What are the rules for ratchet straps in the UK?
- Load Straps & Slings
- Jul 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 17
Ratchet straps play a crucial role in securing a vehicle’s load while protecting the driver and other road users, reducing the risk of an accident.
For that reason, it’s essential that anyone using ratchet straps ensures they only opt for high-quality, certified products bought from trusted suppliers.
They must also comply with relevant laws and best practices for safe use.
What safety standards must ratchet straps meet?
The first rule for the safe use of ratchet straps is to buy high-quality, compliant straps from a reputable supplier.
The European standards for ratchet straps are outlined in EN 12195-2 which outlines testing and performance standards for ratchet straps, requiring all straps to feature a permanent label that displays their lashing capacity, compliance information, and manufacturer's identification.
When you buy from us, you can rest assured that all of our products conform to current UK and European Regulations and are supplied with full certification.
Which UK laws regulate the safe use of ratchet straps?
The person driving a vehicle and their employer (if it’s a business vehicle) are responsible for ensuring that ratchet straps are used safely and in compliance with the law and industry best practices.
In the UK, several rules and regulations are in place to ensure that loads are secured safely for transportation.
These are:
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) guidance on securing loads on HGVs and goods vehicles
The new ratchet strap laws and guidance set out in these three resources collectively inform the safe use of ratchet straps for securing loads during transportation in the UK.
What are the key UK laws surrounding ratchet straps that you need to know?
Whether you use ratchet straps on a personal vehicle, or as part of your job, misuse or poor-quality equipment can have serious consequences.
Let's explore the key legal and safety requirements when using ratchet straps to secure a load for transportation in the UK.
Straps must be fit for purpose: Ratchet straps come in a wide variety of lengths and strengths. Compliant straps should be marked with a lashing capacity (LC). It's crucial that you only ever use a ratchet strap that can safely handle the appropriate load size and weight.
Straps must comply with EN 12195-2: You may only use ratchet straps that comply with European standards. Straps should have a permanent label that highlights their compliance.
Straps must be free from damage: Anyone using ratchet straps is required to inspect them before use to ensure they are in good condition. If the strap shows any signs of damage, such as fraying, it should be disposed of and replaced.
Straps must be attached to compatible anchor points: Ratchet straps should be securely attached to compatible anchor points. Anchor points should be rated, and a strap should only be secured to an anchor point that can withstand its lashing capacity. Before attaching the ratchet strap, the anchor point should be inspected for damage and only attached if it fits securely and stably into the anchor point.
Straps must prevent movement: The ratchet strap should hold the load securely, preventing it from moving around. DVSA guidance requires the strap to withstand 100% of the weight forward and 50% of the weight to the sides and rear.
What are the consequences of failing to comply with ratchet strap laws UK?
Failure to comply with rules and regulations surrounding the safe use of ratchet straps can result in serious consequences.
Poorly secured loads not only endanger the driver, but also pose a significant risk to other road users and pedestrians.
Therefore, neglecting to take your responsibilities seriously when it comes to securing loads for transit can lead to severe legal and financial consequences, including:
Vehicle prohibition notices: You could be issued with an Immediate Prohibition notice if your load is not safely secured, preventing you from continuing your journey until the problem has been resolved.
Fines and penalties: You could receive a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £300 and penalty points on your driving licence. More serious breaches could result in court proceedings and unlimited fines.
Prosecution for unsafe load carriage: If failure to comply with ratchet strap laws leads to injury, death, or serious road risk, you could find yourself facing criminal prosecution, fines, and even imprisonment.
Aside from the legal implications, non-compliance could result in damage to the goods in transit or the vehicle carrying them or injury to the driver or people unloading the cargo.
This kind of negligence and non-compliance can reflect badly on the business involved, causing reputational damage, particularly if load-related incidents are publicised on social media or in the news.
Why choose Load Straps & Slings for ratchet straps?
At Load Straps & Slings, our extensive range of products, combined with our industry expertise and dedicated customer service team, has made us the UK's leading supplier of ratchet straps.
Our products are certified and manufactured to meet UK and European safety regulations, ensuring safe and dependable performance.
We don't just supply ratchet straps; we manufacture them too! So, if you can't find the exact product you need within our range, we can design and manufacture a custom strap to meet your specific needs.
We also offer a fast and efficient delivery service; most of our products are available with next-day delivery if you place an order before 3 pm.
