I’m a motoring expert – seven things you must inform the DVLA about or risk a £1,000 fine and six points on your licence
DRIVERS have been warned that withholding crucial information from the DVLA could land them with hefty fines this summer.
There are a range of things that the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency need to be notified of, including car modifications and address or name changes.
Penalties for not doing so are serious and could set drivers back up to £1000 and six points on their licence.
As well as informing the DVLA, failure to keep your insurance company up to date with all relevant information could invalidate the policy leading to serious consequences.
Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “Motorists should always keep the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency up to date with any changes.
“There are a few things that car owners must tell the DVLA, and anyone that doesn’t risks a huge fine, or even being taken to court.”
“If you need to get in touch with the DVLA to notify them of anything, go to their website.”
Here are seven things drivers must inform authorities about according to Quotezone.co.uk:
1. Car Modifications
Drivers need to update certain changes made to their vehicle on a V5C registration and send off evidence.
The DVLA will be in touch if they need to inspect the change made to the vehicle to check it is roadworthy.
If they need to conduct tests and it fails, the car could be taken off the road until changes are made, or owners could be given a fine or court summons.
2. Provide driver details
Any individual who the DVLA has registered as being the owner of a vehicle that is alleged to have committed an offence, will be guilty of failing to provide driver details if they don’t name who was driving the vehicle at the time of the offence.
The penalty for failing to provide driver details is six points and a fine of up to £1,000.
3. Changes to eyesight
Drivers must inform the DVLA if their eyesight deteriorates or if they have visual impairments such as cataracts or glaucoma.
Their rules state that drivers must be able to read a number plate at 20 metres, which can be done with the help of contact lenses or glasses, and that if required, these must be always worn whilst driving.
Unfortunately, those whose eyesight does not meet the minimum requirements could risk a fine of up to £1000 and 3 penalty points on their license if caught driving.
4. Medical Conditions
The DVLA has an extensive list of over 110 conditions that can affect driving, so some motorists may be unaware of all these conditions or the extent to which they say can affect someone’s ability to drive.
Some of the most common conditions that may need to be disclosed include Diabetes, Vertigo and Sleep Apnoea, but there is a whole list on the website that can be checked.
5. A change to name or gender
Not informing the DVLA of a legal name or gender change could land drivers a £1,000 fine.
Newlyweds should watch out as failing to inform the DVLA is breaking the law, even when the process is free of charge.
6. If a vehicle is not in use or off road
All cars need to be insured and taxed, so anyone not currently using their car must apply for a Statutory Off-Road Notice (SORN.)
Any keeper of a vehicle which is not going to be in use for a long period of time should declare it as SORN, so they don’t have to pay for it.
After being registered as SORN, if the car is used on the road for any other reason than for a booked MOT or testing appointment, the keeper could be prosecuted and fined £2500.
7. Change of address
Even if it’s not permanent, the DVLA needs to be informed of any address changes so they can always reach the vehicle owner.
The vehicle logbook and driving license must always be up to date, whether permanent or temporary, and can be changed online.
Drivers can be fined up to £1000 if they do not tell DVLA of an address change.