**DVLA Issues £1,000 Fine Warning Over Failure to Disclose Key Medical Conditions**
Motorists across the UK are being cautioned by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to ensure they report specific medical conditions, or risk facing hefty fines of up to £1,000. The warning comes as part of efforts to maintain safety on Britain’s roads by ensuring all drivers meet the required health standards.
According to official guidance, it is a legal obligation for UK drivers to inform the DVLA if they develop certain medical conditions, particularly those that could impact vision or the ability to drive safely. Individuals who continue driving with undisclosed conditions are not only breaking the law, but could also put themselves and others at risk, especially if involved in an incident where their condition played a role.
One of the foremost requirements is related to eyesight. UK law stipulates that motorists must be able to read a standard number plate from 20 metres away. If an optician, GP, or eye specialist informs someone that their sight no longer meets this benchmark, the DVLA must be notified immediately. Ignoring such advice and failing to report relevant details can lead to financial penalties and potentially even prosecution in case of an accident.
For many, questions arise about which conditions must be reported. The DVLA specifically lists six eyesight-related medical conditions for car and motorcycle drivers which must be disclosed. These are: retinitis pigmentosa, diplopia (commonly known as double vision), nyctalopia (night blindness), diabetic retinopathy requiring laser treatment, blepharospasm (uncontrollable eye twitching), and glaucoma. Any condition that affects a person’s ability to see clearly, or their field of vision, can have serious implications for safe driving.
For those in control of larger vehicles—such as lorries, buses, or coaches—the list is even more extensive. Operators must notify the DVLA if they have experienced loss of an eye, visual field defects, cataracts (especially if resulting in increased sensitivity to glare), macular degeneration, or monocular vision. These additional requirements acknowledge the greater responsibility and risks associated with driving larger vehicles.
The DVLA makes the reporting process straightforward. For car and motorcycle drivers, the V1 form should be completed and sent to the DVLA. Those driving lorries, buses, or coaches will need the V1V form, available through the government’s official website. Reporting early not only helps protect the individual and other road users, but can also lead to specific guidance or adaptations to keep people driving wherever possible.
Beyond medical conditions, drivers are reminded that other significant changes must also be relayed to the DVLA to avoid penalties. This includes updates to names, addresses, ongoing medical issues, eyesight deterioration, or any major vehicle modifications. The agency also stresses that failing to provide requested driver details can result in a fine and up to six penalty points on one’s licence.
Motorists taking their vehicles off the road are subject to further obligations. In these cases, a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) must be submitted. This removes the requirement for vehicle tax and insurance, ensuring the driver is not penalised when the vehicle is not in use.
The DVLA’s renewed focus on medical reporting is a reminder of the shared responsibility all road users have to ensure their health and abilities are not putting others at risk. With quick and accessible reporting methods, drivers are encouraged to check regulations regularly and stay up to date with any changes, potentially avoiding a costly fine.
This awareness campaign underscores the DVLA’s commitment to road safety and legal compliance, aiming to reduce the number of preventable incidents on UK roads. With transparency and prompt communication, drivers can play their part in keeping themselves and the public protected.