New plans could see uninsured drivers hit with higher fines and tougher penalties
Uninsured drivers will face higher fines and tougher penalties under new government proposals.
Fixed penalty fines (FPNs) for offenders are intended to significantly exceed average insurance premium costs, with the preliminary penalty potentially doubling to £600.
These plans will be included in the Road Safety Strategy, which will be published this week as part of a wider consultation on traffic crime.
Local transport minister Lilian Greenwood said: “If you drive without insurance there will be consequences.”
Currently an uninsured driver could face a £300 fine and six points on their licence, if a fixed penalty is adopted.
If the case goes to court, driving without insurance can lead to an unlimited fine, six to eight license suspensions and potentially disqualification from driving.
The Bureau of Motor Insurers estimates that an average of 300,000 uninsured motorists use Britain’s roads every day.
Ministers fear current penalties reflect the seriousness of driving without insurance or are a strong enough deterrent.
Innocent victims may face significant difficulties in obtaining compensation for injuries or damage if they are involved in a collision with an uninsured driver whose vehicle may be unsafe.
Ms Greenwood added: “Driving without insurance is not a victimless crime – it increases premium costs for the law-abiding majority and when uninsured drivers are involved in crashes, innocent road users face an uphill battle to get the compensation they deserve.
“That’s why we’re taking decisive action to keep uninsured drivers off our roads, keep our roads safe and ensure those who break the rules are held accountable.”
The consultation is also expected to consider tougher penalties for unlicensed drivers who do not have an MOT because they could pose a danger to others and drive an unroadworthy vehicle.
