The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is a safety permit scheme for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and operators of lorries with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 12 tonnes. They must secure a safety permit prior to entering and conducting operations within the majority of Greater London. Failure to comply may result in the issuance of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Since it’s introduction in March 2021, you must add cameras to your HGVs in order to meet the Direct Vision Standard for London. To drive within the M25 you must receive a permit, which if you don’t have will result in a fine of £550 for driving in Greater London.
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is designed to cut road injuries in London resulting from HGVs with driver blind-spots. Since March 2021, lorry owners must eliminate all blind spots by adding camera equipment and other enhancements to driver vision. These ‘Safe System’ upgrades will become even more demanding in October 2024.
If your vehicle receives a zero-star rating, you will be required to enhance its safety by implementing Safe System improvements until October 2024. Starting from October 28, 2024, you will need to upgrade your vehicle’s safety measures with a Progressive Safe System.
Learn more about the Progressive Safe System.
HGV Safety Permit Requirements
Regardless of the operator’s assessment of whether their vehicle meets the standards, all lorries exceeding 12 tonnes in gross vehicle weight (GVW) must possess a valid HGV safety permit when entering or operating within Greater London to prevent the issuance of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
The HGV safety permit scheme applies to the majority of Greater London and is in effect around the clock, every day of the year.
Applying for a permit is free of charge.
What Vehicles Does The Direct Vision Standard Apply To?
The following types of vehicles must adhere to the DVS rules:
- HGVs with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 12 tonnes or more
- N3 category vehicles
- HGVs registered overseas
Become Compliant With Fuelwise
We supply and fit all the camera systems you need and we can advise on options for a range of budgets.
We have a huge variety of cameras and in-cab monitors to make sure your vehicles are not only Direct Vision Standard compliant but less likely to be involved in accidents.
To find out more, complete the form below.
Dominic Dysart
Dominic has been covering the fuel and fleet management industry for over six years, writing about topics such as Fuel Cards, Telematics and Vehicle Cameras.
