Lorry driving in the UK can be challenging, especially with the growing number of regulations that are designed to keep roads safe and vehicles compliant. As a lorry driver, it’s crucial to stay on top of these rules to avoid hefty fines and ensure that your vehicle is always roadworthy. With new rules and updated enforcement measures coming into play in 2025, it’s more important than ever to understand the most common fines you could face and how to prevent them.
This blog will take you through the 10 most common fines that lorry drivers in the UK should watch out for, along with practical advice on how to stay compliant and keep your business running smoothly.

1. Overloading Fines

Potential Fine: Up to £300 for minor overloading, with severe cases leading to unlimited fines and possible vehicle immobilisation.
Why It’s Issued: Overloading a lorry can make it more difficult to control and increases the risk of accidents. Excessive weight also reduces braking efficiency, wears down tyres more quickly, and can result in increased fuel consumption.
How to Avoid It:
  • Use portable scales or onboard weighing systems to check your load.
  • Be mindful of the vehicle’s total weight limit and axle weights.
  • Always recheck your weight after last-minute additions to your cargo.
Pro Tip: Even minor overloading can lead to fines, so always ensure that your vehicle is within the weight limits before you set off.

2. Driver’s Hours Offences

Potential Fine: Up to £1,500 for serious breaches.
Why It’s Issued: UK and EU laws strictly regulate how many hours a driver can be behind the wheel to reduce the risks associated with driver fatigue. Exceeding your driving hours or failing to take the required breaks can result in substantial fines.
How to Avoid It:
  • Use tachograph devices to record your driving hours accurately.
  • Plan routes with scheduled breaks to ensure you comply with the rules.
  • Factor in delays, particularly in traffic or poor weather, so you don’t exceed the maximum allowed driving time.
Pro Tip: Mobile apps that track driving hours and alert you when breaks are needed can help you stay within the legal limits.

3. Tachograph Violations

Potential Fine: Up to £1,500 per violation, with deliberate tampering or failure to use the tachograph leading to higher penalties.
Why It’s Issued: Tachographs are used to monitor driving hours, rest periods, and breaks. Tampering with or failing to use your tachograph properly is illegal and can result in significant fines or even prosecution.
How to Avoid It:
  • Ensure your tachograph is functioning correctly before starting a journey.
  • Check your records regularly to ensure they are accurate.
  • Retain tachograph records for at least one year.
Pro Tip: Having up-to-date tachograph records can help avoid fines and delays during roadside checks.

4. Emissions Zone Penalties

Potential Fine: £100 to £300 per day for non-compliant vehicles.
Why It’s Issued: With the introduction of Clean Air Zones (CAZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) across UK cities, lorries that do not meet specific emissions standards can face substantial fines for entering these areas.
How to Avoid It:
  • Ensure your vehicle complies with Euro 6 emissions standards, which is required in many low-emission zones.
  • Plan your routes to avoid entering emissions zones if your vehicle doesn’t meet the required standards.
  • Upgrade your vehicle or retro-fit emission-reduction technology if you regularly drive in these zones.
Pro Tip: Use online tools, such as the Transport for London (TfL) website, to check if your vehicle meets ULEZ regulations before entering certain areas.

5. Speeding in a Lorry

Potential Fine: £100 to £2,500, plus licence points.
Why It’s Issued: Speed limits for HGVs are typically lower than for cars, especially in certain areas like single-carriageways and urban roads. Exceeding these speed limits can lead to fines and points on your licence.
How to Avoid It:
  • Ensure your lorry has a speed limiter installed if required.
  • Be aware of the specific speed limits for lorries on different types of roads.
  • Use navigation systems that alert you to changing speed limits based on your vehicle type.
Pro Tip: Pay extra attention to speed limits in rural and construction zones, as they may differ significantly from standard motorway speeds.

6. Parking Fines

Potential Fine: £60 to £130 for parking violations.
Why It’s Issued: Finding parking spaces for large vehicles can be challenging, and parking illegally in restricted areas can result in fines. Overstaying in loading bays is another common issue.
How to Avoid It:
  • Use apps like Truck Parking Europe to find legal parking spaces near your route.
  • Plan your stops in advance to ensure you have parking available, especially in urban areas.
  • Avoid using residential streets or lay-bys for overnight parking, as these are increasingly being monitored.
Pro Tip: If you receive a parking fine, check the signage in the area to see if the ticket was issued correctly. You may be able to contest it if the signage was unclear.

7. Insecure Load Fines

Potential Fine: Up to £2,500.
Why It’s Issued: An improperly secured load can lead to dangerous situations, including shifting cargo that causes accidents or spills. Fines are issued if the load is deemed insecure or hazardous.
How to Avoid It:
  • Use the proper load securing equipment, such as ratchet straps, ropes, and load bars.
  • Double-check the stability of your cargo before starting your journey and after each stop.
  • Inspect your load after unloading or partial deliveries to ensure it remains secure.
Pro Tip: Always use safety nets or covers if transporting loose or potentially unstable items.

8. Driving Without the Correct Licence

Potential Fine: Up to £1,000, with possible licence suspension.
Why It’s Issued: It’s illegal to drive an HGV without the correct category of licence. If you’re caught driving without the proper qualifications, you can face significant fines and potential licence suspension.
How to Avoid It:
  • Make sure you and your drivers have the correct licence and Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
  • Regularly check the status of your licence and those of your drivers.
  • Carry digital copies of licences so they can be verified quickly during roadside checks.
Pro Tip: Use online tools from the DVLA to check the status of your licence regularly.

9. Using a Mobile Phone While Driving

Potential Fine: £200 and 6 points on your licence.
Why It’s Issued: Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited in the UK, as it distracts drivers and increases the risk of accidents.
How to Avoid It:
  • Use hands-free devices or voice-activated technology if you need to make calls.
  • Pull over safely if you must use your phone during your journey.
  • Remind your drivers regularly about the legal consequences and dangers of phone use behind the wheel.
Pro Tip: Even a small distraction, such as adjusting your phone or answering a call, can lead to a fine. Keep your phone out of reach while driving.

10. Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Potential Fine: Up to £5,000.
Why It’s Issued: Vehicles that are not properly maintained are more likely to be involved in accidents. Faulty brakes, worn-out tyres, or broken lights can lead to serious penalties, especially if the vehicle is deemed unsafe.
How to Avoid It:
  • Conduct pre-trip checks to spot potential maintenance issues.
  • Keep track of service schedules and ensure your vehicle is inspected regularly.
  • Carry an emergency repair kit on board to address minor issues quickly.
Pro Tip: A well-maintained vehicle is not only safer but can also help you avoid fines. Keep a maintenance log to show that you’ve taken reasonable steps to ensure the safety of your vehicle.

How to Stay Fine-Free in 2025 and Beyond

To avoid fines in the future, stay informed about any changes in regulations. New rules are introduced regularly, and it’s essential to keep up-to-date. Invest in technology, such as tachographs, GPS systems, and emissions trackers, to help you stay compliant. Regularly train your drivers on the latest rules and ensure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities. Finally, plan your routes and stops carefully to avoid the risk of unexpected fines.