What is the correct action for a Red/Amber cab warning lamp?

Question

Accepted Answer

The ABS/EBS warning lamp (Malfunction Indicator Light 'MIL') can show either an yellow or red state.

Yellow Warning Lamp

In the case where an yellow warning light illuminates during a journey, the driver must pull over at the next safe place, record it in the driver's log and contact their management. The driver must then travel to a place of repair to resolve any issues.

If a driver is stopped by roadside enforcement and an yellow light is illuminated, the driver must be able to provide evidence that a) the lamp came on during the journey and b) they are travelling to a place of repair. If roadside enforcement is not satisfied that the evidence is satisfactory, they may issue penalties.

Red Warning Lamp

If a red warning illuminates, the driver must pull over at the next safe place and record it in the driver's log. The fault must be resolved at roadside before resuming any journey.

The driver must never start a journey with either an yellow or red warning lamp illuminated.

If you are driving a UK HGV trailer and you get pulled over by the DVSA with a red ABS/EBS warning light, you could face a number of penalties, including:

A fine of up to £5,000
Three penalty points on your driving license
A requirement to have the trailer repaired or replaced before you can continue driving
A ban from driving HGVs

The severity of the penalty will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the defect, your driving history, and the circumstances of the stop.

It is important to note that driving an HGV with a red ABS/EBS warning light is considered to be a serious offense. The DVSA takes this type of offense very seriously and will not hesitate to issue penalties to drivers who are caught driving with a defective trailer.