The DVS deadline is fast approaching – on the 4th of May 2025, the DVS grace period will officially end. If your HGVs aren’t yet compliant, time is running out to avoid fines and operational disruptions.
By now, any HGV operator travelling in and out of London should be well aware of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS). If you’re still unsure, here’s a quick refresher.
What is DVS?
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is a safety initiative designed to reduce road accidents involving HGVs and vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. It forms part of Transport for London’s (TfL) broader ‘Vision Zero’ commitment, aiming for zero deaths or serious injuries on London’s roads by 2041.
As the name suggests, DVS is all about visibility. HGVs are rated from zero to five stars based on the level of direct vision the driver has from the cab. Originally, enforcement of the latest DVS requirements was set for 28th of October 2024, but this was extended to 4th of May 2025 to allow operators additional time to comply.
From this date, all HGVs over 12 tonnes must have a minimum three-star DVS rating or be equipped with a Progressive Safe System (PSS) to continue operating in London without penalties.
What if your vehicles don’t meet the three-star rating?
For vehicles that do not meet the three-star rating, fitting a Progressive Safe System (PSS) is mandatory. The PSS includes:
- Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS): Alerts drivers to the presence of road users in their blind spots, particularly on the nearside.
- Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS): Notifies drivers of pedestrians or cyclists near the front of the vehicle when starting movement.
- Side Underrun Protection: Physical barriers fitted to the sides of HGVs to prevent pedestrians and cyclists from being pulled under the wheels.
- Enhanced Mirror or Camera Monitoring Systems (CMS): Improves indirect vision to cover areas not visible through standard mirrors.
It is essential that these systems meet TfL’s specifications and are installed by accredited professionals. This sounds obvious, but many operators have mistakenly purchased ‘DVS kits’ online, only to find they are non-compliant.
The DVS grace period – what you need to know
TfL introduced a grace period to give fleet operators more time to comply with the new rules. Initially set for three months, it was later extended to six months following consultation with industry stakeholders, including the Road Haulage Association (RHA).
Key dates to note:
- Application deadline: 27th of October 2024 – Fleet operators needed to apply for the grace period before this date and have an active London Road User Charging (LRUC) account to submit evidence of scheduled PSS installations.
- Grace period duration: 28th of October 2024 – 4th of May 2025 – Vehicles with approved grace period applications were exempt from enforcement during this time.
Can you still apply for the grace period?
Unfortunately not. The application window is now closed. If you did not apply before 27th of October 2024, you must now fully comply with DVS regulations by installing a PSS and obtaining a valid HGV Safety Permit.
What happens if you missed the deadline?
If your HGV isn’t compliant and you didn’t apply for the grace period, there are no second chances. From 4th of May 2025, driving a non-compliant vehicle in London will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £550 per vehicle.
In addition to the PCN, you could face daily charges for operating non-compliant vehicles in London, which can quickly add up. Repeated offences may lead to further enforcement actions and major disruptions to your operations.
Avoid fines and stay compliant
If your fleet is impacted by the new DVS rules, making sure you’re compliant before 4th of May 2025 is essential to avoid fines and disruptions.
CameraMatics offers fully compliant PSS solutions for HGV operators in London, the UK, and beyond. No need to replace your entire fleet—this is the fastest, most cost-effective way to meet DVS standards and keep your vehicles on the road.
Our system is already in use across fleets nationwide and has been fully tested to meet DVS requirements. Check out what one of our happy customers has to say about it below.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—after the 4th of May, non-compliance means no access to Greater London without paying heavy fines. Get in touch with us today!
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