The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is changing the way it enforces drivers hours rules, so that PSV and HGV licence holders who “drive tired” will be fined for every time they’ve done it in the last 28 days.
The DVSA can fine drivers up to £300 if they’re caught breaking the rules. They can also be prosecuted or have their vehicle immobilised.
At the moment, the DVSA can only fine drivers for offences committed that day or ongoing offences, like manipulating tachograph records.
The change will see DVSA traffic examiners given new powers to issue on-the-spot fines for any drivers’ hours offences committed in the last 28 days.
In a single roadside check, DVSA traffic examiners will be able to issue fines for up to five drivers’ hours offences. It means drivers could be fined up to £1,500 in a single check if they’ve consistently broken the rules.
It won’t matter if the offences took place in Great Britain or elsewhere.
The rules will also apply to drivers who don’t live in Great Britain. However, they’ll need to pay any fines immediately, before being allowed to continue their journey. DVSA will immobilise their vehicle until they pay.
The exact date the rules will change be confirmed nearer the time.
The DVSA says “The change will be well-publicised so drivers and vehicle operators are fully aware of the penalties.”
Guidance about drivers’ hours rules will also be updated.
The main thrust of the changes is also to enable the DVSA to clamp down on lorry drivers taking their 45-hour rest in their cab.
From 1 November, DVSA will fine drivers up to £300 if they spend their full weekly rest break in their vehicle in places where it causes a problem, for example, a layby.
Guidance at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/drivers-hours-rules-and-guidance
