How you could get a roadside fine amid new DVSA changes
The alteration came into effect earlier this week, and is intended to make the process simpler for drivers.
It comes as the DVSA has started using a new company to process payments for roadside fines.
This will enable drivers to use their smartphones at the roadside to pay for several offences.
The DVSA has the authority to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for various offences related to vehicle condition, driver hours and licensing, impacting both domestic and international drivers.
What could I get a roadside fine for?
Some common offences that could see drivers hit with a DVSA roadside fine are listed below.
Driver's House and Tachograph Offences
Exceeding daily or weekly driving time limits
Not taking required breaks or rest periods
Failing to use a tachograph
Using a defective or tampered tachograph
Falsifying or failing to produce tachograph records
Vehicle Roadworthiness
Driving with defective brakes, tyres, lights, suspension, or steering
Dangerous load securing or overloaded vehicles
Failure to carry out proper daily walkaround checks
Operating an unroadworthy vehicle (may result in a prohibition as well as a fine)
Licencing and Documentation
Driving without a valid driver's licence or correct entitlements (e.g., no HGV licence)
Operating without a valid Operator's Licence
No MOT certificate (if required)
Lack of vehicle insurance or road tax
Failure to produce required documentation (e.g. vehicle registration, insurance)
What is Fuel Duty?
Weight and Load Offences
Overloading axles or gross vehicle weight
Incorrect or dangerous load securing
Incorrect use of trailers
Emissions and Mechanical Defects
Emissions tampering e.g. AdBlue cheat devices or DPF removals
Using a vehicle that does not meet emissions standards
Driver Conduct and Road Safety
Using a mobile phone while driving
Driving without wearing a seatbelt
Poor vehicle condition leading to immediate prohibition
Excessive vehicle noise or emissions
Recommended reading:
Fines can range from £50 to £300 per offence, depending on severity, and multiple fines can be issued at once (for both driver hours and vehicle defects).
Major changes to car tax were also introduced earlier this year, seeing costs go up for many drivers.
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