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DeliveryIs a left-hand drive truck legal in the UK?
The
number of left-hand drive trucks on British roads is increasing – they’re
perfectly legal, and form an essential part of the UK’s trade. However, drivers
of left-hand drive trucks need to know the rules in order to make sure they are
driving HGVs legally and safely in Britain.
Who can drive a left-hand
drive LGV in Britain?
Any
driver who holds a British HGV licence can drive a left-hand or right-hand
drive truck in the UK. At present, drivers who hold a valid HGV licence from
any EU country can also drive trucks legally in Britain. Drivers from non-EU
countries are not allowed to drive HGVs on British roads.
If
you are a driver from an EU country and you come to live permanently in the UK,
you will have to inform the DVLA of this within 12 months to be allowed to
continue driving. EU driving licences are not valid indefinitely in the UK –
current regulations are as follows:
·
If you are aged under 45, your European HGV licence will be
valid for five years after becoming resident in the UK, or until your 45th
birthday, whichever comes first. After this time your EU licence must be
exchanged for a GB one.
·
If you are aged between 45 and 65, your EU licence will be
valid for five years after becoming a UK resident or until your 66th
birthday, whichever comes first.
·
If you are aged 65 or over, your EU HGV licence will be valid
for one year.
All
drivers, both British and European, must be aged at least 21 to drive a HGV in
the UK.
Time limits for drivers of
HGVs
In
the UK, you are not allowed to drive for more than 10 hours in any 24-hour
period. Written records of your hours must be kept if you are driving for more
than four hours a day – alternatively you can use an EU-approved, sealed
tachograph to record your driving hours.
Regular
rest breaks must also be taken – 45 minutes’ rest are required after every 4.5
hours of driving.
The
same rules apply to both left-hand and right-hand drive HGVs.
Speed limits for HGVs in the
UK
The
same speed limits apply to left-hand drive and right-hand drive trucks in the
UK. European drivers should remember that UK speed limits are in miles per hour
rather than kilometres. Current speed limits are as follows:
·
Motorways: 60 mph
·
Dual Carriageways: 60 mph (England and Wales), 50 mph (Scotland)
·
Single Carriageways: 50 mph (England and Wales), 40 mph
(Scotland)
·
Built-up areas: 30 mph
It
is illegal for HGVs to exceed these speeds on British roads.
Other regulations
It
is a legal requirement that all HGVs, both left-hand and right-hand drive, are
kept in good working order to drive on UK roads. Information on the required
safety standards and checks can be found on the government website.
Sources:
