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SPEC LIFTS AND THEIR USE

 

It is strongly advised that this document is printed and kept in recovery vehicles using a spec lift.

In recent months a number of cases have been brought to the attention of the BVSF whereby enforcement officers are issuing enforcement notices on correctly used spec lifts.

A disabled or broken down vehicle whether disabled or broken down due to accident damage or mechanical failure is one which is incapable of action or use and is exempt from the construction and use braking requirements and therefore can be towed legally using a spec lift without the need for overrun braking systems.

Just because a vehicle could physically move itself on or off a spec lift does not mean it is not disabled or broken down. There are many reasons why a vehicle may be considered disabled or broken down but it may still be capable of limited movement. Operators should ensure that no non-disabled or non-broken down vehicles are placed on a spec lift and if a disabled or broken down vehicle is on a spec lift and the reason is not obvious for its condition then this is known by the recovery driver.

Regulation 16 provides that requirements to a braking system do not apply on a disabled or broken down vehicle.