IOPD, International Organization of Professional Drivers

What is the IOPD?	Road Traffic Act and how it affects you	FAQ's
IOPD for event organisers and promoters	Health & Safety and Environmental Officers’ issues	The liberty of the individual
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What is the IOPD?

For event organisers and promoters, the IOPD provides Authorisation Permits to help ensure event organisers, and promoters involved in any type of auto or motorcycle leisure, comply with the law and the 1991 Road Traffic Act in particular. Failure to do so can now result in heavy fines or imprisonment in worst cases, for event organisers, staff and participants alike.

This affects ANY event to which the public has access and involving ANY mechanically propelled vehicle, from micro-bikes to monster trucks).

The International Organisation of Professional Drivers was established nearly 20 years ago to enable responsible event organisers to conform to the new regulations, which commenced from 1992. Today, with the escalation of vehicles used in what is seen by many to be anti-social behaviour and the resultant dangers; the IOPD role has never been more relevant in contributing a regime of safety to ensure legal conformity and legitimisation.
In fulfilling its role to its Affiliates, the IOPD can see the way the wind is blowing, on issues that are now getting national focus. It is now becoming clearly evident that the only exemption for organisers from the Road Traffic Act is permit Authorisation, in order to avoid conflicting with the law and health & safety issues.

“A mechanically propelled vehicle in public place”

The term ‘Mechanically Propelled Vehicle' (MPV) encompass all auto-related vehicles, whether they standing on one, two, three, four, six, eight or any combination of wheels, tracks, skids or skis.
A ‘public place’ is defined by the Road Traffic Act as any place to which the public can gain access (with or without admission charge) and is beyond 15 yards from the public highway.

The IOPD has seen a sea change, brought about by mounting pressure from the law and health & safety, to a diversity of auto and leisure activities.

The International Organisation of Professional Drivers (IOPD) was established as a voice for leisure, motorsport, arena and other recreation events using any kind of motor vehicle activity. In 1991 things began to change for the organisers, promoters and drivers at these events, with the introduction of the Road Traffic Act of 1991.

In the intervening years there has been a gradual increase in the enforcement of existing legislation, which has increasingly been used against ‘rogue operators’, or where a serious incident has occurred, or where complaints have been received. These enforcements have increased to the extent that the majority of IOPD’s work is related to the issuing of Authorisation Permits to its Affiliates; because the IOPD is also a Statutory Governing Body, authorised by the Secretary of State, these Permits EXEMPT the IOPD Affiliates from prosecution under the Road Traffic Act.

	is an authorising body for off-highway auto related events recognised by the Department of Transport under the terms of Statutory Instrument 1370 of the Road Traffic Act 1992.
	is recognised as a governing association for off-road auto related activities including motor sport, motorcycle sport and auto leisure activities.
	is empowered by the statute to inspect, approve and sanction off highway venues and issues authorising permits under Road Traffic Act (RTA) legislation given under regulations made by the Secretary of State. This exempts participants and organisers from prosecution for breaches of many of the sections of the Road Traffic Acts applied in public places off-road and specifically for dangerous, careless or reckless driving including causing death by dangerous, careless or reckless driving. Authorisation removes the legal requirement for 3rd party road risk insurance for all vehicles off-the-highway.
	may issue permits of authorisation to individuals, partnerships, organising clubs, promoters, event organisers, a company or a local authority, including a police authority and provides advice, rules, regulations, codes of practice and documentation covering all aspects of mechanically propelled vehicle activities.
	The IOPD’s ‘can do’ culture has the expertise for events for all vehicles, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 wheels, or with tracks, all types of power plant including jet thrust. We help enable you to make an event happen and enhance your professionalism.

Are you involved with these activities?

This is the new guidance issued for leisure activity organisers, drivers / riders of mechanically propelled vehicles off-the-highway

Activities particularly affected include those using Quads, Mini Motos, MotoX, 4x4, Bangers, Grass Track, Auto Test, Drifting, Trials, Safaris, Corporate Entertainment, Shows and Arena Displays, Experience Days, Trade Demonstrations, Track Test Days etc. . .

1. If a person should proceed more than 15 yards from a road with a mechanically propelled vehicle they are committing an offence! -Unless they are taking part in an off-highway activity authorised by a Statutory Governing Body (such as the IOPD) or have the express permission of the landowner.

2. Off-highway event or activity organisers should be aware that they and their participants are now potentially facing prosecution and substantial penalties if their event or activity operates without a Road Traffic Act Off Road Event Authorisation Permit issued by a Statutory Governing Body. Several un-authorised event and activity organisers have already been charged with corporate manslaughter offences.

3. If an activity or event off-highway is not authorised by a Statutory Governing Body then vehicles must be fully road legal (registered, insured and MOT tested) and driven in a careful, considerate and road like manner. Drivers and riders must be fully licensed and of an appropriate age!

4. Persons found guilty of Road Traffic Act offences at off-highway events and activities not authorised by a Statutory Governing Body may receive points, banning orders or custodial sentences, even if under age or un-licensed!

5. Where a police constable in uniform has reasonable grounds to believe that a mechanically propelled vehicle is or has been used in a manner which contravenes certain sections of the Road Traffic Act whether on or off highway and including at venues, events and activities not authorised by a Statutory Governing Body may stop, seize, remove and destroy the vehicle and has the powers to enter using reasonable force any premises, including a garage adjoining a house, to seize, remove and destroy vehicles! Over 100 vehicles have already been seized covering 8 separate constabulary areas.

Summary:

An Authorisation Permit is required for temporary venues (e.g. show grounds) and permanent venues (e.g. stadium, circuits and activity centres). It changes the legal status of an event or activity under regulations made by the Secretary of State. The Permit exempts organisers and participants from prosecutions arising from the Road Traffic Acts. All mechanically propelled vehicle activities and events taking place off-highway involving any non road legal vehicles, non fully licensed drivers or driving in a manner different to the public highway (fast or challenging comes within this) should be authorised under permit of a Statutory Governing Body, such as IOPD.