Do you use a horsebox or trailer to transport a horse? If you do, making sure you have the right knowledge, licences and reasons is vital… but it can also be confusing. Deciding whether or not you need an Operator’s Licence is an essential part of the puzzle to keeping you legal and compliant.
When do you need an Operator Licence?
An Operator licence (O licence) is needed if you use a horsebox or trailer and:
- You use it for commercials purposes, and
- The (combined) gross vehicle weight exceeds 3,500kg in the UK, or
- The (combined) gross vehicle weight exceeds 2,500kg and you carry out work in Europe
What does “commercial purposes” mean?
Commercial purposes means that you are carrying out the work, i.e. transporting the horse, and receiving payment or payment in kind, or the use otherwise relates to business activities.
You don’t need an O licence if you are only transporting horses for leisure activities.
But, if you are paid – directly or indirectly – to transport horses or if you receive payment as a result of transporting horses, such as for prize money winnings, an operator’s licence will be required if you the gross vehicles weight exceeds the limits set out above.
Don’t forget, the gross weight is the maximum permitted weight for the vehicle or combination – the gross plated weight. It doesn’t matter if the vehicle isn’t at this weight when in use.
You need an O licence, but which type?
If you need an operator’s licence, the next questions is which type of licence you need.
There are 3 types of O licence:
- Restricted
- Standard National
- Standard International
Which you need depends on the type of work you undertake.
A restricted licence is suitable if you own the horses that you are transporting.
A restricted licence allows you to travel both within the UK and within the EU.
If you transport horses that you do not own, either a standard national licence or standard international licence is required.
If you operator exclusively within the UK, a standard national licence is suitable.
If you operator within the UK and the EU, a standard international licence will be required.
Obligations of Operator Licence Holders
Holding an operator’s licence is an important responsibility and there are high obligations placed on those who hold them.
All operators agree to 11 undertakings when they apply for, or renew, their O licence.
These undertakings are extensive and cover various responsibilities ranging from managing drivers’ hours, ensuring vehicles and trailers are kept fit and serviceable, driver defect reporting, record keeping and more.
Understanding these undertakings is key to operating safely and compliantly, protecting your O licence and business.
If you have decided you need an operator’s licence, what systems are your planning to implement to comply with these undertakings? From tachograph analysis software and remote downloaders to quality assurance systems, we can help you set-up the right systems from the get-go.
Still unsure whether you need an Operator’s licence?
Need support applying for an operator’s licence and setting up the right systems?
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation conversation and find out how we can help you.