Didn’t think you will be heavily penalized for uninsured driving? Think again! If you are driving uninsured, chances are you will be facing some heavy circumstances, especially when the police force is using technologies such as number plate recognition that connects to the database. These softwares allow police to identify uninsured drivers within seconds, which is why checking, again and again, does more good than harm.
However, if you do get caught driving uninsured, be sure to contact a reputable law firm such as 1 Motoring Solicitors to cut your losses.
How Am I Caught?
Police have implemented a software that is able to recognise number plates and instantly reference from the MID, allowing them to check whether your vehicle is properly insured in a matter of seconds. This can be done manually by police personnel or by the cameras set up on highways that automates the whole process.
What Are The Consequences Of Uninsured Driving?
Technically speaking, it is totally illegal to be on the road without insurance. Those who are found without one will receive a fine of £300, or worse, receive a driving ban with unlimited fines. The vehicle that the offender is caught in might be taken away by the government or even destroyed.
Another thing to take note of is that if your vehicle is uninsured, you will be fined by the police even if you’re not driving it, or in worse cases, seized.
For full information, please refer to the UK government’s official website.
Uninsured Driving In Reference To The Law
Any vehicles on the road must be properly insured by 3rd party according to the Road Traffic Act 1988. You might think that full insurance for your vehicle should suffice, especially with DOC covers in place. However, that is not always the case when driving a car that belongs to others, as the coverage might not be the one you’re looking for. It’s recommended to take a deeper look into the policies to ensure you are properly insured.
Aside from looking out for yourself, you should also make sure the person driving your vehicle is properly insured as well. If they are caught driving uninsured, you will face some penalties as well.
What Should I Do If I’m Caught Driving Uninsured?
If you are caught driving uninsured, the first thing to do is to find a lawyer. The lawyer will then advise you on whether to accept the fixed penalty notice given by the police. In normal circumstances, if you do not have any points, accepting it would be the best option, but always consult your lawyers as there might be some factors you have overlooked.
However, if you are in circumstances such as potentially accumulating more than 12 points, you might receive a driving ban. In these special cases, lawyers will advise you on what to do on a case-by-case basis.
I Got Insured Recently, And It Hasn’t Been Updated Yet, Can I Still Drive?
The short answer is – Yes, so don’t worry too much. Once you are done with the insurance application, your insurance details should be visible in the MID (Motor Insurance Database). Your vehicle details will need a few days to appear in the MID, but you will still be able to drive during the period with no problems.
If you are unfortunately “caught” by the number plate recognition system, and the police are trying to issue you a fine, don’t worry! Just show your insurance details to the police and you will be exempted.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, always get advice from your lawyer once you get into trouble with the law. Trying to solve the issue yourself will potentially lead to more complications along the road and possibly result in worse situations. Be sure to engage a trustable lawyer that provides accurate advice.
