Temporary change to DVSA Enforcement Sanctions Policy FEBRUARY 2021 (V1)
Due to the exceptional circumstances stemming from the Covid-19 outbreak, DVSA has
authorised a temporary change in enforcement for overweight vehicles for UK drivers and
non-UK drivers, until further notice.
This change will mean that drivers of vehicles that are 30% or more overweight will now
receive a fixed penalty rather than a prosecution through the Court system. This change is
supported by The Road Safety (Financial Penalty Deposit) (Appropriate Amount) Order 2009,
Table 5, Section 41B Road Traffic Act 1988. It states that exceeding weight by 15% or more is
a £300 fine level offence; it was a DVSA policy decision to prosecute when overweight is 30%
or more.
GB operator licence holders will be reported via the Traffic Commissioners for appropriate
regulatory action as per normal.
This change will be kept under review and DVSA reserves the right to prosecute the most
serious offences / if other defects or offences are evident that in the examiner’s opinion would
make it a dangerous vehicle.
The change of policy will continue until further notice. Continuation will remain under
review and DVSA reserves the right to alter or revert to normal procedures at any time.
Documents
Details
The policy sets out what action DVSA traffic examiners will take when dealing with most offences that they find when they carry out roadside checks.
It’s used to make sure that DVSA takes consistent action when carrying out checks.
You cannot buy printed copies of this document from DVSA, but you’re allowed to print your own copies.
Last updated 1 February 2021 + show all updates
