A new rule that requires drivers with penalty points to submit their driving licence for endorsement within 28 days rather than 12 months has led to a warning that operators must introduce rigorous checks or risk facing criminal charges.

If the operator has not got a licence checking system, they could face a charge of corporate manslaughter if a vehicle with an invalid licence is involved in a fatal accident.

From the 7th November, drivers who receive penalty points must present their licence at court or send it to the DVLA within 28 days for endorsement, rather than the present limit of 12 months. The change was made as there was an increase in drivers not having their licences endorsed.

Operators should be regularly checking licences. A revoked licence will invalidate the driver’s insurance although not third-party cover. The operator could be charged with a permitting offence/ I is recommended that companies should ask their drivers to sign a mandate, allowing them to check their drivers’ licences with the DVLA.