Driving in UK on US licence

[duncanreally]

I have both UK and US (Texas) driver's licences.

If I'm driving in UK and I get pulled over, can I claim I'm driving on my US licence? (I might have "lost" my old UK licence some time ago - I've lived in the US for 3+yrs) Do I just get the fine, and keep my Uk licence clean?

When I moved to US I drove for a while on just my UK licence (But got tired of having to carry my passport to the pub to prove age!).

Duncan

[madcop]

Non EU Driving licences are only valid for 1 year from the point of entering the country. If you have a UK licence and you come unstuck, the relevant Administration of Justice department (Police Prosecutions) will not take long to find your number.
A quick enquiry on your name and date of birth will reveal all about you.

If you do not have your original UK licence, then apply for a duplicate. It will save you no end of grief!

[duncanreally]

Thanks madcop.

However I have thought of another potential loophole My US licence says my DOB in US format, ie MM-DD-1973 So when the nice English cop (and English cops ARE nice compared to US cops!!) pulls me over:

C: do you know how fast you were going, sir?

D: Aw, gee, I'm just over from the States, I get kinda confused with the kilometres y'all have here...

C: They're not km. You were doing 110 MILES per hour. Can I see your licence please. Do you have a UK licence?

D: No, officer, I'm driving on my US one for now.

C: Well, i just looked up your name and DOB, and as we don't have any UK records for you, you'll just have to pay the fine. Here's your ticket. 100 English pounds, you can send a cheque. Cheerio. And make sure you get a UK licence soon, OK?

Of course, this depends on the cop not being on the ball, but it might be worth a try (as long as you don't tell an outright lie about having a UK licence).

what do you think?

Duncan

>> Edited by duncanreally on Tuesday 28th January 23:33

[madcop]

duncanreally said: what do you think?

Duncan

>> Edited by duncanreally on Tuesday 28th January 23:33

I think if you show a UK cop a US Licence he will realise the date of birth is the wrong way around. Its possible some will be taken in by your accent if you have one and some may nistake the D.O.B. But most will not. He/she will most likely ask you your date of birth too so that he can verify the licence is yours.

It may be worth pondering that if they are not satisfied with your details, either who you are or where you live, you can be arrested under Section 25 of PACE 1984 for ANY OFFENCE. Like I said before, if you mess around with your identity and the specific cop is not understanding and he/she probably will not be if he/she smells a rat, you may end up sampling the all day breakfast and all for a speeding ticket.

Dont do it. It is not worth the aggravation!

[Hughesie2]

Madcop, I too have a US Licence, Dallas, TX, I actually do not have a UK Licence, i am a diabetic (and get the stupid 3 yr licence) and whilst in the USA my UK one ran out, i have just returned from the USA recently and not renewed it as yet, where would i stand if;
A) i was stopped with out a UK one but with my US one
B) they checked and saw that my UK one was Lapsed, but i still had a valid licence ?

Help appreciated

[kevinday]

Hughesie2 said: Madcop, I too have a US Licence, Dallas, TX, I actually do not have a UK Licence, i am a diabetic (and get the stupid 3 yr licence) and whilst in the USA my UK one ran out, i have just returned from the USA recently and not renewed it as yet, where would i stand if;
A) i was stopped with out a UK one but with my US one
B) they checked and saw that my UK one was Lapsed, but i still had a valid licence ?

Help appreciated

See Madcop's previous post, you will need to apply for a new UK licence within the twelve months from your arrival back in Britain.