10. Compliance for Restricted Licence Holders (Special Focus)

Restricted Operator Licence holders often underestimate the compliance obligations that still apply—despite the “restricted” nature of the licence. The consequences of non-compliance can be just as severe as those faced by Standard Licence holders, including Public Inquiries, licence revocation, and loss of business. This page provides a special focus on the unique challenges, risks, and responsibilities of Restricted Licence holders in the UK.

🚚 What is a Restricted Operator Licence?

A Restricted Licence allows operators to carry their own goods (not those of others) in the course of their business. Typical holders include:

Builders and tradespeople
Retailers transporting their own stock
Event and entertainment companies
Agricultural businesses

But beware: the term “restricted” applies only to what you can carry, not how you operate. The legal obligations around vehicle condition, driver competence, and record keeping still apply in full.

⚖️ Key Compliance Responsibilities

Even without a Transport Manager requirement, you’re still legally responsible for:

1. Vehicle Roadworthiness

You must keep your vehicles in a safe and roadworthy condition.

Implement a maintenance schedule
Conduct regular safety inspections
Keep defect reporting logs and repair records

🔗 Related blog post: Setting Up a Maintenance Regime for Restricted Licence Holders (Coming Soon)

2. Daily Walkaround Checks

Your drivers (or you, if self-driving) must complete a walkaround check every day the vehicle is used.

🔗 Related blog post: Walkaround Checks: How to Stay Compliant Without a TM (Coming Soon)

3. Driver Licensing and Entitlement

Ensure all drivers are properly licensed and qualified for the vehicle class they are operating. Regularly check driving licence details.

🔗 Related blog post: Driver Licence Checks for Small Fleet Operators (Coming Soon)

4. Tachographs and Drivers’ Hours (Where Applicable)

If your vehicle is in-scope of tachograph regulations (most over 3.5t), then drivers’ hours rules apply even to Restricted Licence holders.

🔗 Related blog post: Tachographs for Business Owners: Do You Really Need One? (Coming Soon)

5. Record Keeping

Operators must retain:

Maintenance records (for 15 months)
Daily defect reports
Driver hours data (where applicable)
Any correspondence with the Traffic Commissioner

🔗 Related blog post: Your Record-Keeping Checklist for Restricted Licence Compliance (Coming Soon)

📍 Common Compliance Pitfalls for Restricted Licence Holders

“I didn’t know I needed an inspection planner”

“My van isn’t technically an HGV”

“We’re only carrying our own tools – that’s not commercial, right?”

“I thought only transport companies needed to follow drivers’ hours”

Each of these assumptions can—and often does—lead to enforcement action.

🔗 Related blog post: Top 5 Mistakes Made by Restricted Licence Holders (Coming Soon)

🔍 Enforcement: You’re Still on the Radar

Restricted Licence holders can and do receive:

DVSA roadside checks
Desk-based assessments
Calls to Public Inquiry

A Restricted Licence does not mean light-touch regulation. The Traffic Commissioner expects the same level of professionalism, especially as you do not have a qualified Transport Manager overseeing compliance.

🔗 Related blog post: What Happens at a Public Inquiry for a Restricted Licence Holder? (Coming Soon)

✅ Compliance Tips for Business Owners Without a TM

Use a compliance calendar (we offer a free template!)
Appoint an internal compliance lead, even if informal
Use checklists to document checks and training
Consider third-party audits or compliance consultants

🔗 Download: Free Compliance Calendar Template for Small Operators (Coming Soon)

🔗 Guide: Should You Hire a Transport Consultant? (Coming Soon)

📚 Learn More: Blog Cluster for Restricted Licence Holders (Coming Soon)

Here’s a growing library of dedicated blog posts and guides for Restricted Licence operators:

Understanding Your Restricted Licence Obligations

Can a Restricted Licence Holder Be Called to Public Inquiry?

Are You In Scope of Tachograph Regulations?

Top Tips for Managing Your Vehicles Without a TM

Restricted vs Standard: What’s the Real Difference in Practice?

💼 Need Help Staying Compliant?

JS Transport Solutions offers tailored support packages for Restricted Licence holders who want peace of mind without the overhead of a full-time Transport Manager.

🔗 Book a Free Compliance Discovery Call

🔗 Download Our Restricted Licence Compliance Checklist (PDF) (Coming Soon)