Not sure if you need an O licence for your 3.5 tonne van? Well, the truth is… it depends.
It depends upon how you are using the vehicle and where you are travelling.
Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs), including vans, over 2.5 tons used commercially in the EU are in scope of Operator Licensing.
Do you need an Operator’s Licence for a 3.5 tonne van when travelling internationally?
You need a standard international Operator’s Licence if:
- You are using a van to transport goods for hire or reward and,
- The van’s GVW exceeds 2.5 tonnes (2,500kg).
- You are travelling in or through the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
- The van’s GVW exceeds 2.5 tonnes (2,500kg).
- You are using a van with a trailer to transport goods for hire or reward and,
- The combined weight of the van and the trailer that it is towing exceeds 2.5 tonnes (2,500kg)
- You are travelling in or through the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
What is “hire or reward”?
Transportation of goods for hire or reward refers to the transportation of goods for payment in cash or kind.
Do you need an Operators Licence for a 3.5 tonne van in the UK?
If you only operate your 3.5 tonne van(s) in the UK, you do not usually need an Operator’s Licence.
However, if you were to tow a trailer with the van, you might.
If you are using a van, towing a trailer, to transport goods for hire or reward or in connection with a trade or business and:
- The combined weight of the maximum authorised mass of the van and trailer exceeds 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg) if plated or
- The total unladen weight of the vehicle and trailer combination is more than 1,525kg when there is no plated weight
Small Trailers Exemption
An O licence is not needed if the trailer’s unladen weight is less than 1,020kg and you only carry your own goods.
Requirements of holding an O licence
Holding an O licence brings various requirements for the business.
You may need a transport manager. A transport manager is required in order to hold a standard national or international licence. A transport manager must be a competent person, of good repute, whom holds transport manager CPC qualification.
You must make sure your vehicles are kept in a safe and roadworthy condition at all times,. This is a requirement of any one who uses any motor vehicle on the public highway. O licence holders are required to demonstrate a maintenance regime with regular preventative maintenance inspections supported by daily driver walkaround checks.
You must make sure your drivers hold the right driving licence entitlements, and any other necessary qualifications, for the vehicle that they are using. Additionally, operators must ensure that drivers are suitably trained and competent to operate the vehicle safely. This includes operating any specialist equipment on the vehicle, conducting walkaround checks , safe loading and load security.
All O licence holders sign to accept 11 undertakings when they apply for their O licence. Failing to comply with these undertakings is a breach of the terms of your O licence, is a criminal offence and is likely to result in enforcement action by the DVSA and Traffic Commissioners.
Compliance isn’t optional… and enforcement is increasing.
Regardless of whether you need an O licence to operate your van or not, the DVSA are increasing their focus on vans. Over 50% of van roadside stops conducted by the DVSA result in enforcement action due to serious vehicle defects, overloading and/or insecure load. Roadside stops are conducted by the DVSA, and operators of vans may be prosecuted where noncompliance is identified. Making sure you have proper systems in place to manage your fleet is key. From load security, vehicle maintenance, driver competence and fatigue management…. It all counts.
Unsure where to start? We support operators like you in staying safe, legal and efficient. Reach out today to find out how we can help your business thrive.
Still unsure about whether you need an O licence or not? Don’t leave it to chance – call our complaince team today and ensure your business is protected.