In the United Kingdom, there isn’t a single “lorry maintenance law” but a set of legal duties and regulatory requirements that govern how lorries (heavy goods vehicles/HGVs) must be maintained, inspected and kept road-worthy. These come from road traffic, operator licensing, health & safety and DVSA enforcement regimes.
1. Roadworthiness and Maintenance Obligations
Legal Duty to Maintain Vehicles
- Under UK road traffic law (including the Construction & Use Regulations), all vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy and fit-for-purpose condition whenever used on public roads. It is a criminal offence to use or operate an unroadworthy vehicle.
- The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) expects operators to have structured maintenance regimes that keep vehicles safe and compliant throughout the year, not just at MOT time.
Maintenance, Inspections & Record-Keeping
- Operators must have a preventive maintenance programme, with checks based on time or mileage following manufacturer recommendations.
- Daily walkaround checks by drivers are expected before use.
- Maintenance and safety inspection records must be kept for at least 15 months and be available for inspection.
2. Annual MOT (HGV Test)
- Heavy Goods Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVW must undergo an annual MOT test at a DVSA-approved testing station. This is a statutory requirement and failure to have a valid MOT means the vehicle cannot be legally used on public roads.
- The MOT inspection covers key systems including brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, lights, emissions, safety equipment and vehicle structure.
3. Operator Licensing & Roadworthiness Certification
Operator Licence (O-Licence)
- If operating commercially, an O-Licence from the Traffic Commissioner is required for vehicles over 3,500 kg.
- One condition of the O-Licence is that the operator must ensure vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy, serviceable condition with adequate facilities and arrangements for maintenance.
Documentation & Compliance
- Operators must ensure drivers are trained in defect reporting and that maintenance systems are enforceable and documented.
4. Enforcement & Penalties
- The DVSA and Police can carry out roadside inspections. Vehicles found unsafe may be prohibited from continuing until defects are rectified.
- Penalties for failing to maintain an HGV include prohibition notices, fines, invalidated insurance and possible prosecution.
5. Health & Safety at Work
- Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers must ensure all work equipment (including vehicles used for work purposes) are maintained in an efficient and safe state.
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