DVLA

1) Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. Executive agency of the DTLR that handles all vehicle and driver licensing matters. Based at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre at Swansea (see below). Has greater autonomy than when operating as a government department.

Duty to stop

1) In the case of a road accident, where injury or damage is caused other than to the driver himself and his vehicle, the driver must stop. Failure to do so is a serious offence carrying heavy penalties.

Duty free fuel

1) Diesel fuel (ie rebated heavy oil) on which reduced duty has been paid. Such fuel is commonly called gas oil or red diesel and is intended for use in off-road vehicles, contractors plant, farm vehicles, etc. It is illegal to use it in normal road vehicles - full duty-paid diesel fuel must be used in these.

Dutiable cargo

1) Cargo which attracts some form of duty (ie Customs and Excise duty or VAT).

Due diligence

1) Term meaning that every possible care was given to ensure that something was right (RHA has pressed government to insert a ‘due diligence’ defence clause in legislation relating to vehicle weight offences/ overloading, etc).

Dual-purpose vehicle

1) A vehicle specifically defined in law. It may be generally described as being constructed or adapted to carry both passenger and goods, does not exceed 2,040 kg ulw and has either four-wheel drive or has a permanently fitted roof, is permanently fitted with one row of transverse seats (cushioned or sprung and with upholstered backrests) behind the drivers seat, and has a window on either side to the rear of the driver’s seat and one at the rear.