UK set to change rules on drivers’ hours fines

The UK Government has announced that it will be introducing new rules on how commercial drivers can be fined for breaking the rules on driving hours and break times. At the moment, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can only fine drivers for offences committed on the day they are being examined; or for ongoing offences, like manipulating tachograph records, which record drivers’ hours.

However, under new rules set to come into effect soon, DVSA traffic examiners will have the power to issue on-the-spot fines for any drivers’ hours offences committed in the last 28 days. In a single roadside check, they will be able to issue fines for up to five drivers’ hours offence – which could add up to a £1,500 fine in a single check.

Fines can be imposed even if the offences took place outside the UK.

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.

In a statement issued on Friday (15 September), the UK Government said that the exact date the rules will change will be “confirmed nearer the time”.