Failure to display a valid tax disc question

[TSS]

A well know sportscar manufacturer has given me a loan car with an expired tax disc

I’ve had it a couple of days but stupidly didn’t think to check the tax as it never occurred to me they’d give me a car with an expired tax disc. I only noticed it at lunch time today.

They tell me the car is taxed and are posting me the disc, but in the meantime I need to drive the car.

Can I get points if stopped or is it just a fine? Would the police bother taking action if the car is actually taxed but the disc is not on display? (The old tax disc ran out at the end of October)

Thanks,

TSS

[Dwight VanDriver]

The only offence being committed whilst on a road is failing to display a current Excise Licence. An offence low down on the scale of seriousness and fine only.

Plod generally will give an ear warming on hearing your tale but can process by FPN if you come across one full of arse biting powder. Its the Wardens one has to watch with little or no discretion.

dvd

>> Edited by Dwight VanDriver on Friday 11th November 14:56

[GreenV8S]

As I understand it the offense is failure to display, even if the car has been taxed you are liable unless the disc is displayed. Not sure where you stand as a driver who is not the registered keeper, but generally with these things it seems that ultimately the driver is responsible for ensuring the car is safe and legal. I would guess fine, points, and a dim view from your insurers when you come to renew your own policy.

[Andrew Noakes]

GreenV8S said:

As I understand it the offense is failure to display, even if the car has been taxed you are liable unless the disc is displayed.

That even applies to a tax-exempt classic - you can still be nicked for not displaying a disc, even if the disc is free!

[k50 del]

From browsing around on various BiB forums, and checking the Interweb in general, it seems that the offence of "failure to display" is never prosecuted as long as the vehicle is actually licensed.
The only time it is used is as an additional offence if another offence has been committed

A check on the car by BiB would reveal that the vehicle is taxed, and the worst you'd get would be a telling off.

[off_again]

Dwight VanDriver said:

Plod generally will give an ear warming on hearing your tale but can process by FPN if you come across one full of arse biting powder. Its the Wardens one has to watch with little or no discretion.

Your turn of phrase always brings a smile to my face - especially on a friday! Well done that man....

Arse biting powder - makes you think doesn't it?

[BliarOut]

If it's parked on the street, surely the ticket will go to the RK anyway... Namely the garage. I wouldn't worry unduly.

Thanks DVD and everybody else. If there’s no points likely I’ll just have to take the risk and try not to get pulled over for anything else until the new disc arrives.

I have to drive it home tonight anyway - if I leave it parked where it is now it’ll probably be a burnt out shell by tomorrow morning.

[Neezer]

I've be wondering why its still necessary to display a tax disk -surely they have all the info on the DVLA database anyway, so a reg check would be all that’s sufficient?

[jazzyjeff]

Neezer said:

I've be wondering why its still necessary to display a tax disk -surely they have all the info on the DVLA database anyway, so a reg check would be all that’s sufficient?

True, but a reg-check of 24 million vehicles for valid tax might take some time...!

[Pigeon]

Why?