When Should a Business Report a Change to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC)?
When Should a Business Report a Change to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC)?
If your business holds an operators licence, you have a legal duty to keep the Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC) up to date with any material changes to the details they hold about you.
Under licensing rules, you must notify the OTC within 28 days of any such change, providing full details so they can update your licence and, where required, publish the information for potential objections.
Failing to report changes can lead to enforcement action — including fines, public inquiries, or even the revocation of your licence.
Common Changes You Must Report
Here are some of the most common changes that need to be reported promptly:
1. Change of Operating Centre
If you plan to move the location where your vehicles are based, you must notify the OTC before making the change.
2. O Licence Changes or Upgrades
Any amendments or upgrades to your licence must be reported. These will be published by the OTC to allow for objections from relevant parties.
3. Changes to Vehicles
If you permanently add, remove, or replace vehicles on your Vehicle Operator Licence (VOL), the OTC must be informed.
4. Change of Transport Manager
If your nominated transport manager changes, you must update the OTC immediately.
5. Change of Legal Entity
Switching from, for example, a sole trader to a limited company requires notifying the OTC.
6. Change of Business Name or Address
Updates to your trading name or business address must be reported.
7. Change in Financial Circumstances
Any significant financial change that could impact your ability to operate safely and legally must be disclosed.
8. Convictions or Certain Legal Offences
If your business, a director, transport manager, or driver is convicted of:
Any transport-related offence, or
Any offence arising from a workplace incident under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 or Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016,
you must inform the OTC.
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The Golden Rule
If a change could affect your ability to operate vehicles safely or legally, you should report it. When in doubt, check with the OTC before making the change.
Email for Change Notifications:
📧 notifications@vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk
