Why Commercial Vehicle Maintenance is a Legal Requirement
Commercial vehicles play a vital role in keeping the UK economy moving, but with this importance comes responsibility. Operators of vans, HGVs, and fleet vehicles must meet strict legal obligations when it comes to servicing and maintenance. Unlike private vehicles, commercial motors are held to higher standards for safety and roadworthiness — and failing to comply can result in fines, loss of licence, or even prosecution.
Whether you’re a sole trader with a single van or a business managing an entire fleet, understanding how the rules apply to you is crucial. The law doesn’t just focus on keeping vehicles mechanically sound — it’s about minimising risk for other road users and ensuring vehicles aren’t overloaded, dangerous or unfit for purpose.
What the Law Says About Commercial MOTs
In the UK, MOT testing is mandatory for most commercial vehicles, though the frequency and requirements depend on the type of vehicle and its weight. For light commercial vehicles like vans up to 3.5 tonnes, the rules are broadly the same as for private cars. These vehicles require an MOT test once a year, beginning on the third anniversary of their first registration.
However, for heavier vehicles such as HGVs and PSVs (Public Service Vehicles like buses and coaches), a different testing regime applies. These vehicles must undergo annual testing from the first year of registration. This is known as the DVSA’s annual test or ‘HGV MOT’ and can only be carried out at approved testing facilities.
Commercial vehicle MOTs are more extensive than standard car tests. They include checks on braking systems, suspension, emissions, tyres, and safety features like lights and mirrors. The consequences of missing a commercial MOT are serious. Not only is it illegal to operate without a valid test certificate, but it could also invalidate your insurance and leave you liable for any incidents on the road.
Servicing Requirements for Commercial Vehicles
Unlike MOTs, servicing isn’t legally required in the same way — but for commercial vehicles, it’s still enforced under wider legal responsibilities. Under the Road Traffic Act and guidance issued by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), business owners and fleet operators are required to ensure their vehicles are always in a roadworthy condition.
This means regular inspections, maintenance schedules, and documented servicing must all be in place. How often a commercial vehicle should be serviced depends on its usage, load, and mileage, but most businesses adopt a preventative maintenance approach — servicing their fleet far more often than the average car owner would.
For HGVs, there’s often a formal maintenance contract or service agreement in place, covering weekly walkaround checks, monthly inspections, and thorough servicing at set mileage intervals. This is recorded as part of the operator’s maintenance records and may be reviewed by authorities if the vehicle is stopped or inspected.
Operator Licence and DVSA Compliance
Any business that runs goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes needs an Operator’s Licence. This licence comes with strict conditions, and failure to comply with MOT and servicing rules can result in enforcement action. The DVSA monitors operator compliance and can conduct roadside checks, depot visits, and audits.
Operators are expected to retain documentation that proves vehicles are regularly maintained, faults are recorded and rectified, and MOTs are completed on time. If you’re called to a public inquiry or stop-check and cannot provide evidence of proper maintenance, your licence may be restricted, suspended or revoked.
Even smaller commercial operators — those running vans or lighter vehicles — are advised to keep service records up to date. While they may not need an Operator’s Licence, they are still responsible for ensuring vehicles are legally roadworthy every time they’re driven.
Enforcement and Penalties for Non-Compliance
The penalties for failing to adhere to commercial vehicle servicing and MOT regulations can be significant. If a vehicle is caught on the road without a valid MOT, the business could face a fine of up to £1,000 for light vans and up to £2,500 for HGVs. If the vehicle is found to be dangerously unroadworthy, more serious charges may be brought.
In some cases, fleet operators or business owners can face disqualification from operating altogether, especially if negligence is proven to be widespread or systematic. Insurance companies may also refuse to cover any claims involving unroadworthy vehicles, leaving the business exposed to substantial costs and legal battles.
These legal consequences serve to remind commercial operators that servicing and MOTs are not just box-ticking exercises — they’re critical safeguards for employees, the public, and the business itself.
The Role of Regular Inspections and Record Keeping
Routine inspections and accurate records are key to staying compliant. Daily walkaround checks, where drivers inspect tyres, lights, mirrors, fluid levels and brakes, should be part of any business’s operation. Issues must be reported and addressed quickly, with clear evidence that remedial work was carried out.
Digital tools are now widely used across the industry to manage servicing schedules, MOT deadlines and driver reports. Using a digital maintenance logbook can help businesses remain organised and reduce the risk of errors, particularly across larger fleets.
Inspection intervals are based on vehicle use, but as a general guide, many commercial vehicles are inspected every six to ten weeks. The records from these inspections must be kept for at least 15 months and be made available to enforcement agencies on request.
Changes in Legislation and Environmental Considerations
In recent years, environmental legislation has started to influence how commercial vehicles are tested and maintained. Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZs) in cities like London mean that older diesel vans and lorries must meet minimum emissions standards to avoid charges.
This has led many businesses to upgrade their fleet to Euro 6 compliant models or even explore electric commercial vehicles. While these newer vehicles often have lower maintenance needs, they are still subject to the same MOT and servicing expectations. In fact, with unfamiliar technology involved, some electric vans require specialists to carry out checks.
It’s worth noting that changes to testing regulations and service expectations can happen quickly. Businesses should keep up to date with DVSA guidance and be proactive in updating their policies as new legislation or technologies emerge.
Responsibility and Peace of Mind
For many business owners, especially those managing smaller operations, staying compliant with commercial vehicle rules can feel daunting. But getting it right brings peace of mind. Knowing your vehicles are roadworthy, insured, and legally tested protects both your employees and your livelihood.
Working with trusted garages, scheduling services well in advance, and using software tools to track compliance are simple ways to ensure your business remains on the right side of the law. In the eyes of both the DVSA and your customers, a well-maintained vehicle speaks volumes about the professionalism and reliability of your company.
