The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has published updated guidance relevant to businesses that build, operate, maintain or modify lorries, goods vehicles and trailers.
Separate changes to drivers’ hours and tachograph rules also mean that some smaller commercial vehicles used on international journeys may now fall within tachograph requirements.
Who is this guidance for?
Commercial vehicle body builders
Businesses that build or convert commercial vehicles should review the relevant DVSA guidance to make sure vehicles continue to meet applicable technical and approval requirements.
Commercial vehicle operators
Fleet operators, haulage businesses, waste companies and manufacturers transporting their own goods should check that their vehicles remain safe, compliant and roadworthy.
This is particularly important where drivers, workshops or third parties are permitted to make modifications.
Businesses modifying vehicles or trailers
Operators that purchase standard vehicles or trailers and adapt them for their own requirements should consider whether the changes could affect road safety, visibility, lighting compliance, roadworthiness or vehicle approval.
Key areas to review
Vehicle and trailer standards
DVSA publishes technical and inspection guidance for goods vehicles and trailers. Businesses should identify which requirements apply to their vehicles and make sure building, conversion and modification work is properly assessed.
The DVSA guide to maintaining roadworthiness explains the systems and responsibilities involved in keeping commercial vehicles safe to drive.
Aftermarket lighting and signs
Operators should make sure aftermarket lights, warning beacons, decorative lighting and vulnerable road user signs comply with the relevant legal requirements.
Equipment should not dazzle or distract other road users, restrict visibility or interfere with other safety features. DVSA has published guidance on aftermarket lighting, signs and warning beacons.
Tachograph requirements
Some smaller commercial vehicles used on international journeys may now fall within drivers’ hours and tachograph requirements.
Whether the rules apply can depend on factors including the vehicle’s weight, whether a trailer is used, the type of journey and the purpose for which goods are being carried.
Operators should review the official guidance on drivers’ hours and tachographs for goods vehicles to confirm whether their vehicles and journeys are affected. Exemptions may apply in some circumstances.
Why commercial vehicle compliance matters
Road safety
Incorrect modifications or non-compliant lighting can increase the risk of collisions by affecting driver visibility or distracting and confusing other road users.
Inspection compliance
Vehicles that do not meet the applicable standards may fail tests or inspections, resulting in avoidable downtime, repairs and disruption.
Enforcement risk
Failure to comply with vehicle construction, lighting or tachograph requirements can lead to enforcement action or prosecution.
Businesses should make sure their procedures reflect the rules that apply to their vehicles and operations.
What should businesses do now?
Review vehicle modifications
Check whether any vehicles or trailers have been modified. Confirm that the work remains compliant with the relevant technical, safety and legal requirements.
Check aftermarket equipment
Review aftermarket lights, signs and warning beacons. Check that the equipment is suitable, correctly fitted and compliant with the relevant requirements.
Review fleet and workshop procedures
Make sure drivers and workshop teams understand which modifications are permitted and when technical advice, inspection or approval may be needed.
Assess tachograph obligations
Review international journeys involving smaller goods vehicles and trailers. Confirm whether drivers’ hours or tachograph rules apply and whether equipment, records or procedures need to be updated.
How PIB Risk Management can help
We can help businesses understand current legal requirements and DVSA guidance. We can also support operators through health and safety audits of workshop operations and wider fleet risk management.
Commercial vehicle compliance is not only about passing inspections. It is about keeping drivers and other road users safe while reducing avoidable downtime and enforcement risks.
