The Direct Vision Standard (DVS): A Guide for Fleet Operators
Any Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) over 12 tonnes operating in most of Greater London must meet the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and hold a valid HGV Safety Permit. This guide explains how DVS star ratings work, what the Progressive Safe System involves, where the scheme applies and what changed in October 2024.
Key takeaways
- HGVs over 12 tonnes operating in most of Greater London must meet the DVS and hold a valid HGV Safety Permit.
- Every HGV over 12 tonnes is assigned a star rating from 0 to 5 based on how much the driver can see directly through the cab windows.
- Since 28 October 2024, vehicles rated below three stars must be fitted with the Progressive Safe System (PSS) to be granted a permit.
- The PSS includes a nearside camera monitoring system, BSIS, MOIS, side under-run protection, audible turn warnings and external signage.
- The enforcement zone covers all 32 London boroughs and the City of London, broadly bounded by the M25.
What is the Direct Vision Standard?
The Direct Vision Standard measures how much a driver can see directly through the cab windows of an HGV, rather than through mirrors or cameras. It was introduced by Transport for London (TfL) to protect vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, who are at greatest risk from vehicles with poor direct vision.
Based on this measurement, each vehicle is assigned a star rating from 0 to 5. The rating is issued by the vehicle manufacturer and reflects the original design of the cab. Aftermarket safety systems do not change the star rating itself, but they can make a low-rated vehicle compliant with the standard so it can obtain a permit.
DVS star ratings explained
Every HGV over 12 tonnes is assigned a DVS star rating from 0 to 5 stars based on the driver’s ability to see directly through the cab windows. The more direct visibility a driver has, the higher the rating.
The manufacturer sets the vehicle’s star rating, and it reflects the cab design as the vehicle left the factory. It does not take into account aftermarket safety systems or later modifications, such as lower passenger windows or cameras.
Since 28 October 2024, vehicles must be rated three stars or higher to operate in Greater London without additional safety equipment. If a vehicle is rated zero, one or two stars, or has not been rated at all, it must have a Progressive Safe System fitted before a permit can be applied for.
The Progressive Safe System
The Progressive Safe System (PSS) is the set of safety measures that must be fitted to HGVs rated below three stars. It comprises the following components:
- A camera monitoring system (CMS) fitted to the nearside of the vehicle to completely eliminate the remaining blind spot on that side
- Class V and Class VI mirrors, or CMS replacements for them
- A Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) to detect vulnerable road users along the nearside
- A Moving Off Information System (MOIS) to detect people in front of the cab when the vehicle moves off
- Side under-run protection, unless it is not practical to fit
- Audible left-turn warnings, or right-turn warnings for left-hand drive vehicles
- External warning signage to inform road users of vehicle hazards
All of these systems must be installed in accordance with TfL’s technical specifications. Radar-based BSIS and MOIS solutions are available alongside camera-based options, so operators can choose the approach that suits each vehicle configuration.
Where the DVS applies
The DVS enforcement zone covers most of Greater London, including all 32 London boroughs and the City of London. The zone is broadly defined by the area within the boundary of the M25 motorway, although the M25 itself is not always included in the zone and serves as a general boundary marker.
The DVS zone is separate from the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), although their geographical coverage overlaps. Holding a permit for one scheme does not confer compliance with the others.
Changes from 28 October 2024
The original DVS Safe System was replaced by the Progressive Safe System in October 2024, bringing enhanced requirements. The update replaced the original HGV Safety Permit guidance published in 2019, which means some vehicles fitted with equipment from that era may no longer be compliant.
| Change | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum star rating | Increased from one star to three stars |
| Old permits | Permits issued under the older Safe System expired at 23:59 on 27 October 2024 |
| PSS requirement | Vehicles rated 0, 1 or 2 stars must be fitted with the Progressive Safe System |
| Enforcement | Vehicles operating without a valid permit are subject to enforcement |
Achieving compliance
For operators running HGVs over 12 tonnes into Greater London, the path to compliance follows four steps:
- Check each vehicle’s DVS star rating with the manufacturer or via TfL.
- For vehicles rated below three stars, specify a Progressive Safe System that meets TfL’s 2024 technical specifications. Options range from camera-based setups and full driver monitoring with recording to radar-based systems with no cameras.
- Have the equipment fitted and commissioned by a competent installer. A permit will not protect against fines if the equipment is not installed properly, is not working or does not meet the required specifications. Warning signage, in-cab monitors and audible alerts all need to be positioned correctly.
- Apply to TfL for the HGV Safety Permit before operating in the zone.
Looking to source DVS compliance hardware?
Approved fleet operators, telematics providers and trade customers can apply for a Wholesale Telematics trade account to access the full catalogue of Progressive Safe System equipment and wholesale pricing.
