Speedometer - Tachograph

Information 

Speedometer 

This inspection applies to all vehicles. 

The following devices are not suitable as a speedometer:- 

a) Those manufactured for bicycles, 

b) Those that rely on GPS, 

c) Those that require switching as a separate function to that of operating the vehicle, 

d) Those that have a separate power source from the vehicle, or 

e) Those that do not operate as an automatic function when the vehicle is driven. 

Tachograph

Tachographs are required on Buses (except minibuses NOT used for hire or reward) irrespective of Gross Vehicle Weight. For information on Tachographs refer to the ‘Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual’ section ‘Speedometer – Tachograph’. 

Method of Inspection 

Visually check : 

1. For the presence of a speedometer 

2. That the speedometer can be read clearly 

3. Check the condition of the speedometer 

4. Check that the speedometer can be illuminated 

5. That the speedometer indicates speed in MPH and KPH (If first used on or after 1/4/1984) 

Note 1: MPH and KPH can be displayed simultaneously or by the operation of a switch, separately. Where the vehicle is presented with the display reading MPH only and the examiner is unsure how to switch between MPH and KPH, the benefit should be given to the customer. In any case MPH must be visible on the actual speedometer display (either digital or analogue) otherwise a certificate should be refused. 

Note 2: If a vehicle has been issued with a Department’s Approval Certificate (SVA/IVA), the speedometer is only required to be marked in MPH. 

6. The relationship between MPH and KPH are reasonably accurate where they are displayed together 

Reason For Rejection

	Reason For Rejection	Deficiency Category
1	Speedometer not fitted	MAJOR
2	Dial glass cracked which does not affect the functionality of the speedometer nor creates a safety hazard.	MINOR
3	Speedometer incomplete or clearly inoperative, or dial glass broken or missing.	MAJOR
4	The speedometer insufficiently illuminated	MINOR
5	The speedometer cannot be illuminated.	MAJOR
6	The speedometer cannot be clearly read.	MAJOR
7	There is clear evidence that the speedometer does not indicate speed in MPH and KPH where required, see notes in Method of Inspection 5	MAJOR
8	Obviously not accurate.	MAJOR

Note: Due to vehicles not being road tested, the operation of the speedometer can not always be determined.