WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU GET YOUR FLEET DVS COMPLIANT

The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and safety permit for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) requires operators of lorries over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight to apply and obtain a permit to enter or operate in Greater London. Not complying to the new regulations means you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice.

The Minimum Star Rating is rising

The Minimum Direct Vision Standard (DVS) star rating will soon be increasing.

From 2024, all vehicles over 12 tonnes travelling into Greater London will now be required to achieve a minimum 3 star rating, an increase from the 1 star rating currently required.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

The Direct Vision Standard measures how much an HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows. This indicates the level of risk to vulnerable road users, such as people walking and cycling, near the vehicle. By adding safety equipment you will achieve your DVS star rating, eliminating the vehicles blind spots

DO YOU REQUIRE A
HGV SAFETY PERMIT?

The new rules apply for HGVs weighing more than 12 tonnes GVW only (not applicable to cars, taxis, vans, buses or coaches)
The regulations are enforced throughout the Greater London area (see map), 24 hours a day, seven days a week

The map shows you the roads affected by the HGV safety permit scheme, with enforcement taking place within the Greater London area

Central London

Inner London

Greater London

GLA Boundary

Selected A Roads included in the LEZ

GETTING YOUR HGV SAFETY PERMIT

STEP 1

Find out your Direct Vision star rating

Check whether TfL holds
a star rating for your vehicle
tfl.gov.uk/direct-vision-permit
If the star rating is not available,
then phone or email your vehicle
manufacturer with the VIN
number of your HGV
Vehicle manufacturer will
advise the star rating
Send us the star rating of your
vehicle via the TfL contact page
tfl.gov.uk/contact-dvs
If zero-star – see step 2
If one- to five-star – see step 3

STEP 2

Safe System requirements (If your HGV rated zero star?)

You will need to fit additional
safety equipment – a ‘Safe System’
This includes:
» Class V and VI mirrors
» Sideguards
» Camera monitoring system
» Sensor system with driver alert
» Left-turn audible alarm
» Warning signage
Once the vehicle is fitted with equipment,
apply for a permit.

STEP 3

Apply for your permit

When ready, visit:
tfl.gov.uk/direct-vision-permit
to apply for a permit online
Enter vehicle details (or multiple
vehicles via a spreadsheet template)
and check ratings
Enter operator details
Enter contact details
If zero star
» Upload two photos of
Safe System equipment
» Submit your application
» Application will be reviewed
and accepted (permit issued) or
rejected with reasons (re-apply)
If one- to five-star – the electronic
permit will be granted

HOW THE ECHOMASTER TEAM CAN HELP

We have put together a range of vehicle safety products to support operators in becoming DVS compliant. Our UK-based project and development teams work with over 7000 OEM, OES, installation centres and fleet operators. Delivering off the shelf and bespoke solutions.

Useful links

Below are a selection of useful links

Check and apply for your star rating

Find out the direct vision star rating of your heavy goods vehicle (HGV) over 12 tonnes and apply for a permit if necessary

Direct Vision Standard