The Roadside Fines Payment System has undergone a change, according to a recent announcement from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The change, which took effect on Wednesday, aims to simplify the payment procedure for drivers.
The Government agency has begun processing roadside fee payments through a new business. As a result, drivers can now pay their penalties using Google Pay and Apple Pay.
This will allow drivers to pay for a number of infractions at the roadside using their smartphones, including: fixed fines for car defects and other infractions, like violating the hours-of-drive regulations, fees for immobilisation and deposits in court.
A DVSA spokesman said in a statement: “Many people will find this quicker and easier than a standard card payment, especially when using a mobile phone.”
The payment page for regular card transactions may not look exactly the same, but it's anticipated that the changes are so minor that many users won't even notice them. You won't need to alter how you use the payment system either.
What are roadside fines?
Roadside fines, often called Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs), are imposed by the DVSA in the UK for a variety of violations related to driver hours, vehicle condition, and licensing.
Depending on the seriousness of the crime, fines can range from £50 to £300, and many fines may be imposed together. Both domestic and foreign drivers are subject to these fines, which cover a wide range of crimes such as:
- Driving a car that doesn't adhere to emissions regulations
- Using a phone while driving
- Operating a vehicle with faulty suspension, steering, lights, brakes, or tires
- Not taking the necessary rest periods or breaks
- Falsifying or failing to produce tachograph records
- Not wearing a seatbelt when driving
- Utilising a tachograph that is tampered with
- Axles or gross vehicle weight being overloaded
- Driving without the proper entitlements or a valid driving licence (such as an HGV licence)
- Absence of a MOT certificate (if necessary)
- Lack of road tax or auto insurance
- Not conducting the appropriate daily walkaround inspections exceeding time limitations for driving on a daily or weekly basis
- Not using a tachograph
