Driving Hours: Forthcoming Changes to Fines for Commercial Drivers

There are some driver hours rule changes that we wanted to highlight to all of our Southampton and Portsmouth based HGV drivers. These changes mean lorry, bus and coach drivers who drive in excess of their allowed hours will be fined for every time they’ve done it in the last 28 days.

If you drive a lorry, bus or coach you must follow the rules on how many hours you can drive and the breaks you need to take and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can fine HGV drivers up to £300 if they’re caught breaking the rules. They can also be prosecuted or have their vehicle immobilised.

Currently the DVSA can only fine drivers for:

offences committed that day;
ongoing offences, like manipulating tachograph records, which record drivers’ hours
However, going forward drivers will be fined for older offences they have committed and DVSA traffic examiners will be given new powers to issue on-the-spot fines for any drivers’ hours offences committed in the last 28 days.

It is vital that you are fully aware of what the rules are as DVSA traffic examiners going forward and in a single roadside check will be able to issue fines for up to 5 drivers’ hours offences. This could mean a fine of up to £1,500 in a single check if you have consistently broken the rules. If you drive in the UK or elsewhere it won’t matter as the rules will apply. Exact date when the rules will change will be confirmed nearer the time however in the meantime please go to the government website for further information https://www.gov.uk/government/news/drivers-hours-changes-to-fines-for-commercial-drivers

ARE YOU AWARE OF WHERE YOU CAN AND CANNOT TAKE YOUR FULL WEEKLY REST?

From 1 November 2017, DVSA will start to fine HGV drivers up to £300 if they spend their full weekly rest break in their vehicle in places where it causes a problem. For example, if a lorry driver spends their full break in the cab of their lorry in a layby or they are parked somewhere where it causes noise or litter problems for residents.

DVSA traffic examiners will start issuing fines to deal with drivers who don’t properly rest. Lorry, bus and coach drivers must take a 45-hour rest break at least every fortnight.

Ensure you are aware of the rules and the importance of resting properly and safely and if you are not sure then consult the government website or if you are one of Drive Personnels HGV drivers in the Southampton area then give us a call 24/7 for advice or clarification.