GovWire

What you can report to DVSA

You can report an HGV driver or the company running the vehicles (a vehicle operator) to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you think theyre breaking safety rules or conditions of their driving or operator licence.

This includes things like:

• breaking drivers hours rules
• overloading vehicles
• using vehicles that are not safe to drive (not roadworthy)
• using emission cheat devices
• carrying dangerous or hazardous goods without permission

Theres a different process to:

• report a smoky lorry or bus to DVSA
• report other crime, such as suspected drink-driving, speeding and driving while disqualified

Report a driver or company

Contact DVSA to report the driver or company. You can do this anonymously or give your details - check what this means before you make your report.

You need to give as much information as possible about:

• who is involved - for example, the driver or company name, or the vehicle registration number (number plate)
• what the driver or company is doing
• where theyre doing it
• when theyre doing it

Read the privacy notice for reporting a HGV, bus or coach driver or company to find out more about how your details are stored and used.

Reporting something anonymously

You can make a report anonymously - you do not have to give your name or contact details unless you want to.

If you call or write anonymously:

• you will never be asked for your name or to provide contact details
• your call will not be traced
• you will not have to make a statement or be called as a witness
• you will not have to appear in court

Depending on the incident youre reporting, it might be possible for the driver or company to work out that you reported it - even if you report it anonymously.

If you do give your contact details

You can ask to remain anonymous if you give DVSA your contact details. However, you might:

• be contacted for more information
• be asked to provide a statement
• have to act as a witness and appear in court

What happens after you have reported something to DVSA

DVSA will review the information you sent. They will decide what to do next, which could include:

• asking DVSA examiners to investigate the case
• asking you for more information if you did not make the report anonymously
• working with other government departments and agencies or the police

Make sure you stay safe

For your own safety, do not:

• tell anyone that youve given the information to DVSA
• try to get more information about the offences youve reported or about any other criminal activity
• encourage anyone to commit a crime so that you have more evidence

Getting feedback on what happened

If you ask DVSA to give you feedback on what happened, youll get it when:

• any investigation and criminal or other official proceedings have ended
• a decision has been made if the person appeals against their verdict