Motorists not showing their ID when stopped by police

Analysis reveals the surging number of drivers who won’t disclose their identity

Motorists not showing their ID when stopped by police

Insurance News

By Paul Lucas

What would you do if you were stopped by the police? Would you have all of the necessary information to hand to prove your identity? It’s something that it seems many of us are overlooking – and it’s taking its toll on our insurance premiums too, as it is now the second most common motoring conviction.

An analysis from Churchill Car Insurance has revealed that convictions for failing to disclose the identity of a driver have risen by 46% over the last five years. It states that in 2015, 73,321 drivers in England and Wales were convicted for failing to supply the necessary identification when stopped by the police. 

Its report finds that more than a quarter of a million drivers failed to supply the necessary identity information – with police able to ask to see a driving licence, insurance certificate or MOT certificate. Should the driver fail to show any of the documents then they must supply the correct information within seven days at a police station or face conviction.

“Thousands of motorists are being convicted for failing to supply the necessary forms of driving ID, despite the fact it’s a compulsory request by the police when they stop drivers on the road,” said Steve Barratt, head of car insurance at Churchill. “This is important because it allows the police to verify that the driver is qualified and legally allowed to drive their vehicle and anyone driving without a valid licence is a potential threat to other road users.

“It is important that drivers ensure they have the relevant documentation to hand, or take the necessary steps to replace any misplaced paperwork as quickly as they can. Drivers are granted a short seven day window in order to verify their identity. After this they risk breaking the law and facing a court summons.”

Regional breakdown of motoring convictions for failing to supply correct driver ID information between 2011 and 2015
Region 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total % increase 2011-2015
London 11,307 12,339 12,247 10,707 14,043 60,643  24.2%
North West 9,624 9,777 8,343 8,244 11,780 47,768 22.4% 
West Midlands 6,437 5,109 4,878 4,982 7,422 28,828 15.3% 
South East 4,616 4,699 4,487 5,241 6,098 25,141 32.1% 
East Midlands 4,574 5,046 4,178 4,889 6,549 25,236 43.2% 
Wales 3,948 5,701 5,983 4,982 5,628 26,242 43.6%
East of England 3,730 3,160 2,533 4,574 5,754 19,751 54.3% 
South West 3,365 2,529 3,489 4,042 6,119 19,544 81.8% 
Yorkshire & Humberside 2,343 2,762 2,924 5,107 7,557 19,336 222.5% 
North East 1,613 1,693 1,625 1,604 2,371 8,906 47.0% 
Total England & Wales 50,200 52,815 50,687 54,372 73,321 281,395  46.1%
Source: Churchill’s Analysis of Ministry of Justice Data, 2011 - 2015


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