Forklifts are a common sight at warehouses, construction sites, manufacturing plants and distribution centres, but not on the road.
Whether you can or can’t operate a forklift on public roads depends on a variety of national regulations and safety considerations. Typically, a forklift’s domain ends at the facility’s perimeter but there are specific circumstances that will allow you to take a forklift onto public roads.
Checklist for Driving a Forklift on the Road
If you do need to use a forklift on a public road, it’s essential to ensure that you comply with all the relevant legal requirements and safety guidelines. Here’s a quick checklist to help:
- The forklift is registered with the DVLA, taxed and insured as a road vehicle
- The operator holds a valid driving licence for the category of vehicle they’re operating.
- The forklift is safe and roadworthy, meaning you’ve checked the brakes, steering, tyres, lights and signalling devices.
We explore these conditions for driving forklifts on public roads in more detail.
Legal Considerations for Using Forklifts on Public Roads
While forklifts are designed for material handling within private premises, there can be situations where moving them short distances on public roads might be necessary. However, operating a forklift on public roads in the UK isn’t as straightforward as driving a car.
Here’s what you need to consider:
Licensing and Registration
You must register forklifts used on public roads with the DVLA. The forklift must also comply with the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994. This process involves meeting specific standards for roadworthiness, including essential features like lights, reflectors and a horn.
Forklift Operator Licence
Just like any road vehicle, a UK driver’s licence is mandatory to operate a forklift on public roads. The forklift operator should also have passed the relevant operator training for the specific forklift model.
Distance and Speed Limits
There may be limitations on the distance a forklift can travel on public roads. Regulations vary by location, and some areas restrict forklift usage on public roads to short distances and mandate low speeds. It’s important to check with local authorities for specific restrictions in your area.
Exemption from Excise Duty
If you use your forklifts solely on private property, they’re typically exempt from vehicle excise duty. However, if you plan to use your forklift on public roads, you’ll need to ensure it’s taxed accordingly.
Safety Considerations for Forklifts on Public Roads
Even if you meet all the legalities, driving a forklift on a public road presents unique safety challenges:
- Limited visibility – Forklifts often have restricted views from the operator’s cabin, making it difficult to see pedestrians and other vehicles, especially when carrying a load.
- Slower speeds – Forklifts are designed for manoeuvrability in warehouses, not high speeds on public roads. Sharing the road with faster-moving traffic can be hazardous.
- Stability concerns – Forklifts are built for stability on flat, even surfaces. Uneven road conditions or sharp turns can increase the risk of tipping.
- Load security – Forklifts carrying loads present an additional safety risk on public roads. Ensuring the load is securely fastened and balanced is critical to preventing accidents.
Given these practical limitations, forklifts should be used on public roads only when absolutely necessary. Instead, opt for alternative transportation methods wherever possible. For example, if you need to move goods over longer distances on public roads, using a dedicated road vehicle such as a van or truck may be more appropriate.
TAG Forklift Trucks: Your Partner in Safe and Compliant Forklift Use
While you can drive a forklift on public roads in the UK, it’s subject to strict legal requirements and practical limitations. It’s essential that you comply with all relevant regulations and safety guidelines and that you operate the machine safely and responsibly.
At TAG Forklift Trucks, we understand the importance of safe and efficient materials handling, whether on private premises or public roads. As a leading provider of forklift hire, sales and service in the North West, we offer a wide range of high-quality forklifts and lift trucks to suit every application, from warehousing and distribution to construction and manufacturing.
Our experienced team can provide expert advice and guidance on choosing the right forklift for your needs and complying with all relevant legal requirements and safety guidelines. We also offer comprehensive training courses for forklift operators, including eTruck courses, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to operate these powerful machines safely and efficiently.
