Many people who drive to and from work in their own vehicles believe that company car or fleet management policies and procedures have nothing to do with them.
For the most part this is right – but the situation changes immediately a vehicle is used for work related business, and in the eyes of the law, this is as simple as popping down to the stationery store for supplies, or travelling from one office location to another.
Rule 97 The Highway Code
The Highway Code (rule 97) states that you should ensure that your vehicle is legal and roadworthy.
Ok so hand on heart, when was the last time you checked your vehicle over to ensure it was roadworthy and lawful?
Many of the vehicles that I see on my client visits are in dire need of cleaning, but hang on, this is more serious than just a car wash. Because depending on your employer’s policies and procedures, it could be you that’s in hot water.
Companies must ensure that any vehicles used for their on road activities are lawful and roadworthy! That doesn’t just apply to company owned vehicles but any vehicles that are used for business miles which includes employees own vehicles.
Now I fully appreciate that you are not likely to see many business owners come out and check their employee’s vehicles to see that they meet the legislative requirements.
The lawful side is easier to manage as the employer should have copies of your driving licence, insurance, tax and MOT. The harder one to manage is the roadworthiness of the employee’s vehicle.
So this is done within the company’s policies and procedures which will state that you must ensure that your vehicle is lawful and roadworthy.
In many cases this includes a need for pre-use checks, and regular servicing in line with the manufacturers recommendations.
Failure to comply with your company’s policies and procedures could land you in a disciplinary process and stop you from using your vehicle on business activities. It could also lead to the termination of your employment especially if your job role requires you to be out on the road.
Don’t forget also that a properly serviced and maintained vehicle will be more fuel efficient, therefore giving you a better return on your mileage claim.
And statistically you are also safer and less likely to breakdown in a regularly serviced and maintained vehicle so there is no excuse for not keeping your vehicle in a roadworthy condition.
If you need your vehicle for work, or work related business, protect yourself by ensuring it’s legal and well maintained.
About The Author
Brian Thompson has over 30-years experience in risk aversion and has trained all levels of road users from learners to advanced pursuit and response police drivers. His business, Uneedus Fleet Risk Support helps companies with their legislative on-road risk compliance obligations. Learn more by visiting his fleet management website or drop him a line on [email protected]
