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What does UVV mean?
UVV is the abbreviation for accident prevention regulations. This is a binding set of rules for companies that regulates the safety of employees. The aim is to ensure the safety and health protection of employees and to minimize the risk of accidents and occupational health hazards. In concrete terms, this means that employers and fleet managers are obliged to design and maintain vehicles and work processes in such a way that employees can work safely. These include, among others:
Since May 1, 2014, the accident prevention regulations have been referred to as DGUV regulations, where DGUV stands for German Social Accident Insurance.DGUV regulation 70 is of particular importance for the vehicle fleet , as it regulates the Road safety of commercially used vehicles and occupational safety in road traffic. This regulation gives rise to two important aspects that employers should consider as vehicle owners:
- The regular UVV driver training ensures that employees are informed about all relevant safety measures.
- Proper UVV inspection: checks the operational safety of the vehicle.
Driver training according to UVV
As company vehicles are regarded as operating and working equipment, you must instruct employees in the vehicle fleet at least once a year. The aim of this safety instruction is totrain drivers in the safe handling of the vehicles and to ensure that they about what to do in the event of an accident and about potentially dangerous situations. Z secondly, the instruction serves as legal proof for you as an employer in the event of an accident.
It is therefore important that you carry out driver training regularly:
- Before each first journey
- At least once a year thereafter
If you do not do this and a claim is made, you could be held liable. Even if the accident was caused by the other party.
Companies should use structured checklists and practical content to ensure that driver training is not only perceived as a formal process, but also as an effective preventative measure. It is particularly helpful to take into account specific requirements – for example for new vehicle types, changing weather conditions or special locations. Digital tools and e-learning offerings also enable efficient implementation, which can be easily integrated into everyday working life and simplify documentation for the accident insurance provider.
Anchored in the law
Driver training is part of a series of laws and regulations designed to ensure safety in the workplace. These include, for example, Section 12 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Section 12 of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, all of which stipulate that safety at the workplace and safe commissioning of the respective work equipment are mandatory.
The contents of UVV driver training
Although the legislator only makes a few specifications regarding the contents of the UVV, there are nevertheless some topics that should be covered in every safety training course in accordance with the UVV:
Before the ride
Safety equipment
During the ride
Behavior in case of accidents
Final knowledge test
Digital driver instruction according to UVV
With our e-learning course, drivers are safely instructed in the use of company vehicles – whether in the office, at home or on the road. All test results are fully documented.
Why is UVV driver training via an e-learning course useful?
Coordinating UVV driver instruction as classroom training is a challenge, especially in large fleets. The fleet manager has to take care of creating the content, inviting the drivers and then coordinating appointments. This can be very costly for both the drivers and the fleet manager. In addition, there is often a great deal of uncertainty about which topics from the accident prevention regulations need to be covered and to what extent. More and more fleetmanagers rely on the UVV driver training via e-learning.
The advantages of digital driver instruction
UVV driver training via e-learning is both a time-saving and cost-efficient method. For example, fleet managers are relieved of the time-consuming task of organizing appointments. In addition the contents have already been compiled and are regularly updated to comply with legal requirements. All training courses and test results are stored in a traceable manner. This is particularly relevant from a legal perspective, as in the event of a claim it must be proven that all drivers in the fleet have successfully completed the safety training.
It also offers drivers a great deal of flexibility, as the e-learning course can be completed anywhere. Training via e-learning also has a psychological advantage: drivers have sufficient time to familiarize themselves with the various topics in the run-up to the test. This makes them much more relaxed in the final exams.
In addition to flexibility and verifiability, the company’s responsibility also speaks in favor of using digital driver training: Those who rely on a structured and modern training method not only show commitment to the safety of the workforce, but also fulfill their duty within the framework of legal regulations. The review of the level of knowledge is documented and can be supplemented by regular refresher courses if necessary. This ensures that all employees are familiar with the current regulations and hazards in the company – a key component of modern fleet management.
What is a UVV inspection in the vehicle fleet?
The UVV inspection in the vehicle fleet is the mandatory safety inspection of the vehicles in the fleet. This is intended to ensure that these are in a safe operating condition and meet the statutory requirements. This should accidents can be avoided and the safety of drivers and other road users increased. The vehicle inspection according to UVV should not be confused with the TÜV.
The UVV inspection is not a voluntary measure, but a statutory obligation that must be carried out regularly and documented. As a rule, the fleet manager or an appointed third party is responsible for checking company and company cars. The requirements of the employers’ liability insurance associations and the relevant accident insurance institutions apply, which define the scope and procedure of the inspections.
Anchored in the law
Paragraph 57 of DGUV Regulation 70 stipulates that company vehicles must be inspected at least once a year by an expert to ensure that they are safe to operate. The results of the inspection must also be recorded in writing and kept until the next inspection.
What does a UVV inspection in the vehicle fleet include?
During the vehicle inspection in accordance with UVV, the vehicles are checked by a qualified, expert person – e.g. from DEKRA – to ensure that they are roadworthy and safe to use. As a rule, an annual UVV inspection is standard. However, certain equipment or operating conditions may require shorter intervals. Defects or faults must be rectified before the vehicle can be used again.
These aspects are checked as part of the vehicle inspection:
- Brakes: Checking the function of the brakes, condition of the brake pads and brake discs, brake pressure
- Lighting: Checking the functionality and correct alignment of the headlights, indicators, rear lights and brake lights
- Tires & rims: Tread depth, tire pressure and general condition of the tires
- Steering: functionality, play or deformation of the steering
- Seat belts: condition, functionality and correct fastening
- Warning signals: hazard warning lights function, horn and other warning signals
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Why is it necessary to document UVV inspections and UVV driver training?
Through proper documentation of all vehicle inspections according to UVV and UVV driver instructions companies can prove that they have fulfilled their binding obligations. This plays a particularly important role in the event of a claim.
The UVV inspection documents which vehicles were inspected, which defects were found and how they were rectified.
The documentation of UVV driver training shows which drivers participated, which topics were covered, and that the training was completed successfully.
In the event of accidents or official inspections, complete documentation serves as proof of implementation and compliance with legal requirements, thus providing legal protection. In addition, the documentation also enables the accident prevention measures to be regularly checked and updated. Proper documentation is therefore essential to ensure fleet safety and minimize liability risks for fleet management and the company.
The responsibility for complete documentation lies with the responsible fleet manager or safety officer in the company. They must ensure that all evidence is complete, traceable and can be retrieved at any time – whether in digital or analog form. Documentation is a central component of efficient and legally compliant fleet management, especially for company cars and company vehicles that are used regularly.
In addition, employers’ liability insurance associations and accident insurance providers often demand a comprehensive insight into the measures implemented during audits or after accidents. Well-structured documentation can not only minimize legal risks, but also serve as a basis for optimizing processes in the company and identifying weak points at an early stage.
Conclusion
- Compliance with accident prevention regulations (UVV) is not an option for companies with their own vehicle fleet, but a legal obligation.
- Regular driver training and UVV inspections not only ensure greater safety on the road, but also protect the company from legal consequences.
- Those who rely on digital solutions simplify the entire process and at the same time create a reliable documentation basis - an essential building block for responsible and future-proof fleet management.
Please note: The annual driver instruction in accordance with the UVV does not replace the vehicle-specific instruction, which must be carried out personally by the fleet manager each time the vehicle is handed over. This article is not legally binding.
FAQ - Important questions about UVV
Yes, the UVV inspection is required by law. Employers are obliged to have all commercially used vehicles in their fleet inspected at least once a year to ensure that they are in a safe operating condition. This obligation arises from DGUV regulation 70 and applies regardless of whether it is a permanently assigned company car or a shared vehicle.
Safety-relevant vehicle components are checked as part of the UVV inspection, e.g:
- Brakes and steering
- Lighting and warning signals
- Tires and rims
- Safety belts and protective equipment
- General condition of the vehicle
The purpose of the test is to ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive and operate and that there are no acute hazards.
The responsibility lies with the employer or the fleet management. They must ensure that the UVV inspections are carried out in a timely and proper manner and that they are documented. In many companies, fleet managers or contracted external specialists take on this task.
If an accident occurs and the UVV inspection has not been carried out correctly or at all, the company may face legal consequences. These include fines, civil claims for damages or even criminal liability – especially for the responsible vehicle owner or fleet manager.
Regular accident prevention inspections protect the lives and health of employees, prevent technical breakdowns and reduce the company’s liability risk. It also ensures greater transparency and reliability in fleet operations – a key aspect of modern and responsible fleet management.
Other useful articles on the subject of UVV
Employer Driving License Check: Legal Regulations and Tips for Implementation
Driver’s license check form: Free download template
Driver instruction according to UVV: Download template as PDF
UVV inspection in the vehicle fleet: definition and importance in the vehicle fleet
10 Tips for Successful and Efficient Fleet Management
Mobility Budget Instead of Company Car: Flexible Mobility for Employees
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Owner liability in the fleet: These obligations apply to fleet managers
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