AdBlue checks become national – Don’t get caught out!

04 September 2018

Last year, the DVSA found that a regional clamp-down on the usage of AdBlue emulators demonstrated high non-compliance with the rules on AdBlue. This has therefore triggered the beginning of cheat device checks, nationwide as part of Defra’s wider policy to cut emissions.

After over 10,000 truck checks occurred between February and August 2018, DVSA found 388 vehicles that were non-compliant and had cheating devices fitted. Before this, they discovered that 1 in 12 vehicles on the road had cheat devices fitted.

This week, checks have become a national process in order to protect people from unsafe vehicles, explains Gareth Llewellyn, chief executive of the DVSA. He also indicated that the DVSA will take the strongest possible action against anyone who uses cheat devices to try to get around emissions rules.  Drivers could be faced with a £300 fine and even have their vehicle removed from the road if they are caught with an emissions cheat device or faulty emissions control system and do not correct this within 10 days. The operator will also have follow-up inquiries by the DVSA who have the power to inform and the Traffic Commissioners. Traffic Commissioners have historically taken a dim view of the use of AdBlue emulators.

If you would like further advice, please contact a member of our regulatory team on 01254 828300 today.