The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has made an important change to the way it communicates prohibition notices, with implications for operators across the road transport sector.
Operators with an email address recorded on their Operator Licence will now receive roadside prohibition notifications by email instead of by post.
This move is part of the DVSA’s broader aim to modernise enforcement processes, making communication faster, more efficient and more environmentally sustainable.
What’s changing?
DVSA roadside enforcement officers already issue physical prohibition notices at the roadside when a defect or issue is identified. Until now, a formal notification letter has followed by post to the operator’s registered address.
That notification letter will now be emailed, but only if there is a valid email address attached to the Operator Licence.
The email will contain all the same information as the previous letter format, but with the benefit of speed, traceability, and digital recordkeeping.
What stays the same?
It’s important to note that:
- A paper notice will still be issued at the roadside at the time of the encounter.
- Clearance notices (confirming that a defect has been rectified) will still be sent by post.
What if I don’t have an email address on record?
If your Operator Licence does not have an email address recorded, you will continue to receive prohibition notifications by post.
This underlines the importance of keeping your Operator Licence details up to date, particularly as the DVSA continues to digitise more of its processes.
What should operators do now?
Operators should check their Operator Licence records to ensure a valid and actively monitored email address is listed.
Failure to do so may result in delays receiving critical compliance notifications.
If your business operates a fleet, this is also a good opportunity to review internal protocols for handling electronic DVSA correspondence, particularly where compliance teams or transport managers may need access to incoming notices.
For further guidance on how this change may affect your compliance obligations, or to update your Operator Licence records, please contact Jared Dunbar today.