What Happens During a DVSA Roadside Check?

You're driving along, just another day on the road, when you see it: a DVSA officer at a roadside checkpoint waving you in.

Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, being stopped can be stressful — especially if you're a Restricted Operatortrying to stay compliant without a Transport Manager.

So what actually happens during a DVSA roadside check?What are they looking for — and what happens if they find a problem?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• What to expect when you’re pulled over

• What the DVSA checks during a stop

• Your legal obligations

• Common mistakes that lead to penalties

• How to prepare in advance

• What happens after the check

Why DVSA Carries Out Roadside Checks

Roadside enforcement is one of the DVSA’s key tools to:

✅ Ensure vehicles are roadworthy

✅ Prevent unfit drivers or unsafe practices

✅ Detect licence breaches, overloading, tachograph fraud, and more

✅ Enforce transport regulations fairly and proportionately

They target vehicles using:

• OCRS scores

• ANPR cameras

• Random sampling

• Intelligence-led reports

So even if you’ve never been stopped before — you could be next.

What Happens When You’re Stopped

Here’s how a typical DVSA roadside check plays out:

1. You’re Signalled to Pull In

   • You’ll be directed to a lay-by or DVSA checkpoint

   • Stop the vehicle safely, apply the handbrake, and remain calm

2. Initial Approach

   • An officer will ask for your driver’s licence and possibly other documents

   • Be polite, cooperative, and professional

3. Inspection Begins

   • Officers may check:

     • Vehicle roadworthiness (tyres, lights, load, brakes)

     • Vehicle tax, insurance, MOT

     • Tachograph compliance (if in-scope)

     • Driver hours and rest compliance

     • Operator licence details

     • Vehicle weights (via portable weighpads)

4. Driver Interview

   • You may be asked about:

     • Your daily walkaround check

     • Driving hours and breaks taken

     • The nature of your journey

     • What records you’re keeping

5. Document and Equipment Check

   • Officers may ask to see:

     • Defect book or walkaround check sheet

     • Maintenance records (if carried on board)

     • Tacho printouts or digital driver card

     • Evidence of exemption (if claimed)

What DVSA Officers Are Looking For

Area	What They Check
Vehicle safety	Tyres, lights, brakes, load security, emissions
Documentation	Licence, insurance, MOT, tachograph card
Driver hours	Breaks taken, rest periods, tacho use
Maintenance	Recent defects, roadworthiness signs
Overloading	Axle weights and gross weight
Operator licence	Does it cover the type of use/journey?

Common Problems Found at Roadside Checks

Issue	Likely Outcome
Tyre bald or flat	Immediate prohibition
Broken light	Verbal warning or prohibition
No walkaround check evidence	Possible fixed penalty or warning
Tacho misuse	Infringement notice or £300 penalty
Overloading	Fine + points on licence
Expired driver card	Penalty + record kept by DVSA
No operator licence (or wrong type)	Vehicle seized or reported to Traffic Commissioner

Your Legal Responsibilities as a Driver (and Operator)

Even if you’re the business owner driving your own vehicle, you must:

• Carry a valid licence for the category of vehicle

• Complete and carry out daily walkaround checks

• Keep to working time and driver hours rules

• Carry your tachograph card (if required)

• Report and rectify defects

• Know what you’re carrying, where, and why

• Comply with loading and weight limits

DVSA officers can issue fixed penalties, prohibitions, or refer you for further investigation depending on what they find.

What Happens If You Get a Prohibition?

A prohibition notice is issued when your vehicle is found to be dangerous or unroadworthy.

There are two types:

• Immediate prohibition: You cannot drive the vehicle any further

• Delayed prohibition: You must fix the issue before a certain date

A prohibition is also reported to the Traffic Commissioner and logged against your OCRS — meaning your risk score goes up.

Top Tips for Passing a Roadside Check

✅ Keep your vehicle clean, tidy and safe

✅ Perform (and document) your daily walkaround checks

✅ Ensure your vehicle’s MOT, insurance, and tax are up to date

✅ Carry your operator licence number and driver’s licence

✅ Don’t guess — if you don’t know something, say so

✅ Know your vehicle’s weight and load limits

✅ Keep a calm, professional attitude

How to Prepare Your Fleet for Random Stops

Whether you operate one truck or a small fleet, build a culture of “ready at all times.” Here’s how:

Task	Frequency
Daily defect checks	Every day before use
Licence and CPC card checks	Every 6 months
PMI inspections	Every 6–10 weeks
Driver hours downloads	Every 28 days
Maintenance file review	Monthly
Weigh your loads (if near limit)	Before departure

Being ready for DVSA doesn’t mean doing more work — just doing the right work consistently.

What If You Think the DVSA Was Wrong?

If you feel a penalty was issued in error:

• Remain respectful — don't argue roadside

• Accept the notice and appeal later through the proper channels

• Make notes of the situation, officer ID, and what was said

• Contact a transport consultant or legal advisor for guidance

Conclusion

Roadside checks are part of modern transport — and they’re not going away.

For Restricted Operators, the best way to avoid issues is to treat every journey like it could be inspected. Have your paperwork ready, your vehicle in shape, and your records in order.

If you’ve done your job properly, a roadside check becomes just another step in proving your professionalism.

Next in the series:👉 10 Common Compliance Failures for Restricted Licence Holders