Road Tax Offence

[JP5]

Hi, new to the forum and have found bits and bobs of infomation, but just wondered if anyone has any advice?

 

I was pulled by Police on 09/10/2008 for having no Road Tax, which I quickly rectified. Howver, I have just received a sSummons, today, requesting a court appearance 06/07/2009.

 

I admit I was in the wrong with this one, but this is the first I have heard form the Police/Court, anyone, about the issue. No NIPS that I'm aware of. Obviously I am worried about the size of the fine I may receive, and have been looking around the net at various bits of information, as to what I should do.

 

I have seen something that mentions that in order to prosecute, then information has to be "laid" at the magistrate within 6 months of the offence. I have a "Date Infomation Laid" on the Summons which is 11 May 2009.

 

Do I have any recourse here with regard to that date being over 6 months form the offence? I'm not sure to be honest and any advice/help would be most appreciated.

 

Many thanks.

[lamma]

For a NIP its six months to lay information. Can't recall if Road tax offense falls into the six month rule.. Pat ?

[patdavies]

No NIP is required as a roadside stop was performed.

 

It is summary offences that have to have information laid within 6 months. However, depending on the offence, the clock runs from date of offence or date that the prosecuting authority is aware that there is an offence. If the later (which I suspect), then DVLA will argue that by the time they were notified by the Police, the information was lain in time.

 

Check with the Court (and with Pepipoo)