Insurance news
12/01/2012
Many UK drivers unaware of need to update licence
Receiving expensive car insurance quotes after an indulgent holiday season is the last thing motorists need, but failing to update the photograph on their driving licence can also hit drivers financially as it could land them with a hefty fine.
Drivers who fail to update their driving licence photo can be hit with a maximum fine of £1,000 as, by law, the photo must be replaced every ten years.
A study by a car insurance provider has discovered that there is widespread uncertainty amongst drivers in regard to this issue. It is reported that 1.6 million drivers could be at risk of having to pay the fine at the moment, with the number increasing to 2.9 million by the end of the year.
However, the study also found that as many as 41% of UK drivers have now been made aware of the penalty of not updating their licence photo.
Those with paper licences are exempt from this law, with only those who have obtained their licence since 1998 having to ensure that their photo is updated every ten years. This can be enforced by the police under Section 99 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
The DVLA charge £20 for having the photo updated on a driver's licence, which is a small price to pay when compared to the fine which could be incurred otherwise.