Driver Restrictions: What You Must Know to Stay Legal and Safe

If you’re behind the wheel of any vehicle – a car, a van or an HGV – there are rules that dictate when and how you can drive. Ignoring them can mean fines, points, or even losing your licence. Below we break down the key restrictions that affect everyday drivers and professional HGV operators.

Age and Licence Limits

In the UK you need to be at least 17 to drive a car and 18 for most heavy goods vehicles. A provisional licence only lets you drive under supervision, and you must display L‑plates. Once you have a full licence, there are still limits: new drivers (those with less than two years of licence) can’t carry passengers or cargo worth more than £1,000, and they must display P‑plates if they choose.

Vehicle‑Specific Restrictions

HGV drivers face extra rules. Class 1 licences allow you to drive vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, but you need to pass a medical exam and a specialised theory test. You’re also limited by the EU drivers’ hours regulations – max 9 hours of driving per day (extendable to 10 hours twice a week) and a weekly limit of 56 hours. Breaks are mandatory: after 4.5 hours of driving you must take a 45‑minute break.

For cars, the main limits revolve around speed and alcohol. The legal blood‑alcohol limit is 80 mg per 100 ml of blood in England, Wales and NI, and 50 mg in Scotland. Speed limits vary – 30 mph in built‑up areas, 60 mph on single‑carriageways, and 70 mph on motorways – but many local roads have lower signs, so always watch the signs.

Load restrictions are another big one. A vehicle’s maximum permitted weight (MPW) is printed on the registration plate. Exceeding it can cause fines and damage your vehicle. For HGVs, axle load limits and dimensions (length, width, height) are strictly enforced – a breach can lead to the vehicle being stopped and the load off‑loaded.

Mobile phone use while driving is illegal unless you have a hands‑free system. The police can fine you £200 – £1,000 and add 6 penalty points. The same goes for eating, drinking, or any activity that takes your eyes off the road for more than a few seconds.

Medical restrictions also matter. If you have certain conditions – epilepsy, diabetes with insulin, or vision problems – you must report them to the DVLA. Failure to do so can lead to insurance cancellation and harsher penalties if you’re caught.

Insurance doesn’t cover illegal driving. If you’re caught driving without proper cover, you could face a court summons, a fine up to £5,000 and a possible licence suspension.

Seasonal and environmental restrictions are growing. In low‑emission zones (LEZ) and Ultra‑Low‑Emission Zones (ULEZ) in London, vehicles that don’t meet emission standards must pay a daily charge. Planning routes that avoid these zones can save you money and keep you compliant.

Here’s a quick checklist to stay on the right side of the law:

• Check your licence type and any provisional restrictions.
• Know the speed limits for the roads you’ll use.
• Verify your vehicle’s MPW and axle load limits before loading.
• Track your driving hours if you operate an HGV.
• Make sure you’re covered by a valid insurance policy.
• Keep your medical information up to date with the DVLA.
• Use a hands‑free device if you need to stay connected.

Following these rules not only keeps you out of trouble, it also makes the road safer for everyone. Drive smart, obey the limits, and you’ll enjoy a smoother, stress‑free experience behind the wheel.