Short messages on UK Law from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.

Read more about the article What happens if I drive without road tax?
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What happens if I drive without road tax?

If you are found to have failed to purchase or renew a road tax disc, you will be fined £80. Failure to pay this can result in a County Court Judgement, or having your vehicle clamped. It is difficult to escape paying road tax, as the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Agency (DVLA) runs monthly computer checks.

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Read more about the article What happens if I drive without a valid MOT?
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What happens if I drive without a valid MOT?

If your vehicle is at least three years old, it needs to pass an MOT test before it can be considered roadworthy. Driving a vehicle that has not successfully passed an MOT test is an offence and can land you with a £1000 fine. Driving without a valid MOT invalidates the insurance and if you were involved in an accident you would not be covered.

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Read more about the article What happens if I drive without car insurance?
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What happens if I drive without car insurance?

Driving without car insurance is illegal. If you own a vehicle that is not insured, you can be prosecuted even if you have never driven it. You can potentially be fined up to £5000 if you are caught. You will also be given a number of penalty points on your driver’s licence. You may, in some cases, have your license revoked. As well as driving an uninsured car, it is also illegal to let someone else borrow your car if they are not insured on it.

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What do I need legally if I own a car?

If you own a car, you must legally have an MOT (if the car is older than three years), a valid Road Tax Disc, and insurance. Failure to have all of these results in fines and prosecutions.

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Is there a limit of penalty points on my driving licence?

If you build up 12 or more penalty points on your driving licence within a period of three years, you’ll be liable to be disqualified under the ‘totting-up’ system. Generally, you can be disqualified from driving for: six months if you get 12 penalty points or more within three years, 12 months if you get a second disqualification within three years, or two years if you get a third disqualification.

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The penalties of using your mobile ‘phone whilst driving

If you’re caught using a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving or riding, your case may go to court. If it does, you may face disqualification from driving or riding on top of a maximum fine of £1,000.

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Does my dog need to wear identification?

The Control of Dogs Order 1992 mandates that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner engraved or written on it, or engraved on a tag. Your telephone number is optional. You can be fined up to £5,000 if your dog does not wear an identification tag.

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The penalties of using your mobile ‘phone whilst driving

If you’re caught using a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving or riding, you can expect to get an automatic fixed penalty notice. This means you’ll get three penalty points on your driving licence and have to pay a fine of £60.

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Forms of ID in the UK

Passports and driving licences are official photo-identification documents proving your age and identity. Other recognised forms of ID you may need to prove who you are and where you live for applications (such as a mortgage or bank account) include birth certificate, utility bills (water/gas/electric) in your name, and bank statements.

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