New DVSA measure coming into effect tomorrow will change the way drivers pay roadside fines

The switch could make paying a penalty fare considerably easier

13:31, 27 May 2025

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced a shake-up of their payments system in the hope of making the process more streamline for officers and drivers.

Job Vacancies

Contact/Information

The government agency will start using a new company to process payments for roadside fines from tomorrow (May 28), meaning motorists will be able to use Apple Pay and Google Pay to settle their fines.

The change will enable drivers to use their smartphone at the roadside to pay for offences such as:

• Fixed penalties for vehicle defects and other offences, such as breaking the rules around drivers' hours

• Immobilisation fees

• Court deposits

While the revamp means the payment interface for plastic card transactions will get a fresh look, users will not have to change the way they pay and many people may not even notice a difference.

The addition of Apple Pay and Google Pay as payment options is expected to make the process more efficient.

A DVSA spokesperson said: "Many people will find this quicker and easier than a standard card payment, especially when using a mobile phone."

In the UK, the DVSA has the authority to issue roadside fines - also known as Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) - for numerous offences related to vehicle condition, driver hours, and licensing.

These fines are applicable to both domestic and international drivers.

Here are common reasons drivers or operators might receive a DVSA roadside fine:

Drivers' Hours and Tachograph Offences

• Exceeding daily or weekly driving time limits.
• Not taking required breaks or rest periods.
• Failing to use a tachograph.
• Using a defective or tampered tachograph.
• Falsifying or failing to produce tachograph records.

Vehicle Roadworthiness

• Driving with defective brakes, tyres, lights, suspension, or steering.
• Dangerous load securing or overloaded vehicles.
• Failure to carry out proper daily walkaround checks.
• Operating an unroadworthy vehicle (may result in a prohibition as well as a fine).

Licensing and Documentation

• Driving without a valid driver's licence or correct entitlements (e.g., no HGV licence).
• Operating without a valid Operator's Licence.
• No MOT certificate (if required).
• Lack of vehicle insurance or road tax.
• Failure to produce required documentation (e.g. vehicle registration, insurance).

Weight and Load Offences

• Overloading axles or gross vehicle weight.
• Incorrect or dangerous load securing.
• Incorrect use of trailers.

Emissions and Mechanical Defects

• Emissions tampering (e.g., AdBlue cheat devices or DPF removals).
• Using a vehicle that does not meet emissions standards.

Driver Conduct and Road Safety

• Using a mobile phone while driving.
• Driving without wearing a seatbelt.
• Poor vehicle condition leading to immediate prohibition.
• Excessive vehicle noise or emissions.

Fines and Penalties

• Fines can range from GBP50 to GBP300 per offence, depending on severity.
• Multiple fines can be issued at once (e.g., for both driver hours and vehicle defects).
• In serious cases, vehicles may be immobilised until issues are resolved or fines are paid.
• Foreign drivers/operators may be required to pay on-the-spot deposits.