It means that more than likely you have been flashed by a speed camera or gone through a red light or committed another minor traffic offence.
The exact offence will be stated on the citation along with the date of the court appearance. You must attend court on this date, if you cannot attend with good reason you must contact the court as soon as possible. You may be able to plead guilty by post to the alleged offence; the citation will explain your options.
Although it was not you that has been stopped by the police, you must go to court. This is to make a statutory declaration (basically a sworn statement) to that effect. The court will then adjourn the matter back to the police to make further enquiries.
It is important that you attend court otherwise a warrant will be issued. If you cannot make it on the day in question then contact the court to advise them.
An Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) is a community-based order that places restrictions upon a person. The restrictions are linked to the type of anti social behaviour that the person was committing. An ASBO is the final stage of the process. The first stage is a "good behaviour" contract, if this is not successful then a warning letter is sent. If this stage fails then it is for the court to decide if the behaviour warrants an ASBO. Breach of an ASBO could render the individual liable to imprisonment.
For example, A is an alcoholic and every day frequents the village square and drinks alcohol and becomes rowdy and aggressive to passers by. If the first two stages have failed, then an ASBO could be granted to prohibit A from drinking in public and from causing harassment or being a nuisance and also create an exclusion zone that would prohibit him from entering the village square.
Most quad bikes are only designed for off road use. They do not conform to regulations in relation to tyres, lights, horn, speedometer etc. and it is therefore illegal to use them on a road.
However, there are some road legal quad bikes and in order to be used legally on the road they must registered with the DVLA, taxed, insured and have an MOT. They must also comply with all the stringent constructions and lighting requirements. A local quad bike dealer should be able to help you if you want to know whether your quad bike is road legal or alternatively contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
All terrain vehicles (Quad Bikes) can fall within categories B and B1. If the vehicle has 3 or 4 wheels and weighs more than 550kgs unladen it will fall within category B. Vehicles which weigh less than 550kgs unladen will fall within category B1. There is no legal requirement to wear a helmet but from a safety aspect it is always advisable to wear a proper helmet. A quad bike that is to be used on the road must display registration plates to the front and rear.
You can report these or any other nuisance motor vehicles to your local police force via their 101 non-emergency number.
A green P plate on a vehicle means that the person driving has only recently passed their test. Extra consideration should be given to cars displaying a P plate.
To hold a licence to drive a moped you have to be 16 years old. To hold a licence for a car you have to be 17 years old, unless you are getting or have applied for the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in which case the minimum age is 16. To ride a motorcycle you have to be 17 years old.
A "car cruise" is a gathering of large numbers of car enthusiasts who meet at car parks where 'boy racers' show off their customised vehicles. A minority of these perform dangerous stunts and this, coupled with the sheer numbers of people, gives rise to causing fear to the public.
Whilst cruising in itself is not illegal, many of the cars involved do commit offences whilst taking part in the cruise, such as speeding, handbrake turns and criminal damage.
Some Police Forces are now treating the meetings as Anti-Social Behaviour and are asking people to leave.
The police would urge people not to take part and, if they do, to drive carefully and be mindful of the possible nuisance such events can bring on neighbourhoods.
If your MOT certificate has expired you can only drive your car to the garage for its test and it must have a pre arranged appointment at the garage.
If your car fails the MOT you may drive it to a place of repair or for scrapping, providing this is also pre-arranged.
Therefore, they cannot be used on the road unless they are taxed (if required), registered, have an MOT (if required), are insured and the driver has a valid driving licence for the category of vehicle. If any of these requirements are not met, the vehicle can't legally be driven/ridden on the road.
In reality, many of these types of vehicles will never be 'road legal' because their design fails to meet road-vehicle safety standards.
Note also that it's an offence to use such vehicles on the pavement too.
They cannot be used on council land e.g. parks, unless there is a designated area specifically for them. In some areas, there may be commercially operated parks where they can be used.
They can only legally be used on private land/property with the permission of the land/property owner. However, note that it's against the law for a child under 13 to drive/ride on a tractor or self-propelled vehicle e.g. a quad, when it's being used in agricultural operations.
Electric bikes
Electric bikes known as Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) can be used on the road as long as they meet certain requirements (see Q605) and the rider is at least 14 years old.
EAPCs aren't classed as motor vehicles and so don't require insurance and the driver doesn't need a driving licence. Additionally, they are exempt from having to be registered and vehicle tax.
EAPCs cannot be used on the pavement.
Electric scooter trials
In some parts of the UK, you can legally rent an electric scooter as part of a government trial – this is explained here.
It is not illegal to reverse into a main road but it is not advisable. This is for safety reasons. The main road is likely to be very busy and there will be an increased chance of a collision due to the presence of more cars on the road. If an accident occurred due to you reversing onto a main road from a minor road then there may be the possibility of you being prosecuted for driving without due care and attention.
Yes, this is illegal.
Any interference with the number plate to make it less easily distinguishable to the eye is illegal. You could be liable for a substantial fine if you are found guilty of tampering with the number plate.
If you are in any doubt as to whether your tyres are road worthy, take your vehicle along to a reputable garage that will be able to advise you.
The law relating to tyres is as follows, they must:
The grooves of the tread pattern of the tyre have a depth of at least 1.6 mm (for most vehicles) throughout a continuous band measuring at least three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and round the entire outer circumference of the tyre; or if the grooves of the original tread pattern of the tyre did not extend beyond three-quarters of the breadth of the tread, any groove which showed in the original tread pattern has a depth of at least 1.6 mm
A horn should only be used when warning someone of danger, not to indicate your annoyance at a manner of driving.
A horn should not be sounded when stationary on a road at anytime, other than at times of danger due to another vehicle on or near the road.
A horn should not be used on a moving vehicle on a restricted road (basically a road that has streetlights and a 30mph limit) between the times of 11:30pm and 7am.
It is a matter of good practice to carry your driving documents with you. However for various reasons (i.e fear of theft of documents from your vehicle or loss of documents) not everyone does.
It is an offence not to produce your documents to a police officer upon request. However, you are allowed to:
So in the above situation you should make every effort to produce the required documents as soon as possible. There is no guarantee however that your reasons for non-production will be accepted and you will then be reported for citation.
Most double cab pick ups would fall into the class of dual purpose vehicle (examples of a double cab pick up are vehicles such as Mitsubishi Warrior and a Ford Ranger). A dual purpose vehicle is:
With relation to speed limits dual purpose vehicles (not exceeding unladen weight of 3050kg or 8 passenger seats) have the speed limits as follows, (unless shown as restricted) are:
Yes, if you are a private individual then you can still sell your car on the road.
However, recent changes in the law mean that a commercial enterprise cannot.
The police will not pass on any information about a vehicle owner's details, unless they are talking to the owner. In addition, there are very limited circumstances on when the DVLA will release such information to a person who is not the owner of the car.
Please see the 'FORM V888' link under Web Sites in Related Information, which takes you to the appropriate explanatory notes and application form.
The following is advice for anyone who feels vulnerable were she (or he) to stop. In many cases there may be several of you in the vehicle or you are confident you can deal with the situation, in which case this advice may not be for you.
An unmarked police car can stop vehicles, but it must contain a constable who MUST be in uniform in order to carry out the stop. Failing to stop for a constable in uniform is an offence. In cases where a driver failed to stop and drove to the nearest police station/place of safety etc. before stopping because they were unsure of whether they were being asked to stop by a genuine police officer, if the police took action, it would ultimately be a matter for a court to decide whether they had committed an offence.
If a car flashing for you to pull over or stop is unmarked, unless you are 100% certain it is the police, do not stop. Drive steadily to the nearest public place (for example a petrol station where they are open till late, a police station, or somewhere there are a lot of people) and then stop. If you are in a relatively deserted area, as a last resort, consider looking for a house that is obviously occupied and pull into the driveway. (You can always apologise to the householder afterwards.)
Try and signal that you have acknowledged the request to stop and indicate the action you are taking (put your flashers on or signal by pointing from the driver's window etc.). Don't drive off at great speed making the police think you are trying to get away.
Keep the doors locked until you are happy it is the police. Have your mobile at hand just in case. You can ask to see a warrant card, which should carry a name and photograph, through the closed window.
Incidentally, if you are suspected of drink/drugs driving none of these actions would invalidate an officer giving you a preliminary screening test as you have only temporarily interrupted your journey and are still driving for the purposes of that law.
The types of vehicles not permitted to use the right hand lane on a motorway (which has three or more lanes) are:
There are exceptions to this rule which are:
Any speedometer that is fitted to a vehicle must be kept in good working order whilst the vehicle is being used on a road. The penalty for failing to have a speedometer in good working order is a fine.
However, if the speedometer develops a fault whilst being used or a defect has been discovered then all steps must be taken to rectify the fault with reasonable expedition. This exception only applies when the defect develops and must be repaired before the next journey.
No there is no legal requirement to have a spare tyre and a jack although it is advisable.
Be aware however that some spare tyres can only be used in an emergency and the speed should not exceed 50mph.
The issues to consider about driving with flags attached to the car are:
So although there is not a specific offence, you could commit an offence by having a flag on your car. It is the officer's discretion whether or not to take matters further if he/she feels that an offence has been committed.
It is an offence not to produce your driving licence, certificate of insurance and MOT certificate when requested to do so by a police officer. However the usual action is that the police officer will issue a HO/RT1 form requiring you to produce the documents at a police station of your choice within 7 days. If this is done and they are in order, then that is the end of the matter.
If you do not produce your documents you will be reported for failing to have the documents at the time of the request for production (so that extra time is not spent re-visiting you at home if you do not produce). If you fail to produce the documents within the 7 day period or they are not in order, you will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal and may be cited to attend court.
From a crime prevention point of view it is better never to leave your driving documents in your car and produce them within the 7 day period.
To drive a motor vehicle legally on a road you must:
If you have a foreign vehicle and you are resident in this country you must ensure that the vehicle is registered within 6 months of becoming a resident. Also if you have insurance from another country you must make sure it meets the minimum requirement (most EU countries do) and that your insurance company are aware that you are driving the vehicle in the UK.
If you do not have a British licence please see the questions below:
I have a European driving licence, how long can I drive with it in this country?
I have a foreign non-EU driving licence, how long can I drive on it in this country?
It is an offence to use a hand held mobile phone or an "interactive communications device", but there is an exemption for a two way radio which is designed or adapted:
Ofcom states that you should be transmitting CB in the 27MHz range, if you are, you come within the exception and are OK. The exception was created because so many government and private organisations (e.g. taxis) use 2 way radios.
However, there is strong scientific evidence that any such activity (including fiddling with your CD player etc.) does raise the level of danger so far as accidents are concerned, so it is recommended that you do whatever you can to minimise use of transmitter buttons, tuning devices and volume controls. If something akin to hands free exists it would be a good idea.
Yes they do, it is an offence not to give precedence to a pedestrian on a zebra crossing. If the pedestrian is on the carriageway within the limits of the zebra crossing, before any part of the vehicle has entered those limits, he/she has precedence.
Information on advanced driving and the benefits it can bring you are available from the Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and from IAM RoadSmart (formerly called the Institute of Advanced Motorists), see websites in related information.
Advanced driving gives improved driving skills and makes safer drivers. Some insurance companies offer discounts to advanced drivers.
The police cannot condone but understand that people may have to make way for emergency vehicles when they are responding to an emergency and they may have to commit an offence in order to do so e.g. move slightly forward through a red light to allow the vehicle to pass.
No, the police do not need any reason to stop any person driving, attempting to drive or in charge of a motor vehicle on a road for a routine check. The police can then require that you provide your name, date of birth, driving licence and insurance details. Failure to comply with any of these requirements is an offence.
The police cannot stop a vehicle just to carry out a random breath test. They have to have a reasonable suspicion that the person has consumed alcohol or drugs. Once the vehicle has been stopped for, perhaps, a routine check, this can be ascertained through the smell of alcohol, slurred speech or glazed eyes. Failure to comply with a request to carry out a breath test is an offence and the penalty is the same as if you had been convicted of being over the limit.
The police can, however, breathalyse a person without a reasonable suspicion that the person has consumed alcohol/drugs, if they have committed a traffic offence whilst the vehicle is in motion (e.g. driving carelessly, having defective lights, failing to comply with a traffic sign [obviously not a parking sign] or using a mobile phone).
It is not an offence in itself to listen to music on a mobile device whilst driving or cycling.
However, listening to music can be distracting, especially if it is not be possible for the individual to be fully aware of their surroundings. You need to be able to bring to bear all the senses you can whilst driving, and being able to hear is important in enabling you to be in proper control of your vehicle in traffic. Obviously, some people have the disadvantage that they cannot hear too well (or not at all), but the rest of us should not deliberately mask our senses and put ourselves at the same disadvantage.
A person using a device playing loud music, may, therefore, be deemed not to have proper control of their vehicle or to be driving without reasonable consideration for others, both of which are relatively serious offences.
No, the officer issuing the ticket can stick it to any area of the vehicle. Ordinarily officers will attach the ticket to the windscreen because it is most visible in this position. In most cases they will place the ticket under a windscreen wiper in order that it does not blow away, hence the reason it may seem to be a requirement for it to be placed on the windscreen.
Some local areas may have different methods of notification and will not issue a parking ticket in this manner. For example, Officers/Wardens may take a photograph using a digital time stamp and issue the ticket via post. There are also CCTV systems covering parking places which work on the same principle.
Any motor vehicle that is on a public road is required to display the registration plates. Covering the vehicle could prevent them from being seen and this could be an offence.
It would not be illegal to cover the vehicle as long as the registration plates could be seen. Clear plastic panels could be used in the appropriate places to enable the registration plates to be visible.
A registration document (V5) is not proof of ownership. The registered keeper should be the person who is actually using / keeping the vehicle and this is not necessarily the owner of the vehicle or the person who is paying for it.
He is the person responsible for the vehicle so far as official communications from the police/DVLA etc., but the owner is the person who put up the cash (or was given it as a gift).
The DVLA make a point of saying that the person named on the registration document is not necessarily the owner.
This is particularly true with a company car which is owned by the company, however the registration document should show the registered keeper, i.e. the day to day user (this may be an employee who has it as a permanent perk with his/her job).
A registered keeper will usually be regarded as responsible for parking tickets etc so it would be wise to have the registration document changed if you are the owner, but not the user/keeper. There might also be some circumstances where you would be deemed as being the owner of the vehicle for an insurance offence, e.g. if you are permitting someone to use the vehicle knowing full well it is not insured or roadworthy.
Most insurance companies insist that the person who they insure is the primary user of the vehicle and can specify that the person is the registered keeper. It is up to them who they will or will not insure.
Some traffic light controlled junctions have an advanced stop line (ASL) to allow cyclists to be positioned in front of other traffic - click on the link below for a diagram. These are covered in rule 178 of the Highway Code.
Using the road (159 to 203) - The Highway Code - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If the traffic lights are on red, drivers (including motorcyclists and scooter riders) must not cross the first stop line - if they do they could liable to a £100 fixed penalty and three penalty points on their driving licence.
If the lights change from green to amber as a driver (including motorcyclists and scooter riders) approaches but they cannot safely stop before the first stop line, they can cross the first line but must stop before the second stop line. In these circumstances it is not an offence to stop in the marked area.
Drivers (including motorcyclists and scooter riders) should avoid blocking/encroaching onto the marked area at other times e.g. when the junction is blocked.
Cyclists must not cross the second stop line while the traffic signal is red. Contravening a traffic signal is against the law, and could result in a £50 fine.
Some local authorities have run publicity campaigns with slogans such as: The bike box - get behind it.
Rule 57 of the Highway Code states:
"When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars."
This is not a legal requirement that is set out in legislation, and so failure to comply with this rule will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted. However, please note that failure to comply with such sections of the Highway Code may still be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts to establish liability.
Although it is not illegal to wear sunglasses whilst driving at night, it is not advisable as it is essential your vision remains clear at all times.
For further information please see the link below to the AA website.
Type of vehicle | Can it be used on the road? | Can it be used on the pavement? |
Bicycle/tricycle | Yes | No. Note that whilst there is no specific exemption in relation to children cycling on the pavement, the police will often use discretion. |
Electrically assisted pedal cycle | Yes – but rider must be at least 14 years old | No |
Electric scooter | Only if it is type approved for road use, is taxed and registered, the rider is insured and holds the appropriate driving licence | No |
Electric skateboard | No | No |
Go-cart | No | No |
Go-ped (electric/petrol) | No | No |
Invalid carriage (class 1) | Only if a pavement is not available or to cross the road | Yes |
Invalid carriage (class 2) – used by a disabled person | Only if a pavement is not available or to cross the road | Yes – maximum speed of 4 mph |
Invalid carriage (class 3) – used by a disabled person | Yes – maximum speed of 8 mph. Can't use bus lanes, cycle only lanes or motorways. You should avoid using dual carriageways with a speed limit over 50 mph. You must use an amber flashing light for visibility if you use a class 3 invalid carriage on a dual carriageway. | Yes – maximum speed of 4 mph |
Kick scooter | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances |
Lawnmower (ride-on) | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances |
Mini-moto | No | No |
Pit bike | No | No |
Quad bike | Only if it is type approved for road use, is taxed and registered, the rider is insured and holds the appropriate driving licence | No |
Trials/scrambling motorcycle | Only if it is type approved for road use, is taxed and registered, the rider is insured and holds the appropriate driving licence | No |
Roller skates/blades | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances |
Segway gyroscopic self-balancing scooter | No | No |
Skateboard | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances | You could face prosecution, it would depend on the circumstances |
The following assumes you are not towing a trailer. Generally, you won't commit an offence if the light became defective during the journey or you have made arrangements to have it repaired as soon as possible.
ON NON-MOTORWAYS
Rule 163 of the Highway Code states
ON MOTORWAYS
Rule 268 of the Highway Code states – do not overtake on the
left or move to a lane on your left to overtake. In congested conditions, where
adjacent lanes of traffic are moving at similar speeds, traffic in left-hand
lanes may sometimes be moving faster than traffic to the right. In these
conditions you may keep up with the traffic in your lane even if this means
passing traffic in the lane to your right. Do not weave in and out of lanes to
overtake.
OFFENCE
Overtaking on the left is lawful if done in accordance with the
above guidance. However, whilst there is no specific offence of overtaking on
the left, if a driver undertook another vehicle, other than in the circumstances
described above e.g. in the case of someone hogging lane 2 on a motorway, they
may be prosecuted for careless driving.
GENERAL ADVICE
Always take extreme care when overtaking on the left, as
there may be a number of dangers e.g.
It would all depend on the circumstances. There isn't a specific offence of listening to music whilst driving but if it affected your driving, you could commit an offence.
You can do this at https://www.gov.uk/make-a-sorn
If passengers are carried unrestrained, the driver may be guilty of an offence. Note there are separate requirements in relation to carrying children.
CARS
LORRIES/BUSES
Following a change to the law, the EU has implemented a system to share driver details across borders. This means that if you commit any of the offences listed below whilst driving in another EU country after 06.05.17 and the authorities in that country request your details from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in the UK, they will have to provide them. The offences are:
The details the DVLA will have to provide are:
Points to note:
There are a number of different designs of L plate fixings available, as opposed to the traditional flat plastic plates that have been used for many years. Whilst the law doesn't specify how L plates must be attached to a vehicle, it does require that they must be displayed to the front and rear of a vehicle that's being driven by a learner and they must be the correct size – please see the link below:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency - L plates
L plates should be removed from a vehicle when it's not being used by a learner.
If you fail to display an L plate on your vehicle when you're learning to drive or if it's the wrong size, you can be fined and receive up to 6 penalty points on your driving licence.
