The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a stark warning to motorists across the UK: if you suffer from a sleeping condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness, you are legally required to inform them. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000 and potential prosecution, especially if you are involved in an accident.
What Sleep Conditions Must Be Declared?
According to official guidance, you must tell the DVLA if you have a medical diagnosis that impacts your alertness. This specifically includes moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) with excessive sleepiness. The rule also covers narcolepsy, cataplexy, or any other sleep condition that has caused excessive sleepiness for at least three months – this includes suspected or confirmed mild OSAS.
The government clarifies that "excessive sleepiness" refers to instances where you have struggled to concentrate or found yourself unintentionally falling asleep during daily activities, such as at work, while watching television, or crucially, when driving.
The Legal Consequences of Non-Declaration
The financial and legal repercussions for not informing the DVLA are severe. Drivers can be fined up to £1,000 for withholding information about a relevant medical condition. Furthermore, the GOV.UK website states you may face prosecution if your failure to declare the condition leads to an accident on the road.
The fundamental rule is clear: "You must not drive until you’re free from excessive sleepiness or until your symptoms are under control and you’re strictly following any necessary treatment." The advice is to consult your doctor if you are uncertain whether your sleepiness affects your driving ability.
Voluntarily Giving Up Your Licence
For those whose condition may require a longer break from driving, the DVLA outlines a process for voluntarily surrendering your driving licence. This step is recommended if a medical professional advises you to stop driving for three months or more, or if you have a condition that affects safe driving for that duration.
Essentially, if your medical condition means you do not meet the required standards for driving, you should not be on the road. The agency also advises that if your specific condition is not listed but you believe it impacts your driving, you should proactively contact the DVLA for guidance.
This warning underscores the critical responsibility drivers have to ensure they are medically fit to drive, protecting not only themselves but all other road users.
