About the scheme
The scheme has been developed by Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS), it's designed to:
improve and promote vehicle road safety in line with best practice
ensure that all commercially operated goods vehicles and trailers being used in Jersey are maintained and operated to a set of recognised standards
improve the environmental credentials of commercial vehicles in Jersey
ensure that industry best practice becomes the benchmark for local operators creating a level playing field
Who the scheme applies to
The scheme only applies to commercially operated goods vehicles in the Island.
A licence will be required to operate one of the following vehicles in connection with a trade, profession or business:
goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) greater than 3,500 kilograms but that are not passenger-carrying vehicles
semi-trailers
draw bar trailers with an unladen weight greater than 1,020 kilograms
If you're currently operating or driving one of these vehicles in connection with a trade, profession or business and the vehicle is not being inspected annually by DVS, you may be committing an offence and fined. Contact DVS to arrange an inspection if required.
This scheme does not extend to agricultural vehicles.
What operators will need to do
Three months before the scheme commences, operators will be invited to make an application for a Vehicle Operators Licence. For existing operators, transitional provisions have been put in place to ensure that they can continue to operate.
As part of the application, an operator will be asked to make certain binding commitments including:
ensuring vehicles and trailers are always maintained in a roadworthy condition
having a Transport Manager who is accountable for the management of the operation
having appropriate arrangements in place for the maintenance of vehicles
conducting regular safety checks of vehicles
vehicles having annual roadworthiness inspections
vehicles being driven and operated by able drivers
ensuring records are kept about training, safety inspections, routine maintenance and repairs
Licence holders will need to keep to the commitments made and to operate within the terms and condition of their licence at all times.
There are 2 guides available setting out the scheme in more detail:
Drive and Vehicle Standards (DVS) role
DVS will focus on assisting operators to meet the terms of their licence.
Compliance activity will be focused on issues identified or information received indicating that licence terms are not being met. In these circumstances, DVS will work with operators to raise standards.
Those operators who consistently fail to meet the standards or to implement recommended improvements will be subject to action. This may include being subject to an audit or ultimately having their license suspended or revoked.
When the scheme comes into force
The legislation has now been drafted, received Royal assent and approved, and will soon be brought into force.
During the development of this scheme, DVS carried out engagement with the industry to ensure that:
- the industry understands their responsibilities of being a licence holder
- the scheme is tailored for Jersey and is fit for purpose
Following feedback received from our survey in 2021, changes were made to the scheme. A series of live online events were held outlining the findings of the survey and changes made. You can view recordings of these live event below:
Live recording from 13 July 2021 on Youtube
Live recording from 23 July 2021 on Youtube
Live recording from 29 July 2021 on Youtube
What action is required
Operators are advised to familiarise themselves with the scheme and start to prepare their organisation for any changes that may be required.
Leading up to the implementation of the scheme, DVS will establish further engagement with the industry to ensure a clear understanding of the scheme's requirements.
If you operate a vehicle to which this scheme applies and have not yet received any communication from DVS on the scheme, please register your contact details with DVS at
dvsvol@gov.je to receive the latest information and invites to engagement events.
gov.je