A used van’s roadworthiness record is more than a date to copy into the advert. It affects whether the vehicle can be used legally on the road, gives a buyer useful context about test history and can expose a gap between what the seller says and what the official record shows. Dealers should verify the vehicle rather than rely only on a disc in the windscreen.
What the official guidance says
The Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing service says commercial vehicles over 12 months old must have a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW). The disc should be displayed on trucks, buses, vans and jeeps; trailers have a separate display position. CVRT also explains that test history stays with the vehicle when ownership changes. A history of late testing can therefore affect the next CRW expiry date.
A CRW is evidence that the vehicle met the test’s basic safety requirements on the day of testing. It is not a full mechanical inspection and does not establish that every component was assessed: CVRT notes that only testable items that are visible and accessible can be checked. A recent pass should not be described as a guarantee of future condition.
Intake checklist for a dealer
At acquisition, match the registration and VIN to the CRW and CVRT record. Verify expiry and test history through the official service, note advisories or failed tests in the stock file, and confirm whether the van has the correct category and permitted weight for its use. If imported, retain registration and roadworthiness documents from the previous country and check the Irish record after registration. Record outstanding work separately from the test result.
When writing the advert, state the CRW expiry date accurately and avoid “full mechanical check” unless the dealership actually performed a defined inspection. If the CRW is expired, say so clearly and do not imply that it is ready for road use. The vehicle’s own status should be confirmed before arranging a customer demonstration or delivery.
For a buyer-facing overview, see the Irish CVRT guide. In the WazerMart van advert, make the verified CRW status and expiry easy to find.
Sources
Check the live CVRT record and current RSA guidance for the individual vehicle. This guide does not replace a mechanical inspection or legal advice.
