Press release 17: Enforcement trials DVLA urges drivers to update documents to avoid fines

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is urging drivers to update their driving licence and vehicle registration certificate to avoid a possible court summons.

Magistrates’ courts have approved DVLA proposals to enforce existing legislation to increase the accuracy of DVLA databases. The police and local authorities rely on these databases to support law enforcement on the roads, prevent car crime and improve road safety. Currently, around 22 per cent of drivers and 8 per cent of vehicle keepers have out of date documents. When police identify a driver with incorrect name/address details on either their vehicle or driver record, they will forward a ’Change of Details Notification’ form to DVLA. The driver then has 21 days to inform DVLA of their new details. If DVLA has not been notified within 21 days, the driver will be given the opportunity to avoid court action by paying an out of court settlement of £55 (reduced to £35 if paid within14 days). If the offender then fails to pay this settlement, a court summons will be issued. The driver could be fined up to £1000.

Head of Accuracy Linda Weaver says:

“It is paramount that drivers understand the importance of keeping driving documents up to date. As well as the risk of incurring a fine and wasting police time, failure to update details can lead to difficulties at a later date. For example, in an average year there are around 162 vehicle recall requests from car manufacturers, involving over 2.5m vehicles and vehicle owners who need to be reached through the DVLA database. Police use number plate recognition technology to gain information about a car quickly and accurately to identify suspicious vehicles. Police time is wasted when cars are stopped simply because information held on the database is incorrect. DVLA is urging all motorists - ‘Make sure your details are correct so you don’t end up with a hefty fine’.”

For more information on how to update your details visit www.direct.gov.uk/motoring

Interviews available on request.

Notes to editors:

• DVLA is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport (DfT)
• DVLA is responsible for issuing documents, and keeping records for, all drivers and vehicles in Great Britain
• DVLA  collects and enforces payments of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)
• DVLA has launched the ‘Update Your Details’ campaign to remind all UK drivers to update their driving licence and vehicle registration details when their personal details change i.e. name and/or address

For more information please contact:
Charlotte Davies
Tel: 020 7299 8748
Email: charlotte.davies@geronimocommunications.com