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Taking a forklift onto a public road isn’t common practice, but it might be that warehouse owners need to drive them on a public road, perhaps to cross sites or transfer them more easily from place-to-place as and when needed.
But with that being said, yes, it is possible to drive a forklift on a public road, as long as it’s done in accordance with legislation. This is the same for if you’re covering even the shortest of distances. Here’s everything you need to know about taking a forklift onto a public road.
What makes a forklift legal to drive on the road?
A forklift can only be driven on the road if it meets the correct requirements and conforms, absolutely, with the most current, up to date government legislation. If you fail to meet any of those guidelines, then you could be landed with a hefty fine. In order to make sure your forklift is road-worthy, you will need all of the following things:
- Evidence of the vehicle’s age or a certificate of newness
- A certificate of insurance
- A valid test certificate
- Type approval
- A Notification of vehicle arrivals (more so for imported vehicles)
- A copy of your driving licence
Are forklifts allowed to be driven on public roads?
Yes, a forklift can be driven on a public road, as long as the government requirements are adhered to. You must make sure that the vehicle is registered with the DVLA. it must also be taxed and insured, as the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 specifies.
You must also make sure that the road is well lit and that the forklift comes with a beacon of light overhead that flashes when in motion, but only if the forklift is travelling at a speed that does not exceed 25mph.
The forklift operator must have also passed a forklift training course, be competent in the act of driving a forklift and hold a full UK driving licence. There might also be some age restrictions on the driver depending on the weight that the forklift is carrying. Make sure you look into this before paying for registration documents or taking the forklift out on a public road.
How can I register my forklift so that it can be legally driven on a public road?
Your forklift has to be registered with the DVLA. You need to request a V55/5 form online which will then be posted to you together with informational paperwork. You must fill out all of the forms they send to you and then post them back. You will also need to send some key documentation, including, but it might not be limited to, the following:
- A certificate of insurance
- A test certificate
- A NOVA form
- A copy of the forklift operator’s driving licence
- Other pieces of documentation
The paperwork you need to send will vary depending on the type of forklift you wish to take out on the roads and its lifting and loading capacity. This is the sort of information that you will need to give in the forms the DVLA sends you.
If you miss anything or if you fail to post a key document, the DVLA will inform you and you will have another chance to send it. It’s also important to note that it’s worth contacting the DVLA directly before you start filling out and sending documentation in the post. This will save you time and that of the DVLA’s.
