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Vehicle defect rectification scheme

The Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme (VDRS) has been set up to allow minor vehicle defects to be rectified without the need for prosecution. 

A list of ‘minor defects’ are: 

  • tyre defect
  • lighting Offences
  • minor bodywork issues (eg cracked light cover)
  • wiper blades
  • washer fluid
  • any electrical malfunction (eg. horn inoperative)
  • broken or cracked glass (eg Windscreen or mirror)
  • defective exhaust
  • number Plates
  • window tints
  • other 

The VDRS scheme is an optional scheme and you do not have to participate in it however the alternative may be prosecution. 

You will be given the VDRS notice and you will have 7 days to rectify the faults identified and present your vehicle back to a Police Station of your choice for inspection.

If the faults have been rectified then no further action is taken.

If the faults have not been rectified then they will be liable for prosecution. 

Frequently asked questions

What if I cannot source the part required to rectify the fault eg. tyre with unusual dimensions that is not stocked on island?

Communication is the key and as long as you contact the Officer concerned and explain this then an extension can be given. You must however make contact and let them know what the problem is.

Do I have to participate in the scheme? 

No you don’t however this option has been set up to prevent members of the public being prosecuted for minor faults so if you do not participate you may be prosecuted. 

What happens if my car has multiple faults? 

The VDRS can be used for up to 5 minor faults. More than this and the Police have the power to take your vehicle to the Vehicle Test Centre and have a full examination carried out on it. This will be at your cost and you will be prosecuted for all the offences identified. 

What happens if I am stopped more than once driving a vehicle with defects? 

The VDRS will only be used on a limited amount of occasions. Regular offenders will be prosecuted depending on the time between each stop and the severity of the defects noted. 

I have seen Police vehicles with bulbs out why can they drive with defects? 

We understand that some bulbs may become defective mid-way through a journey. If this is the rear bulbs then you may not necessarily know about the defect. If a Police vehicle is spotted with a defective bulb and we are notified then it is taken off the road immediately and the fault rectified or it remains off the road until the defect can be fixed. 

Can I drive my vehicle with defects until I sort them? 

If you continue to drive your vehicle after being issued a VDRS notice you won’t be immune from prosecution. If the offences are more serious (tyres) then the Police may insist your vehicle remains in situ until you rectify the issue. If it is a wiper blade, registration number or something similar the Police may allow you to complete your journey but further use of the vehicle may render you liable to prosecution.

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