Drivers face £1k fine or losing licence for not doing this simple thing
DRIVERS could be slapped with a £1,000 fine - or even be disqualified from driving - if they can't show police their license.
Brits who are pulled over by cops must be able to identify themselves with ID, and face harsh penalties if they can’t.
If you do not have these documents with you, you have 7 days to take them to a police station.
You’re breaking the law if you do not show the requested documents within 7 days.
And if you are sent a letter due to being caught breaking the law behind the wheel, such as speeding or driving through a red light, and you do not respond with the driver’s details, the owner of the vehicle can also face the same penalties.
Penalties can range from a fine of £1,000 - to even having your licence taken away from you.
Joel Kempson, Car Insurance Expert at Uswitch, comments: “When you think of penalty points and careless or dangerous driving, you might think of causing accidents, excessive speeding, and driving uninsured, but it isn’t always as clear as that.
“Drivers can face points, and even harsher penalties, for anything that can be deemed to be taking your attention away from the road, plus failing to identify yourself when asked.”
It comes as The Sun yesterday revealed that motorists with a dirty licence plate have been warned they could also face a £1,000 fine.
Many Brits won't think of checking their registration plate, but it can quickly become mucky, especially during bad weather.
And the plate has to be clear to register with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Those who allow the plate to become covered by dirt can face a whopping pay-out.
As the UK heads towards winter, roads become dirtier.
Mud can be thrown up by tyres, slowly covering the number plate without the driver realising.
Breakdown assistance and road safety firm GEM Motoring Assist says motorists should clean their plates regularly to make sure they can still be read.
Most read in Motors
“A number plate must be readable and not covered by dirt,” a spokesman said.
“This is to ensure a vehicle can be identified as and when required.
“At this time of year it’s easy for a number plate to get so dirty that it cannot be read.
"This is usually caused by muck on damp road surfaces that ends up on the rear of a car.
“The law is very clear when it comes to keeping your number plates clear; you risk a £1,000 fine if you allow it to become obscured.
“It makes sense to get into the habit of giving your number plate a regular wipe – every day when conditions require.
"Do the same for your front and rear lights, and you will be doing your bit for safety during this risky time of year.”
There are also legal requirements for the plate itself, which should made from a reflective material.
The front should display black letters on a white background, while the rear must show black characters on a yellow background.
No background patterns should be used, while font is important too, and must be regulation.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Those who don't take their motor in for a wash frequently enough will be relieved to know there's no law against having a dirty car.
The chassis can be filthy - as long as the plates, lights, indicators and reflectors are clean and clear.