Load Restraint Requirements for Heavy Goods Vehicles

Load restraint is perhaps one of the most discussed topics in the industry and getting it right remains one of the most challenging responsibilities for operators.

First and foremost, operators have legal obligations laid out in (but not limited to) the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Regulation 100 of the Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986. These establish the overarching duty to ensure that a vehicle and its load do not present any danger to people or property.

Primary Legal Requirements

"A person is guilty of an offence if he uses, or causes or permits another to use, a motor vehicle or trailer on a road when... its condition, or the purpose for which it is used, or the number of passengers carried by it, or the manner in which they are carried, or the weight, position or distribution of its load, or the manner in which it is secured, involves a danger of injury to any person."

Legislation.gov.uk – Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 40A

"A motor vehicle, every trailer drawn thereby and all parts and accessories of such vehicle and trailer shall at all times be in such condition… and the weight, distribution, packing and adjustment of the load… shall at all times be such that no danger is caused or is likely to be caused to any person in or on the vehicle or trailer or on a road."

"The load carried by a motor vehicle or trailer shall at all times be so secured, if necessary by physical restraint other than its own weight, and be in such a position, that neither danger nor nuisance is likely to be caused… by reason of the load or any part thereof falling or being blown from the vehicle or by reason of any other movement of the load."

Legislation.gov.uk – Construction & Use Regulations, Regulation 100

In their efforts to meet these legal expectations, operators should follow recognised best practice to comply with DVSA enforcement standards. Roadside inspections assess the vehicle and load against this guidance and may result in penalties depending on the severity of any defect identified.

DfT / DVSA Guidance

The DfT and DVSA publish comprehensive online guidance covering load securing methods, enforcement expectations and examples of good practice. This guidance replaces the earlier 'Safety of loads on vehicles: code of practice' and 'Load securing: vehicle operator guidance'.

Securing loads on HGVs and goods vehicles (Updated 9th Dec 2024)

This page provides an overview of the legal framework and supporting standards. If you have questions not covered here, please contact us.

FAQs

What laws apply to HGV load restraint?

The main requirements come from the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Regulation 100 of the Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986. Both require that a vehicle and its load cause no danger to people or property.

Is EN 12642-XL legally required?

No. EN 12642-XL is not mandatory in the UK. However, the DVSA recognises it as evidence of good practice for load containment.

Where can I find the official guidance?

The government's 'Securing loads on HGVs and goods vehicles' guide is the authoritative reference for DVSA expectations and practical methods.

How Did the DVSA Guidance Change on 9 December 2024?

The 9 December 2024 revision introduced a number of substantive changes to DVSA's load security guidance. Responsibilities were clarified for operators, drivers and consignors, including the explicit expectation of documented load-security risk assessments, stronger links to operator licensing consequences where safe systems of work are not followed, and clearer instructions on the actions required if a load shifts during transit.

Technical guidance was expanded with new and refined information on friction coefficients, the securing of tall or top-heavy loads, and how partial unloading can reduce or eliminate a previously positive fit. The update also refined how anchor points should be assessed and used, including side raves and the need for sufficient attachment strength.

The section on securing methods was updated to give clearer distinctions between containment and restraint, together with revised advice on straps, chains and internal nets. This included new weight thresholds, correct usage requirements, and explicit warnings about incompatible combinations of equipment.

Vehicle-specific guidance, particularly for flatbeds, tippers and vans, was revised, and new load-type sections were introduced, including precast concrete units and asbestos waste. In several areas the wording moved from "should" to "must", signalling a firmer enforcement stance.

"Updated guidance to clarify responsibilities and provide more detailed advice on securing methods, vehicle types and specific loads."

GOV.UK - DVSA Load Security Updates

Standard EN 12195 | Web Lashings

EN 12195-1 defines the calculation methods used to determine the strength and number of lashings required to restrain a load safely. These calculations consider forces generated during transport, friction values and the rated strength of equipment.

BS EN 12195-2 sets the performance and testing requirements for web lashings used on road vehicles, including labels, LC ratings and minimum breaking strengths.

Standard EN 12640 | Lashing Points

BS EN 12640 specifies the minimum performance requirements and test methods for lashing points fitted to commercial vehicles over 3.5 t. It ensures that securing points offer sufficient strength and positioning for typical load restraint applications.

"The standard specifies the minimum requirements and test methods for lashing points fitted to commercial vehicles and trailers with flatbed body construction of maximum total mass above 3,5 t and intended for general use."

Standard EN 12641-2 | Tarpaulins for Curtainsiders

EN 12641-2 defines the minimum reinforcement and strength requirements for tarpaulins used on curtainsiders where the curtain contributes to load containment, such as during EN 12642-XL bodywork certification. The standard specifies strap spacing, reinforcement layout and minimum strength levels for horizontal and vertical straps.

Although related, EN 12641-2 is not equivalent to EN 12642, which addresses the overall structural strength of the bodywork.

Standard EN 12642-XL

EN 12642-XL is a European certification for bodywork strength and load containment capacity. An XL-rated structure provides defined resistance values that help control load movement when used as part of a complete securing system.

Although not legally required in the UK, DVSA recognises EN 12642-XL as supporting evidence of good practice where containment forms part of the operator's load securing method.

Solutions

Don-Bur designs and manufactures a range of load restraint solutions through its Sapphire division, supporting various load types and operational requirements.

Options include ratchet straps, transverse nets, bungee systems and custom-designed restraints tailored to specific operating environments.

Load Restraint Feature Library

Load Restraint for the Brewery Industry

While legal duties remain consistent across sectors, specific guidance is available for brewers transporting barrels and kegs. The industry collaborated with the FTA in 2013 to publish a best practice guide covering restraint methods, vehicle considerations and operational risks.

FTA | Load securing for the brewing and drinks industry