DVSA roadside checks: Common failures and how to prepare

Roadside and premises inspections play a pivotal role in maintaining road safety in the UK and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. At Webfleet, we know firsthand the complexities that fleet managers navigate daily. Keeping tabs on every vehicle in your fleet, ensuring each one is road-ready and compliant? It’s no small feat.  So what should you look out for? Let’s dive into why these inspections are so crucial, the top 10 common failures for HGVs and LGVs and how technology can support you in keeping tabs on your fleet’s condition.

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What are DVSA roadside inspections?

Inspections, conducted by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), formerly known as the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), serve as a frontline defense against potential safety hazards on UK roads. The DVSA and the police routinely check commercial vehicles and drivers to ensure they meet necessary safety and legal requirements.

For fleet managers and operators, these inspections represent more than just a routine check. They are a critical touchpoint where your fleet’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance is put to the test. Passing these inspections is not merely about avoiding penalties; it’s about demonstrating your dedication to maintaining the highest standards of vehicle safety and driver competence. This commitment not only protects your drivers and other road users but also safeguards your company’s reputation and operational efficiency.

Why are there roadside checks?

There are a set of responsibilities and systems involved in keeping vehicles roadworthy, regardless of operating conditions, fleet size or vehicle type. Ultimately, the responsibility is down to the driver and the operator.

The DVSA is there to ensure that when the driver and/or operator are not keeping up with safety regulations, there are repercussions. The overall aim is to prevent harm to innocent other road users from unsafe commercial vehicles and drivers on UK roads.

What happens if my vehicle fails the inspection?

The consequences of failing roadside inspections can be severe:

• As stated on GOV UK, fines ranging from £50 to £300 can be issued on the spot for various offences, including significantly higher fines if taken into court proceedings.

• Risk of Losing Operator’s License, in the most severe consequences. Or you could receive an Operator License suspension.

• The DVSA uses the Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) system to assess the risk level of operators. If your vehicle or company has a high-risk score, you can expect to receive increased scrutiny, leading to more frequent checks.

• Reputational damage for your business. This leads to a loss of confidence from your customers and prospects, not to mention the negative public reception.

What happens during a roadside inspection?

First of all, if it is a roadside inspection, your driver will be approached by DVSA Officers in a designated enforcement vehicle which features black and yellow print on the side and a DVSA logo on the bonnet. As stated on GOV UK, a DVSA officer will then approach the vehicle checks that the vehicle is not breaking any rules and regulations. This includes:

• Checking authorised load weights and type of load permitted

• Checking vehicles for roadworthiness and mechanical faults

• Looking at your tachograph records

• Make sure you have a valid vocational driving licence

Why might your drivers be getting stopped?

DVSA employs a risk-based approach for selecting vehicles for roadside checks. They use the Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS), historical data and random selections. This targeted strategy helps focus resources on potentially non-compliant or high-risk operators, enhancing road safety efficiently.

DVSA earned recognition scheme

If your fleet has fostered a culture of safety and is a shining example of vehicle roadworthiness, then you can apply to join the DVSA Earned Recognition Scheme. A part of this scheme means you will be required to share performance information with DVSA. In return, your vehicles are less likely to be stopped for inspections.

Top 10 most common roadside inspection failures

The most recent Top 10 prohibition defects as a percentage of all HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicles – over 3.5t) inspected at roadside and operators’ premises, July – September 2024 to 2025.

The most recent Top 10 prohibition defects as a percentage of all LGV (Light Goods Vehicles – 3.5t or less) inspected at roadside and operators’ premises, July – September 2024 to 2025.

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How fleet managers can prepare for roadside inspections

Prepare for roadside inspections by simplifying checks and using digital tools. Predefined checklists and mobile apps like Webfleet’s Vehicle Check app ensure thorough, quick inspections, including photo uploads. Real-time digital reports eliminate lost paperwork and enable fast issue resolution. The app alerts you to incomplete checks before departure. During roadside inspections, drivers easily demonstrate vehicle roadworthiness with digital records, reducing stress and improving compliance.

Routine maintenance ensures peace of mind during roadside checks and reduces the likelihood of costly repairs. Fleet solutions like Webfleet simplify scheduling with notifications and odometer-based service intervals. Proactive check-ups reduce wear and catch issues early, ensuring long-term cost savings.

The role of telematics in passing roadside inspections

By leveraging Webfleet’s solutions, fleet managers can reduce costs, avoid penalties, increase productivity and focus on delivering value to customers. The platform’s data insights and tools enhance fleet performance across various compliance areas, ensuring readiness for DVSA roadside checks and maintaining overall fleet compliance.

Webfleet Tachograph Manager, for example, is a powerful tool designed to adapt to new tachograph rules, ensuring your fleet stays ahead of regulatory changes. This intelligent system not only helps you prove tachograph compliance during inspections but also provides valuable insights for optimising driver schedules and rest periods.

Furthermore, Webfleet Trailer, a leading trailer management solution, helps meet DVSA braking standards by integrating Electric Brake Performance Monitoring Systems (EBPMS) to generate brake performance values remotely. Consequently, it provides the tools to prove compliance at any time.

Build a safer, compliant fleet with Webfleet

As we delved deeper into the specifics of roadside inspections and how to prepare for them, it is important to remember that success in this area is not just about passing a test. It’s about fostering a safety and compliance culture permeating every aspect of your fleet operations. Ultimately, this will lead to safe roads in the UK for all users.

If you would like to learn more about how Webfleet can support you in keeping your fleet compliant, from driver hours to brake testing and walkaround checks, contact one of our experts and book a demo.