Please note that these guides do not constitute legal advice and any information provided in the guides should not be construed as legal advice or legal interpretation. We do not accept any liability for any loss caused by your reliance on this guide.
🧾 Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW)
When buying any commercial vehicle — such as a van, jeep, truck, or bus — always check that it has a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW).
-
A valid CRW disc should be displayed on the windscreen of all trucks, buses, vans, and jeeps.
-
For goods trailers, the CRW disc should be displayed near the registration plate.
If no CRW disc is visible, it may mean the vehicle has not passed its annual Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (CVR) test.
🔍 Check the Vehicle’s Test History
The CVR test history stays with the vehicle — even if it changes owners.
If a vehicle has a poor test history, you may receive a CRW with a shorter expiry date when it’s next tested.
You can check when a vehicle is due for its next test by visiting:
👉 www.cvrt.ie → “Check my CRW”
⚠️ Beware of fake or altered Certificates of Roadworthiness.
Always verify the details online through the official CVRT website before purchasing.
🔧 Independent Inspection
Before buying any second-hand commercial vehicle:
-
Have it inspected by a qualified mechanic or engineer.
-
This helps identify hidden damage, wear, or costly future repairs.
You can also follow guidance from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) on buying used vehicles:
👉 What You Need to Know When Buying a Used Car
🧠 Key Things to Remember
✅ Check for a valid CRW disc
✅ Verify test history on cvrt.ie
✅ Avoid fraudulent certificates
✅ Get an independent inspection
✅ Follow CCPC consumer advice
🚦 About the CVR Test
The CVR test is not a prediction of future condition, it simply confirms the vehicle met legal safety and environmental standards on the day of the test.
For full details on commercial vehicle testing, visit: