HauliK blog

Fleet management guides for UK operators.

Plain-English guides on DVSA compliance, O-licence obligations, walkaround checks, defects and the practical side of running a UK fleet.

Showing 1–12 of 12 articles in Compliance

HGV technician inspecting aftermarket amber lights and an LED display on a lorry in a UK workshop
Compliance

Are your HGV lights legal? DVSA warning on aftermarket lights and LED displays

DVSA has warned operators about illegal or non-compliant aftermarket lighting fitted to HGVs. Learn what to check before using VRU warning signs, decorative LED displays or blue beacons on the road.

14 min read20 Jun 2026
HGV technician inspecting ADAS equipment on a lorry inside a modern UK vehicle testing bay
Compliance

HGV MOT changes in 2026: what operators need to know

DVSA introduced several changes to heavy vehicle testing in 2026, including visual ADAS checks, digital PG10 notices and easier access to plating certificates. Here is what HGV operators need to know and check within their fleet records.

10 min read19 Jun 2026
Compliance

Assigning drivers, vehicles and trailers safely

Assignment is a safety and compliance checkpoint, not just scheduling. What offices should check before dispatch — driver, vehicle, trailer, warnings, VOR and job detail.

4 min read10 Jun 2026
Compliance

How to prepare for a DVSA roadside inspection as a small haulier

A practical roadside readiness checklist for small UK hauliers: driver documents, walkaround records, defect history, PMIs and office response.

4 min read1 Jun 2026
Compliance

Digital defect reporting for HGV fleets: what good evidence should include

A practical guide to the evidence a useful HGV defect report should capture, from asset details and photos to repair sign-off and VOR decisions.

4 min read31 May 2026
Compliance

What records should a UK haulage operator keep for DVSA compliance?

A practical checklist of the records UK haulage operators should keep for daily checks, defects, PMIs, driver compliance and O-licence control.

5 min read29 May 2026
Compliance

DVSA Earned Recognition explained: how to qualify

Operators who achieve DVSA Earned Recognition face fewer routine roadside checks. Find out what's required, how the scheme works, and what operators must do to qualify.

6 min read26 May 2026
Compliance

How long must vehicle inspection records be kept?

UK operators must keep vehicle inspection records for at least 15 months. Here's what that covers, why the retention period matters, and how to meet the requirement in practice.

8 min read21 May 2026
Compliance

Vehicle Off Road (VOR): what UK operators must do

VOR status is part of your O-licence maintenance undertaking. Here's when to take a vehicle off the road, what records you must keep, and how to manage the defect-to-repair cycle.

9 min read20 May 2026
Compliance

What happens during a DVSA roadside check?

A DVSA roadside check can happen to any HGV operator at any time. Here's what examiners inspect, what documents drivers must carry, and what to do if a prohibition is issued.

6 min read19 May 2026
Compliance

Defect reporting: minor, major and dangerous defects explained

Understanding how UK vehicle defects are classified — and what operators must do when a driver reports one — is essential for any O-licence holder.

8 min read18 May 2026
Compliance

What is an OCRS score and how to improve it?

Your Operator Compliance Risk Score determines how often DVSA targets your vehicles for roadside checks. Here's how it works and how to keep your rating in the green.

7 min read17 May 2026
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