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Safer Neighbourhood Team officers carrying out pro-active patrols on Sunday 22nd March arrested a 34yr old male on Dale Road North, Darley Dale on suspicion of being drunk in charge, driving whilst disqualified and driving without valid insurance. Off to custody he went and the vehicle was seized under section 165A of the Road Traffic act 1988. Consequences of driving without valid insurance; 🚫 1. It’s Illegal
Driving any vehicle on a public road (or anywhere the public has access) without at least third party insurance is against the law. Even if the vehicle itself has a policy, you must be correctly insured to drive it.
💷 2. Fixed Penalty: £300 Fine
If stopped by police and found uninsured, you can receive a fixed penalty of £300.
🪪 3. Six Penalty Points
You will also receive 6 points on your licence, which can lead to licence revocation for new drivers under the 2-year rule.
⚖️ 4. Possible Court Prosecution
If the offence goes to court, the penalties increase significantly:
• Unlimited fine
• Driving disqualification
🚔 5. Vehicle Seizure or Destruction
Police have the power to:
• Seize an uninsured vehicle
• Destroy it in some cases
This can happen immediately at the roadside using ANPR cameras.
🅿️ 6. Even Parked Cars Must Be Insured
If a vehicle is kept on public land, it must be continuously insured.
If you don’t drive it and keep it on private land, you must declare it SORN (Statutory Off Road Notice).
🛑 7. No Defence for Policy Lapses
Accidental lapses or misunderstandings about policy coverage (e.g., driving a car you're not covered for) do not excuse the offence.
🧾 8. Criminal Record?
Driving uninsured typically results in a motoring conviction, but not usually a criminal record in the sense of imprisonment level offences. However, it stays on your driving record and affects future insurance premiums.
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✔️ In Short
Driving without insurance can cost you:
• £300 on the spot
• 6 points
• Vehicle seizure
• Court fines and bans
• Major long-term insurance costs
#CommunityPolicing
#SaferStreetsDerbyshire
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