Driving for Work: Mythbusters
52 common misconceptions – and the facts employers and drivers need to know
Myth 32: Fines for van offences are minor
The financial penalties for van-related offences can be substantial, and the consequences extend well beyond the fine itself.
The average fine per office is in the region of £1,000 however, overloading offences and insecure loads can attract fines of up to £5,000.
Worn tyres can attract of fine of £2,500 and three penalty points – for each tyre! Drivers’ hours violations can attract significant penalties and even custodial sentences.
For serious mechanical faults, a prohibition notice can take a vehicle off the road immediately, with direct operational consequences and reputational damage for non-delivery of goods or services.
Driver takeaway:
Understand the financial consequences of van offences – fines, penalty points, and prohibition notices that could take your vehicle off the road mid-job. Many are avoidable with basic daily checks and honest loading practices.
Manager takeaway:
The average fine per offence is around £1,000, but penalties for overloading, insecure loads, and tyre defects can reach £5,000 per offence. Factor compliance into your operational model – not as a cost, but as risk management. A prohibition notice has immediate operational consequences beyond the fine itself.
