The Graduated Fixed Penalties and Deposits Scheme was introduced by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) in 2009. It extends the previous fixed penalty scheme used by police forces in England, Wales and Scotland.

At present, fixed penalty notices are only issued to drivers for offences that are being committed at the time of the inspection. They are being used to deal with the majority of drivers' hours, excess weight and vehicle condition offences, unless the offences are considered too serious or the number of offences too numerous.

Enforcement officers from VOSA can now issue fixed penalties. Previously, only police officers had the power to do this. In addition, a deposit against a fine can be taken from drivers who cannot provide evidence of a UK address.

Under the new scheme, some penalties you will face are graduated - in up to four levels - according to the circumstances or severity of the offence.
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