The plate, the weight terms and the driver checks
Match the plate to the vehicle or trailer, keep gross, train and axle limits separate, and report missing or inconsistent information before use.
A driver-focused guide to HGV and trailer ministry plates, plating certificates and the weight terms they contain.
The example is the original DVSA image, reproduced with Crown copyright and Open Government Licence attribution.
Use the plate for the actual vehicle or trailer and raise missing, damaged or inconsistent information with the transport office.
Your handbook should identify the documents, reporting contact and action required when the plate cannot be relied on.
The HGV plate is form VTG 6A and must be securely displayed in the cab where it is easy to see and read. The HGV plating certificate is form VTG 7A and is kept with the vehicle paperwork in the office or with the vehicle.
For a trailer, the VTG 6T plate is displayed on the chassis. The VTG 7T plating certificate is kept with the relevant paperwork. Do not use a tractor unit's figures as a substitute for the trailer plate.
The plate may also show dimensions, tyre conditions and other vehicle information. The plating certificate carries the same information and also shows tyre size and ply rating or load index.
Certain notifiable alterations, including specified changes to the chassis, tyres, brakes or permitted weight, require the plate and plating certificate to be updated through DVSA. Drivers should not hand-correct a plate or assume that an old copy remains valid after a change.
Report the issue before use. GOV.UK provides a service to download a replacement HGV or trailer plating certificate and ministry plate. Follow the GOV.UK instructions for printing the replacement and displaying it in the specified location on the vehicle or trailer.
The VTG 6A plate is securely displayed in the cab where it is easy to see and read.
The VTG 6T plate is securely displayed on the trailer chassis.
No. It is the total permitted weight of the tractor unit, trailer and load. Actual payload requires further vehicle and load information.
Report it before use. Do not guess the figures or substitute information from another vehicle.
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