Expired DL photocard

[BertBert]

If you drive when your photocard has expired what law are you breaking?

[vonhosen]

You are breaking the law even when you aren't driving.

The offence is failing to notify DVLA.

[Bill]

vonhosen said:

The offence is failing to notify DVLA.

Failing to notify them of what? I know it's the DVLA, but surely they already know your photo card has expired!

[vonhosen]

Bill said:

vonhosen said:

The offence is failing to notify DVLA.

Failing to notify them of what? I know it's the DVLA, but surely they already know your photo card has expired!

You've got to surrender it or update/renew it with current info/photo.
Failing to do so is an offence that you commit even if not driving.

[Bill]

Ah, gotcha!

[BertBert]

vonhosen said:

You've got to surrender it or update/renew it with current info/photo.
Failing to do so is an offence that you commit even if not driving.

Thanks
So it's just it's own specific offence? Not made worse by driving?

[Cat]

BertBert said:

Thanks
So it's just it's own specific offence? Not made worse by driving?

Correct. It is covered by section 99 of the Road Traffic Act. The expiry of the photocard has no effect on your entitlement to drive.

Cat

[leyorkie]

If it’s expired is is valid?
Is there an offence of not having a valid licence, similar to driving a class of vehicle that is not covered
eg PSV or HDV

[Cat]

leyorkie said:

If it’s expired is is valid?
Is there an offence of not having a valid licence, similar to driving a class of vehicle that is not covered
eg PSV or HDV

If just the photocard has expired then yes, your driving licence is still valid.

There is an offence of driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence authorising you to do so (s87 RTA). The expiry of the photocard has no bearing on this offence. Your driving licence is valid until the dates shown on the back of the photocard for each category.

Cat

Edited by Cat on Saturday 1st October 10:09

[Blockbuster]

My wife let her provisional licence expire in 2018 and has never renewed it (she decided not to continue her driving lessons) and so far the old bill have not been to the door.

Maybe it’s different for provisional licences or maybe they have more important things to worry about.

[vonhosen]

Blockbuster said:

My wife let her provisional licence expire in 2018 and has never renewed it (she decided not to continue her driving lessons) and so far the old bill have not been to the door.

Maybe it’s different for provisional licences or maybe they have more important things to worry about.

There's a lot of things they don't actively chase up as they don't have time. That doesn't mean they can't deal with it though in individual cases where they want to.