Overview

This bill amends existing road traffic laws in England, Wales, and Scotland, primarily concerning the surrender and production of driving licenses and test certificates following driving offences. It simplifies procedures, clarifies responsibilities, and updates identification requirements for fixed penalty notices and conditional offers.

Description

The bill makes several key changes:

• Changes to License Production: Clarifies the circumstances under which drivers must produce their license to court (sections 1, 27 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988).
• Mandatory Surrender of License: Introduces a new section (37A) to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 requiring drivers disqualified from driving to surrender their license to the Secretary of State. Failure to do so is an offence.
• Fixed Penalty Notices and Conditional Offers: Removes the requirement to surrender licenses for fixed penalty notices and conditional offers but strengthens the identification requirements needed when paying these penalties (sections 3, 4, 52, 54, 69, 75, 76, 77A of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988).
• New Drivers: Amends the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995, outlining procedures for new drivers to surrender licenses and test certificates after offences (Schedule 1).
• Minor and Consequential Amendments: Includes various minor and consequential amendments to other related Acts (Schedule 2), removing outdated or redundant provisions.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated. The changes are primarily procedural and may lead to minor administrative cost shifts within the Department for Transport, but no specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Drivers: Drivers facing prosecution for offences resulting in disqualification will be directly affected by the changes to license surrender procedures. The updated identification requirements for fixed penalties will also impact all drivers.
• Courts: Courts will need to adapt their procedures to reflect the changes in license production requirements.
• Police and Enforcement Officers: Police and other enforcement officials will need to implement the changes regarding identification information within fixed penalties and conditional offers. They will also be involved in the seizure and delivery of licenses to the Secretary of State.
• Department for Transport: The department will take on increased responsibility for receiving and managing surrendered licenses.

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