ISO 39001 is the international standard for road traffic safety (RTS) management systems. It provides a structured framework to help organisations reduce the risk of road traffic deaths and serious injuries linked to their activities, vehicles, and journeys.
ISO 39001 certification demonstrates that an organisation has systematic controls in place to manage occupational road risk and continually improve road safety performance.
What is ISO 39001?
ISO 39001 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization. It specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving a road traffic safety management system.
The standard focuses on preventing fatalities and serious injuries, using a data-driven, risk-based approach. It applies to any organisation that influences road traffic safety, whether directly (through fleets and drivers) or indirectly (through travel, logistics, and contractor activities).
What does ISO 39001 cover?
ISO 39001 requires organisations to identify and control factors that contribute to road traffic incidents. Key areas include:
- RTS policy and objectives
- Identification of RTS risks and exposure
- Safe vehicle selection, maintenance, and inspection
- Driver competence, behaviour, and fatigue management
- Journey planning and scheduling
- Speed, alcohol, drugs, and distraction controls
- Contractor and third-party road safety controls
- Incident reporting, investigation, and corrective action
- Monitoring, measurement, and continual improvement
The emphasis is on measurable safety outcomes, not just procedures.
Who is ISO 39001 for?
ISO 39001 is suitable for organisations that:
- Operate vehicle fleets (cars, vans, HGVs, buses)
- Require staff to drive for work or commute between sites
- Manage logistics, delivery, or transport operations
- Use contractors or subcontractors who drive on their behalf
- Want to reduce collision risk, injuries, and liability
It is commonly adopted by logistics providers, utilities, construction firms, public transport operators, emergency services, and organisations with significant occupational driving exposure.
ISO 39001 requirements explained
To achieve ISO 39001 certification, an organisation must demonstrate:
Leadership and planning
- A documented road traffic safety policy
- Clear RTS objectives and targets
- Leadership commitment to preventing serious harm
Risk identification and control
- Assessment of road traffic exposure and risks
- Controls for vehicles, drivers, journeys, and routes
- Consideration of vulnerable road users
Operational control
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection regimes
- Driver training, licensing, and fitness to drive
- Journey planning and scheduling controls
- Contractor and supplier RTS requirements
Support and competence
- Training and awareness
- Communication and consultation
- Documented information control
Performance evaluation and improvement
- Monitoring of RTS performance indicators
- Incident investigation and corrective action
- Internal audits and management review
Auditors expect evidence that controls are implemented, monitored, and improving outcomes.
How to get ISO 39001 certified
The certification process typically includes:
- Defining the scope of the RTS management system
- Identifying road traffic risks and exposure
- Developing RTS policies, procedures, and controls
- Implementing controls and training drivers and managers
- Carrying out internal audits and management review
- Passing a Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification audit
ISO 39001 integrates well with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.
How long does ISO 39001 certification take?
Indicative timeframes are:
- Small organisations: 6–12 weeks
- Medium organisations: 2–4 months
- Large or fleet-intensive organisations: 3–6 months+
Timelines depend on fleet size, journey volume, risk exposure, and existing safety maturity.
How much does ISO 39001 certification cost?
Indicative total costs (initial certification):
- Small organisations:
£3,000–£8,000 | $4,000–$10,000 | €3,500–€9,000 - Medium organisations:
£8,000–£20,000 | $10,000–$26,000 | €9,000–€22,000 - Large or complex organisations:
£20,000–£40,000+ | $26,000–$50,000+ | €22,000–€45,000+
Costs vary depending on fleet size, number of drivers, audit duration, and preparation approach.
Benefits of ISO 39001 certification
Organisations commonly achieve:
- Reduced collisions, injuries, and fatalities
- Improved driver behaviour and competence
- Lower vehicle damage, downtime, and insurance claims
- Stronger legal and contractual compliance
- Clear accountability for occupational road risk
- Enhanced reputation with clients and stakeholders
The greatest benefits come from consistent monitoring and continual improvement of road safety controls.
Common ISO 39001 mistakes to avoid
- Treating RTS as a driver-only issue
- Failing to assess journey planning and scheduling risks
- Weak contractor and third-party controls
- Poor incident investigation and follow-up
- Lack of meaningful performance measurement
Auditors expect RTS controls to be practical, data-led, and embedded into operations.
ISO 39001 certification FAQs
No. ISO 39001 is voluntary, but it is often required by clients or adopted to reduce risk and liability.
Yes. Any organisation that influences road safety through work-related travel can apply ISO 39001.
Certification is typically valid for three years, with regular surveillance audits.
Yes. ISO 39001 integrates well with ISO 45001, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 within an integrated management system.
Next steps
If you are considering ISO 39001 certification:
- Assess occupational road risk and exposure
- Define a clear RTS scope
- Identify vehicle, driver, and journey controls
- Decide whether to prepare internally or use external support
- Plan realistic costs and timescales
ISOcertified.net provides detailed guidance on ISO 39001 certification, including risk assessment, audit preparation, costs, and ongoing road traffic safety management.