Likely penalty for driving a crash damaged vehicle?

[Mad Dave]

Hi Guys,

What's the likely penalty for driving a vehicle with the front bumper pushed in, bonnet bent slightly, and one headlamp broken, but with glass removed and clear plastic covering the (still functioning) headlamp? There are no sharp points protruding that could injure a pedestrian in the event of a further accident and the bonnet clasp still functions as it should. Other than the headlamp it's cosmetic damage, but the headlamp isn't exactly in alignment!

The vehicle needs to be driven to the owners work and then on to a garage to get a repair quote, all in daylight. Is the driver likely to be pulled/prosecuted and if so, what's the likely penalty?

Thanks guys

Dave

[Dwight VanDriver]

If stopped Plod would be looking at Dangerous vehicle - Reg 100 Con and Use Regs 1986.

A motor vehicle , all parts and accessories shall at all times be such that no danger isd caused or likely to be caused to any person in or on the vehicle or on a road by reason of condition or unsuitable purpose.

Only you can argue that Grannie will not snag her passion killers or cut her leg by brushing along side the damaged areas ?

dvd

[Mad Dave]

Thanks DVD. What's the likely penalty for that?

[John57]

A 'straightforward' dangerous condition attracts a fixed penalty notice - 3 points and £60 ..... if, as stated, injury may result if vehicle hits someone.

[hugoagogo]

surely as long as there are no obvious big sharp sticky-out bits he'll be alright?

[Mad Dave]

Thanks guys. He has to go to work and there's no other way (other than a £30 taxi each way) of getting there at that time of the morning. I've made sure there are no sharp bits protruding, even going so far as cable tying the grille in place as without it the bonnet catch is exposed. I was more worried about the headlamp - i've removed all the glass, and the bulb still works fine, but it points in the wrong direction and has only clear plastic covering it. He'll not need them tomorrow anyway so i've told him to leave them off. The car does look comically 'wonky' at the front though, the passenger side is pushed upwards and backwards by about 2 inches. Looks worse than it is though - it's mainly just the slam panel that's bent.

[tigger1]

John57 said:

A 'straightforward' dangerous condition attracts a fixed penalty notice - 3 points and £60 ..... if, as stated, injury may result if vehicle hits someone.

Isn't that the case for any car though, being a big lump of shiny metal?

Make sure anything sharp is taped- over / covered...shows willing if nothing else.

[eltax91]

Dwight VanDriver said:

If stopped Plod would be looking at Dangerous vehicle - Reg 100 Con and Use Regs 1986.

A motor vehicle , all parts and accessories shall at all times be such that no danger isd caused or likely to be caused to any person in or on the vehicle or on a road by reason of condition or unsuitable purpose.

Only you can argue that Grannie will not snag her passion killers or cut her leg by brushing along side the damaged areas ?

dvd

After an accident last year, i sent pictures to my Ins Co showing similar damage. The response was: "drive it to the crash repair centre sir and we'll asses the damage".

Wish i'd have made them fetch it now!!

[Davi]

am I right in thinking that as long as a car isn't being driven at night, it doesn't actually need working headlights? Isn't there a daytime only MOT or something as well?

Edited by Davi on Friday 17th August 14:26

[hornetrider]

Surely a simple "Yes orificer I only just crashed it and I'm on my way to a repair garage" answer is in order here?

[Mad Dave]

Thanks for all the advice guys. We managed to arrange a lift to work for him today, and someone more experience (ie less likely to crash the thing again!) is going to drive it to a garage tomorrow!