DVLA - Provision of Foreign Operator Payment Service

Descriptions

About the Service

Operators, hauliers and drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) must pay the HGV road user levy when they use UK roads. This applies equally to UK-registered vehicles and those registered in other countries. This promotes a level playing field between hauliers, and such road user charges are commonplace in Europe.

The levy was first introduced in 2014 and reformed in 2023. The rate varies by vehicle weight and emissions class, with an exemption for zero emission HGVs. The levy can be paid daily, weekly, monthly, 6 monthly or annually.

UK registered hauliers pay the levy in conjunction with the annual Vehicle Excise Duty. Foreign registered vehicles pay through an online portal, the Foreign Operator Payment System (FOPS), and must pay before using UK roads. FOPS is provided by a contractor with the contract managed by DVLA on behalf of DfT.

Market Engagement Session

DVLA will host a webinar on 2nd February 2026 from 11:00 to 12:00, to present a slide pack and facilitate a Q&A session about the service.

If you are interested in attending, once responses have been received, further information will be provided and a set of questions to complete prior to the event, along with the appointment for the day.

To register your interest and receive the questionnaire, please email Vikki.John@dvla.gov.uk by 9th January 2026. Include your organisation name and the names, job titles, and email addresses of those wishing to attend.

Please note: any information you provide will be treated as background information only and shall not constitute any offer or commitment by either party.