Driving uninsured is specified as an offence under Section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The 1988 Act outlines that a person must not use a motor vehicle on a road or other public place unless there is an appropriate insurance policy in relation to third party risks that allows that vehicle to be used. It is also an offence to allow another individual to drive a motor vehicle without insurance.
Being found guilty of driving without insurance will result in a penalty from the court. The courts have ruled that, even if a first offence, the driver may receive a disqualification if the circumstances merit this penalty. This highlights that being found guilty of driving without insurance is a serious offence that can have profound consequences on your personal life or livelihood.
Potential Penalties for Driving Uninsured Include:
- discretionary disqualification, or
- a level 5 fine and an obligatory endorsement of 6-8 penalty points
In addition to the above, Section 144A of the 1988 Act provides that where a registered vehicle does not meet insurance requirements the person whose name the vehicle is registered to is guilty of an offence. This means that it is not necessary to be driving a vehicle in order to be guilty of an offence, and you could be fined for having your car parked on a public road or a private driveway. If found guilty of keeping a vehicle that does not meet insurance requirements, a person can be subject to a level 3 fine.
Given the potentially serious consequences of a conviction of driving uninsured it is important to seek legal advice as soon you are charged or receive a citation alleging this offence. Jackson Boyd has the experience and knowledge to guide you through the process of defending yourself against these allegations. We can also work to mitigate any sentence to help minimize the impact that a conviction of this nature will incur.
Contact Jackson Boyd’s Personal Injury Lawyers in Glasgow & Edinburgh
To discuss your claim with us, contact Jackson Boyd today. You are always guaranteed to speak to someone with knowledge and understanding of what you are going through, and someone with experience of dealing with cases just like yours.
For a free consultation, please call us on 0333 222 1855 or contact us online.
We look forward to helping you get more than just compensation.
