Understanding UK Laws on Daily Vehicle Checks

Blog Understanding UK Laws on Daily Vehicle Checks

by Wilson Tree Surgery | 20th Aug 2024

Daily vehicle checks are a crucial aspect of managing a fleet or owning a vehicle in the UK. These checks are not just a best practice—they are required by law and play a vital role in ensuring the safety of drivers, passengers, and other road users. This blog will outline the legal requirements and procedures for daily vehicle checks, and how you can help your drivers conduct these checks effectively.

The Legal Requirements

In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) mandates that drivers of commercial vehicles conduct daily walk-around checks before using their vehicles. This requirement is part of broader legal obligations under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 and the Road Traffic Act 1988. These laws ensure that vehicles are always roadworthy and safe to operate.

Failing to perform these checks can lead to serious consequences, including fines, penalty points on a driver’s licence, and potentially even legal action against the driver or the company operating the vehicle.

Why Daily Vehicle Checks Are Essential

The primary goal of daily vehicle checks is to spot and address any potential safety issues before the vehicle is used. Regular inspections are key to:

• Preventing Accidents: By identifying and fixing defects early, the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures is greatly reduced.
• Avoiding Breakdowns: Routine checks can detect minor issues before they turn into major, costly problems, thereby reducing downtime and repair costs.
• Extending Vehicle Lifespan: Regular maintenance helps keep vehicles in better condition for longer, extending their useful life.
• Ensuring Legal Compliance: Adhering to daily check protocols helps avoid legal penalties and ensures vehicles meet the DVSA’s roadworthiness standards.

When Should Daily Checks Be Conducted?

The DVSA advises that daily vehicle checks should be done before the vehicle is first used each day. This is particularly important if a vehicle is used by multiple drivers. Each driver must ensure the vehicle is safe before starting their shift. For vehicles that operate around the clock, it’s essential to conduct checks at the start of each shift change.

Empowering Drivers to Perform Effective Checks

To ensure that your drivers can carry out thorough and efficient daily checks, consider the following:

• Provide Training: Ensure all drivers understand what needs to be checked and why it’s important.
• Use Checklists: Supply drivers with a comprehensive checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked.
• Implement a Reporting System: Have a clear process in place for reporting and addressing any issues found during checks.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure that your fleet is safe, compliant with legal standards, and less likely to experience costly breakdowns. Daily vehicle checks are a simple yet effective way to protect your drivers, your vehicles, and the public.

When checking your vehicle, use the following checklist to complete your checks: 

• ​​Fuel, water and oil level
• Leaks
• Lights, beacon and horn
• Seats and seat belts
• Windows, windscreen, wipers and screen wash
• Wheel nuts, torque and flags
• Tyre condition, wear and pressure
• Excess exhaust smoke
• Bodywork and mirrors
• Footbrake and handbrake
• 1st aid kit and fire extinguisher

 

If a trailer is attached you will also need to carry out the following checks as well as completing a W20 Book documenting your driving hours for the day:

• Alignment and condition of wheel nuts and indicators
• Tyre pressure
• Tyre condition
• Wheel damage
• Floor condition
• Operation of lights and indicators
• Lenses
• Spare wheel
• Breakaway cable
• Jockey wheel
• Number plate condition
• Trailer connection

By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure that your fleet is safe, compliant with legal standards, and less likely to experience costly breakdowns. Daily vehicle checks are a simple yet effective way to protect your drivers, your vehicles, and the public.