Van fleet operators are being warned that drivers face a £200 on-the-spot fine if they are caught using a low-loader trailer with a tow vehicle that has not been fitted with a tachograph.

The Retail Motor Industry Federation has warned that the regulation covers 4x4 vehicles as well as commercial vehicles that are towing trailers.

The rules have been in force for many years, but have only been enforced more vigorously since May when the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency introduced a new fixed penalty scheme.

Some fleet operators think 4x4 tow vehicles are too light to require a tachograph.

The law states that a tow vehicle can have a gross vehicle weight up to 3,500kg without a tachograph being required.

However, when towing a trailer with these vehicles, their gross combination weight can easily exceed 3,500kg.

Therefore, the tow vehicle has to be fitted and operated with a tachograph.

“A number of people have already been fined,” said the RMIF’s Sue Robinson. 

“To avoid incurring the £200 charge, consider fitting a tachograph on any tow vehicle that is likely to be used in combination with a low-loader.”