Daily Mirror talking crap!
Discussion
A news story has appeared today(originating from the Daily Mirror) and surfaced on the web that it is a legal requirement to carry your Driving License, Insurance and if applicable, your MOT certificate with you at all times. The story intimates that you can be fined thousands of pounds if you are stopped by the police and you don't have these documents with you.
That is complete and utter tosh.
Let's talk facts ...... if the police stop you and ask to see your license and you don't have it with you, they can issue you with paperwork to present your license at a local police station.
They can see whether your car is Road Taxed and MOT'd. Most people on this forum are fully aware that you can input the reg number on the DVLA Vehicle Checker web site via your smart phone and/or computer and see this information.
I haven't asked one of my friends in the police as to whether they can look-up the Insurance info on their in-car system (I suspect they can) however just like your license, they can ask you to present your information locally.
This kind of crap reporting (mainly used as 'click bait') needs putting down very strongly.
That is complete and utter tosh.
Let's talk facts ...... if the police stop you and ask to see your license and you don't have it with you, they can issue you with paperwork to present your license at a local police station.
They can see whether your car is Road Taxed and MOT'd. Most people on this forum are fully aware that you can input the reg number on the DVLA Vehicle Checker web site via your smart phone and/or computer and see this information.
I haven't asked one of my friends in the police as to whether they can look-up the Insurance info on their in-car system (I suspect they can) however just like your license, they can ask you to present your information locally.
This kind of crap reporting (mainly used as 'click bait') needs putting down very strongly.
AIUI, it is an offence to not present your licence/insurance/MOT when requested by a police officer... however... it is a valid defence to do so at a police station (hahaha, good luck finding one open) within seven days.
Hence the HO/RT1 or producer.
At least, that's how it was 40 years ago when I used to get at one most nights.
Hence the HO/RT1 or producer.
At least, that's how it was 40 years ago when I used to get at one most nights.

Strangely Brown said:
AIUI, it is an offence to not present your licence/insurance/MOT when requested by a police officer... however... it is a valid defence to do so at a police station (hahaha, good luck finding one open) within seven days.
Hence the HO/RT1 or producer.
At least, that's how it was 40 years ago when I used to get at one most nights.
Ahhh...the "7 Day wonder" which changed to "5 Day wonder" in the late 80's?.Hence the HO/RT1 or producer.
At least, that's how it was 40 years ago when I used to get at one most nights.

Back in the days of "blow in the bag and hope the crystals don't change to green".
My very small claim to fame is that I was one of the first people to have a go on the new electronic breathalyser by Suffolk Constabulary. I was at school at the time, and the Police were doing one of their visits, and invited random kids to have a "blow into the machine". Not many teachers stepped up though!!.
Strangely Brown said:
AIUI, it is an offence to not present your licence/insurance/MOT when requested by a police officer... however... it is a valid defence to do so at a police station (hahaha, good luck finding one open) within seven days.
Hence the HO/RT1 or producer.
At least, that's how it was 40 years ago when I used to get at one most nights.
Good old HORTY, haha, thrown around like confetti when I was hooning around in MK1 3 Litre Capris…..Hence the HO/RT1 or producer.
At least, that's how it was 40 years ago when I used to get at one most nights.

There's not much need to carry any of those now.
I can see if your car has an MOT.
I can see if you and the vehicle have insurance.
I can see if you have a licence and any endorsements.
All at the side of the road.
VEL status isn't shown on PNC.
You do however still have to produce your licence, insurance and MOT when requested.
For the removal of any argument - You can only have a HORT1 if I can prove your identity at the time of the stop.
I can see if your car has an MOT.
I can see if you and the vehicle have insurance.
I can see if you have a licence and any endorsements.
All at the side of the road.
VEL status isn't shown on PNC.
You do however still have to produce your licence, insurance and MOT when requested.
For the removal of any argument - You can only have a HORT1 if I can prove your identity at the time of the stop.
Steve Dean said:
A news story has appeared today(originating from the Daily Mirror) and surfaced on the web that it is a legal requirement to carry your Driving License, Insurance and if applicable, your MOT certificate with you at all times. The story intimates that you can be fined thousands of pounds if you are stopped by the police and you don't have these documents with you.
That is complete and utter tosh.
Let's talk facts ...... if the police stop you and ask to see your license and you don't have it with you, they can issue you with paperwork to present your license at a local police station.
They can see whether your car is Road Taxed and MOT'd. Most people on this forum are fully aware that you can input the reg number on the DVLA Vehicle Checker web site via your smart phone and/or computer and see this information.
I haven't asked one of my friends in the police as to whether they can look-up the Insurance info on their in-car system (I suspect they can) however just like your license, they can ask you to present your information locally.
This kind of crap reporting (mainly used as 'click bait') needs putting down very strongly.
Have your friends in the police heard of paragraphs.That is complete and utter tosh.
Let's talk facts ...... if the police stop you and ask to see your license and you don't have it with you, they can issue you with paperwork to present your license at a local police station.
They can see whether your car is Road Taxed and MOT'd. Most people on this forum are fully aware that you can input the reg number on the DVLA Vehicle Checker web site via your smart phone and/or computer and see this information.
I haven't asked one of my friends in the police as to whether they can look-up the Insurance info on their in-car system (I suspect they can) however just like your license, they can ask you to present your information locally.
This kind of crap reporting (mainly used as 'click bait') needs putting down very strongly.
texaxile said:
Strangely Brown said:
AIUI, it is an offence to not present your licence/insurance/MOT when requested by a police officer... however... it is a valid defence to do so at a police station (hahaha, good luck finding one open) within seven days.
Hence the HO/RT1 or producer.
At least, that's how it was 40 years ago when I used to get at one most nights.
Ahhh...the "7 Day wonder" which changed to "5 Day wonder" in the late 80's?.Hence the HO/RT1 or producer.
At least, that's how it was 40 years ago when I used to get at one most nights.

Back in the days of "blow in the bag and hope the crystals don't change to green".
My very small claim to fame is that I was one of the first people to have a go on the new electronic breathalyser by Suffolk Constabulary. I was at school at the time, and the Police were doing one of their visits, and invited random kids to have a "blow into the machine". Not many teachers stepped up though!!.
Edited by Bigends on Thursday 27th February 23:55
Super Sonic said:
Nibbles_bits said:
zarjaz1991 said:
Always worth carrying the documents with you, in case a copper decides to “make something up” in “the interests of justice”.
YAWNI'm not sure that thread is a great example of the point zarjaz is implying.
On the face of it, the OPs vehicle was lawfully seized, see Cats well written posts on it.
Super Sonic said:
Nibbles_bits said:
zarjaz1991 said:
Always worth carrying the documents with you, in case a copper decides to “make something up” in “the interests of justice”.
YAWNYeah, that sounds made up
SS427 Camaro said:
Good old HORTY, haha, thrown around like confetti when I was hooning around in MK1 3 Litre Capris…..
We used to call it a Horty too!Got one most weekends when riding around on my motorbike. Sometimes the same coppers dishing them out.
The police station was almost next door to where I worked so I would be in there most Monday lunchtimes.
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