As we specialise in both RECOVERY and TRANSPORT of vehicles we follow the law strictly.
Basically any vehicle used strictly for RECOVERY work is given some exemptions within the law.
1. Any recovery vehicle is exempt from operators licence.
2. Any recovery vehicle is exempt from the use of a tachograph.
3. Recovery vehicle excise duty (road tax) applies at reduced rate.
Any vehicle used for TRANSPORT does not receive these exemptions and must pay full goods vehicle excise duty,
follow tachograph and driving hours regulations where applicable and have a correct operators licence in force, where applicable.
Recovery is defined as the movement of any 'mechanically disabled vehicle' , ie broken down or accident damaged but only
to a place of safety.
Simply speaking to transport a vehicle for any reason excluding the above, on a recovery vehicle is ILLEGAL.
Be aware that the operation of a recovery vehicle as a transporter invalidates the insurance.
Any vehicle found to be operating illegally could be impounded including any load carried!
When booking any vehicle transport you should ensure that the company has a valid operators licence (for transporters
over 3500kg) and abides by tachograph regulations (for train weight over 3500kg)
Any reputable company will be happy to answer your questions and will know how important it is to
abide by the law.
