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How to report a lorry, bus or coach driver

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How to report lorry bus or coach driver

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued guidance for reporting lorry, bus or coach drivers for breaking safety rules.

Members of the public can choose to remain anonymous, but are encouraged to report drivers or operators in breach of safety rules, or for breaking the conditions of their licence.

Causes for complaint could include one of the following issues:

  • Breaking drivers’ hours rules
  • Overloading vehicles
  • Using vehicles that are unsafe or unroadworthy
  • Using emission cheat devices
  • Carrying dangerous or hazardous goods without permission
  • Driving an excessively smoky lorry, bus or coach

Information required

The DVSA will need to know who is involved (the driver or company name), the registration number of the vehicle(s) in question, the cause for complaint, plus when and where the incident took place.

There are three ways to submit the information:

  • Email: enquiries@dvsa.gov.uk
  • Telephone: 0800 030 4103 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm)
  • Post: Intelligence Unit, DVSA, The Ellipse, Padley Road, Swansea, SA1 8AN

Reporting anonymously

Reporting a lorry driver

The DVSA warns that it might be possible for the driver or company to work out that you reported the incident.

However, the DVSA will never ask for names or contact details, calls will not be traced and statements will not be required. Furthermore, anyone who wishes to remain anonymous will not be called as a witness and will not have to appear in court.

Anyone who supplied contact details might be contacted for more information, be asked to provide a statement or asked to act as a witness in court.

What happens next?

The DVSA will review the information before deciding whether or not to examine the case. Other government departments, agencies or the police might be involved, depending on the severity of the case.

Feedback will be given following an investigation and after official proceedings have ended. The DVSA cannot give feedback on an ongoing case.

How to report other crimes

The process is different for other, non-safety related offences, such as drink-driving, speeding and driving while disqualified. In such cases, members of the public should contact the police.

To complain about bus driver rudeness or buses not arriving on time, contact Bus Users.

For more motoring advice, check out our advice section.