Overview

This bill simplifies the process of surrendering driving licenses and test certificates following driving offences in England, Wales, and Scotland. It clarifies the requirements for producing licenses in court and streamlines procedures related to fixed penalty notices and conditional offers.

Description

The bill amends the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 and the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995. Key changes include:

• Court Proceedings: Clarifies when drivers must bring their license to court hearings for offences leading to disqualification.
• License Surrender after Disqualification: Introduces a new process requiring drivers to surrender their license to the Secretary of State following court-ordered disqualification. Failure to comply is an offense.
• Fixed Penalty Notices and Conditional Offers: Removes the requirement to surrender a license when paying a fixed penalty notice or accepting a conditional offer but adds a requirement to provide identification information (name, date of birth, driving licence number).
• New Drivers: Simplifies the surrender process for new drivers’ licenses and test certificates following offences.
• Minor Amendments: Includes minor and consequential amendments to other related Acts to remove inconsistencies and redundant provisions.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly increase or decrease government spending. The changes primarily affect administrative processes related to license surrender and enforcement, with any associated costs likely to be offset by existing budgets.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Drivers: Drivers facing disqualification or penalty points will need to comply with the new license surrender procedures. New drivers face simplified surrender processes.
• Courts: Courts will use revised procedures for handling driver licenses during proceedings.
• Police and Enforcement Agencies: Enforcement of license surrender requirements will fall on police constables and vehicle examiners.
• Secretary of State: The Secretary of State will handle the receipt and processing of surrendered licenses.

Powered by nyModel