Press release no:9 - Mutual recognition of driving disqualifications between Great Britain/Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man

Mutual recognition of driving disqualifications between Great Britain and Northern Ireland came into force on 11 October 2004. It is to be extended to include the Isle of Man in relation to driving disqualifications only. This will come into force from 23 May 2005.

This means that if a driver receives a disqualification in either Great Britain, Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man it will apply in all three jurisdictions for the period of the disqualification.

The legislation that allows for this comes under Part 3, Chapter 2 and Schedule 5 of the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003.

Mutual Recognition of driving disqualification will come into force simultaneously in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Note to Editors

1. Mutual Recognition between Great Britain and Northern Ireland allowed Northern Ireland drivers access to the fixed penalty systems. It also allowed for revocation of a Northern Ireland licence in conformity with the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995 and revocation of a Northern Ireland licence on grounds of disability and prospective disability. These provisions will not apply in relation to Isle of Man drivers. Mutual Recognition between Great Britain/Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man is only in relation to driving disqualifications.

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