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Road
traffic
Police
have a
number
of powers
aimed
at keeping
drivers
and pedestrians
safe on
our roads.
Here's
an overview
of situations
where
you may
be pulled
over by
the police,
plus advice
on your
rights
and responsibilities.
What
happens
if I get
stopped?
The police
have the
power
to stop
anyone
at any
time -
they don't
need to
give you
a reason
- and
failing
to stop
is a criminal
offence.
When pulled
over by
the police,
you may
be asked
to produce
documents
including:
drivers'
licence
insurance
certificate
vehicle
registration
document
If you
don't
have these
with you,
you'll
be given
seven
days to
produce
them at
a police
station.
If you
feel you've
been stopped
too many
times,
you can
make a
complaint.
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What can the police do?
Issue a notice
If you're pulled over and have committed a traffic offence, the police may
issue you with a:
fixed penalty notice (FPN)
vehicle defect rectification notice
What's a fixed penalty notice (FPN)?
If you've committed a minor traffic offence, like not wearing a seatbelt
or driving with a broken headlight, the police may issue you with a one-off
fine called a fixed penalty notice.
Non-endorsable offences - meaning those which don't result in points on
your licence, like driving while talking on a mobile phone - usually incur
a fine of £30.
Fines for endorsable offences like speeding are usually £60, although there
may be some exceptions. More serious offences such as driving without insurance
can incur fines of up to £200.
Police do not have the power to make you pay fines on the spot.
If you feel a penalty notice is unjust, you can choose not to pay the fine
and argue your case in court. If you do pay the fine, you won't be prosecuted
and no record of your offence will be kept.
Recipients have 28 days to pay the fixed penalty or request a hearing otherwise
the fine will increase by 50%. You'll be reported for prosecution if you
fail to pay a fixed penalty for an offence detected by an automatic camera
within 28 days.
What's a vehicle defect rectification notice?
If your vehicle is defective, for example, one of its indictors is broken,
you may be issued with a vehicle defect rectification notice. This means
you have to fix the fault and provide proof, such as a receipt from a mechanic
saying the fault has been fixed, at a police station.
Ask for a breath test
Police can 'breathalyse' you (ask you for a breath test) if they suspect
you've been drinking, for example, if your driving seems erratic.
You'll be asked to give two valid samples of breath, and the lower result
is the one on which any prosecution will be based.
If you fail the breath test, the police will take you to the police station
where you'll be charged and the evidence (the breath test) will be stored.
You must leave your car until you're sober enough to move it, or another
'legal' driver can move it with your permission.
Failure to give a breath test is an offence.
What road offences result in disqualification from driving?
If you get 12 points on your licence within a three year period as a result
of endorsable offences, your licence will usually be taken off you for at
least six months. Offences that warrant mandatory disqualification from
driving include all drink driving offences.
What road offences result in vehicle seizure?
The police have the power to seize a vehicle if it's being used in an anti-social
manner (causing alarm, harassment or distress). This includes inconsiderate
driving and unauthorised off-road driving of cars, motorbikes etc.
As of 1 July 2005, police can seize vehicles if drivers don't have an appropriate
licence or insurance.
What road offences result in arrest and imprisonment?
The police can arrest you for any offence if they see fit. Serious road
offences may result in imprisonment - such as causing death by dangerous
driving. |
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