? Is it an offence to ignore them and drive away? My vehicles are all legal, but they sound like a bunch of cunts.

[mikesaa309]

[Poseidon]

[stinkwheel]

Their powers are extensive and far-reaching.

They have the power to stop vehicles, carry out detailed roadside inspections or seize suspect vehicles for even more detailed inspections.

They can inspect HGV tachos, enforce rest periods, impound vehicles, test fuel.

I don't think they have the power of arrest BUT they usually operate alongside one or more police officers who do.

I doubt they would dyno a bike, I've never heard of them doing so but I suspect they might well take it apart to check if a restrictor was actually fitted.

I do know they sometimes check on MOT testers. My local guy had them sat around the corner in a van watching him book an MOT through the computer system on a laptop. They stopped the bike he'd just tested as it went round the corner, took it back to his garage and went over it again to see if he'd missed anything.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Rogerborg]

VOSA (alone) can only stop passenger vehicles (9 or more seats) and 3.5 ton+ HGVs.

Ketchup and HP sauces.

[mentalboy]

[lihp]

[Poseidon]

[Rogerborg]

Well, they can try and stop anyone they like. The question is whether it's an offence to give them a cheery wave and carry on.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[orac]

[stinkwheel]

[ficedula]

[Rogerborg]

Only one way to find out. Mike, go and find a stop-and-test, and wheelie past them screaming "FULL POWER BANDIT BEEYATCHES".
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[krarkol]

If you are that worried and see one of them waving you in, just keep riding past. If they note down your reg just claim you have no idea who was riding it. Probably get points and a fine but it's much better than being found without restriction.

Must be a southern thing, I've never seen VOSA by the roadside and the occasions I have been pulled my licence has been looked at but restriction never mentioned. Even when doing silly speeds in wales and being given the benefit of the doubt by the coppers (which apparently are ruthless in wales from what I've heard?)
____________________
Bandit 600 - deaded

[1198]

They seem to like stopping vehicles in rural Shropshire and dipping their tanks for red diesel. Then they have a sense of humour failure big style.
Fair play to them, they seem to stop plenty of unroadworthy heaps as well.
Edited to say Powys as well. Normally on market day.

[Wonko The Sane]

[Joncrete Cungle]

[N cee thirty]