How you could be fined £1,000 for not telling the DVLA about common life change – here’s how to avoid being caught out

YOU could be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell the DVLA about this common life change. Driving rules are often straightforward but there are some new ones that can easily catch motorists out. And one such rule is so bizarre that it is definitely worth knowing about. Believe it or not but a […]

YOU could be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell the DVLA about this common life change.

Driving rules are often straightforward but there are some new ones that can easily catch motorists out.

And one such rule is so bizarre that it is definitely worth knowing about.

Believe it or not but a change to your marital status could see you fined up to £1,000.

According to the rules, motorists are also required to update their licence information if they change marital status.

This incudes, marriage, divorce, or being widowed.

Recently, we looked at the other DVLA changes that drivers need to be aware of unless they want to face a costly penalty.

These include more straightforward rules such as a change of address or a change in vehicle.

Motorists are required to inform the DVLA of any changes, such as name, title and address.

This also applies to temporary changes, such as students moving into university accommodation.

It goes without saying that the DVLA needs to be notified for these in case of emergency.

And while there’s no direct penalty for failing to tell the DVLA you’ve sold your car, it does put you at risk of being held accountable for driving offences committed by the new owner. 

Other changes can include a change of name or gender and withholding this information can lead to a hefty fine.

Failing to declare even a common medical condition like diabetes can lead to a fine because it endangers both you and other drivers at the wheel.

You could be losing £1,000 if you don’t declare any medical conditions that impair your driving, and if you’re involved in an accident as a result of your condition then you could be prosecuted.

As well as keeping their personal information up to date, licence holders are also responsible to make sure their photo is not out of date.

Photocard licences must be updated every 10 years to make sure that the photo is up to date, and failure to do so can also land a £1,000 fine.