Need to find out what happens if someone is stopped for driving your car without license or insurance?

Question

Need to find out what happens if someone is stopped for driving your car without license or insurance?
A friend of mine took my car keys and drove my car without my knowledge. They got pulled over by the police and revealed they had no licence or insurance. They have been given 7 days to produce the valid documents which obviously they cannot do. They will get a fine/points but will this affect me? Will I get any penalty/points or is this purely their responsibility/problem? The police contacted me to ask whether the friend had stolen it, to which I said no. I said they'd taken it but that I'd left it on their driveway with my keys at their house as I'd had to rush out. Does this affect me negatively. Many thanks for the advice. (Only UK law please).

Answer 1

unless you tell the police that this person took your car without you saying it was ok. then you can also be charged, taken to court and get a fine and points.

Answer 2

This sounds almost like a page straight out of my life. I can't answer because I live in the states, but I know from experience (here) that the person driving your car without a license can go to jail immediately! I have a friend who is notorious for driving without a license and has spent months in jail for this crime. The owner's car can be taken and fines have to be paid in order to retrieve it. There is a big deal about driving without insurance. Here in the states, your license can be suspended until you show proof. I wish you the best however, just from personal experience and common sense - I have learned - under NO circumstances should you allow someone to drive your car if they do not have a valid drivers license. And as the owner of the vehicle - it is your responsibility to insure the vehicle. A non-licensed person driving an uninsured vehicle is a recipe for disaster on so many levels.

Answer 3

The first thing you should have done at the onset of noticing your car keys and car were taken without your permission, would have been to have reported the car "stolen" to your local police department, and maybe even to your car insurance company, (if you had insurance). It would then place this situation and you in a different category. You would still be listed as "dumb", but at least your "dumbness" could save your hide.

I live in California, but I doubt the common sense rules differ that much from state to state. The current car insurance and registration documents should always be kept within the actual vehicle, no matter who the driver is, and presented to the traffic officer at the time the person is pulled over. Most insurance carriers only cover the registered owner of the vehicle, unless it is designated as such as an add on for another family member or person only you designate to drive your vehicle as well. So you may have or will have an issue to contend with your insurance company, (if you have current insurance).

The driver of the vehicle, when pulled over, is responsible for producing his or her driver license, despite the fact that the vehicle may not be legally registered to them. They have to have a drivers license to drive, even if it's an out of state license. They must produce some sort of legal documentation. That's the way at least it works here in California. If they don't that part of the violation is on their head and their responsibility to appear in court on.

It's you business as to why you are choosing to defend your friend in this case who appears to be causing you nothing but headache. I think you both need to "come clean" and fess up to what they did and how it is now going to affect you. And trust me, it will. If you are in fact the legal registered owner of that vehicle, you are responsible.

I do suggest that you make sure to appear in court on the designated day, and have your stories straight. If you choose to still protect your friend, bring your vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. If you don't, they could issue a warrant for your arrest, if the courts deem it necessary. If there are fines you have incurred, I feel your "friend" should pay them. And then after that, I would say "adios" to them. Good luck.

Answer 4

Now that you have said that the person was driving with your permission he will be convicted of driving without insurance (IN10 6-8 points) and without a licence (LC10 - 3 points).

Regrettably you will also be prosecuted for 'causing or permitting' someone to drive without insurance (IN14) or a licence (LC14) and presumably get similar points (but the fine will be probably be less).

Had you said that the person had taken the vehicle without your knowledge or permission then the police would prosecute them for 'Taking Without Owners Consent' (called TWOCKING by the riff-raff) code is UT40 and is a much more serious offence. - but you would not be affected.

Please remember to tell your insurance company of the circumstances and penalty applied if you do get convicted.

Answer 5

If your 'friend' took the vehicle without your permission or knowledge, then the law is quite clear. The vehicle was STOLEN.
Why you are protecting someone who claims to be a friend but then abuses your trust is beyond me?
They took your car. They got caught. Why should you take the rap?
Change your statement.
They will nick your 'friend' anyway for having no licence or insurance. Do you really want to be charged as an accessory to the crime?

In future, choose your friends more carefully pal.

Answer 6

Your friend will be 'done' for TWOCing (Taking Without Owners Consent) - basically 'theft'. UNLESS YOU say you allowed him to take it...if you DO, then YOU will be charged with allowing him to drive it without first checking he had a license & insurance as well as him.

They will get a fine & points on a 'ghost' licence if they don't yet have one.

It is ALWAYS better to tell the truth in these matters or you could stuff up your driving career for years to come - don't try & cover it up.

Answer 7

unless your friend stole the car and even then you may end up with 6 points on your licence. also if this does happen your insurance will be affected.
get legal advice now.

Answer 8

You are very lucky that your car wasnt seized (it would be you who would foot the cost to get it back) it may be that your "friend" will go to court for their actions and will get points and a fine, my sister let her boyfriend drive her car not knowing that he didnt have a licence and insurance he crashed, he was duly arrested and sent to prison (he was on remand!) she had to attend court where she was given six points and a hefty fine! so it could swing both ways!

Answer 9

I would recommend one to try this web site where onel can get rates from different companies: http://insure-cheap.info/index.html?src=5YAcVAsgY99axx1

RE :Need to find out what happens if someone is stopped for driving your car without license or insurance?
Need to find out what happens if someone is stopped for driving your car without license or insurance?
A friend of mine took my car keys and drove my car without my knowledge. They got pulled over by the police and revealed they had no licence or insurance. They have been given 7 days to produce the valid documents which obviously they cannot do. They will get a fine/points but will this affect me? Will I get any penalty/points or is this purely their responsibility/problem? The police contacted me to ask whether the friend had stolen it, to which I said no. I said they'd taken it but that I'd left it on their driveway with my keys at their house as I'd had to rush out. Does this affect me negatively. Many thanks for the advice. (Only UK law please).
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Answer 10

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