Fixed Penalties with a Gradient

Date: 01/06/2009

Roadside Enforcement by DVSA

You may be aware that starting on May 28, 2009, drivers who have breached the law can receive fixed penalty letters from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) at roadside inspections. More offenses now fall under the fixed penalty, including violations of the drivers’ hour statute and the Driver CPC. The enforcement officer must decide whether to take the matter to court or to offer you a fixed penalty. Fixed penalties always result in a fine, which can be anything between £30 and £200 depending on how serious the offense was. If the offense is endorsable, however, you may also receive driving license points. If you could potentially exceed 12 points under the totting up process, the case must be brought before a judge. Your vocational driving license may be suspended or revoked, and the DVSA may report the incident to the Traffic Commissioner who may punish you or suspend your ability to drive.

You must present your driving license at the scene of the incident or by mail to the DVSA within 14 days if the offense is endorsable. You will have 28 days to choose between accepting the punishment and asking to appear in court. Every time you accept a fixed penalty notice and if you are found guilty, the Traffic Commissioner must be notified by law.