The used car buying service Big Wants Your Car has warned drivers to let the DVLA know if they have a common medical condition to prevent being fined.
According to the British Heart Foundation, around 14.4 million people in the UK have high blood pressure, with fears that they could put them at risk behind the wheel.
A spokesperson for Big Wants Your Car warned that not informing the DVLA of this condition could lead to serious repercussions, including a hefty fine.
They advised: “Failing to inform the DVLA about a medical condition like high blood pressure can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
“This condition is important to report because it can suddenly impair your ability to drive safely, putting both you and others at risk.”
In most cases, having high blood pressure is highly unlikely to affect the way a person is able to drive. Nevertheless, it is important that drivers check the extent of their condition to prevent causing accidents.
According to the DVLA, drivers in particular should not get behind the wheel if their doctor says they have malignant hypertension, a combination of high blood pressure and other complications.
In addition, motorists who are on any form of medication for to regulate their blood pressure should also check that it is safe to operate heavy machinery under.
Big Wants Your Car’s spokesperson highlighted that driving with high blood pressure, in addition to a much wider number of other medical conditions, could lead to a much higher likelihood of road casualties and fatalities.
They continued: “The DVLA’s regulations are in place to ensure that all drivers on the road are fit to operate their vehicles. Drivers who do not report high blood pressure to the DVLA are not just risking a fine – they could also face prosecution if their condition leads to an accident.
“It’s crucial to follow the DVLA’s guidelines, which require you to stop driving until a doctor confirms your blood pressure is under control and consistently below 180/110mmHg.”
If a driver finds that their medical condition means they cannot drive a car, either temporarily or permanently, the spokesperson for Big Wants Your Car advised drivers to fill out a certain form.
They explained: “If you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure, you must cease driving immediately and notify the DVLA by submitting form VOCH1.
“It’s vital to ensure your condition is well-managed before getting back behind the wheel, as driving with untreated high blood pressure can have dangerous consequences.”
