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Home Notice of Intended Prosecution Explained

Notice of Intended Prosecution Explained

Notice of Intended Prosecution definition is that either a written letter or verbal warning is issued to warn an individual that they are being considered for prosecution.

The law states that a defendant cannot be convicted of certain road traffic offences (see below for examples) unless they have received prior warning that they are being considered for prosecution.

The Notice of Intended Prosecution procedure initiates either verbally or by writing at the time the offence was committed, or within 14 days of the offence a summons or Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) may be issued to the defendant. The 14 day rule is explained in further detail towards the end of this page.

Notice of Intended Prosecution examples

The offences to include aiding and abetting, to which Section 1 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 are as follows:

  • Dangerous driving – see dangerous driving for further details on the offence and potential penalties and fines
  • Careless driving and/or driving without reasonable consideration – see careless driving for further details on the offence and potential penalties and fines
  • Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position
  • Dangerous cycling
  • Careless cycling
  • Disobeying certain traffic signs and police signals or light signals such as a red light
  • Speeding offences


Notice of Intended Prosecution time limit

Notice of Intended Prosecution

The law states that you must have received the Notice of Intended Prosecution within 14 days of the date of the offence, unless it was issued at the time of the offence. If it was received after 14 days, you may not be prosecuted.

By law you must receive the Notice of Intended Prosecution within 14 days of the date of the offence, unless it was issued at the time of the offence. The actual day of the offence is not counted within the 14 day rule. A NIP is still often sent even if you were warned by police at the time of the offence that they are to consider prosecution.

If the Notice of Intended Prosecution was received after the 14 days, they may be unable to prosecute you. There are circumstances however where receiving the NIP after 14 days can still lead to prosecution. If you were driving a company car, hire car, rent car or were using someone else’s car at the time of the offence, you may still get prosecuted when receiving the NIP after 14 days.

The Notice of Intended Prosecution 14 day rule is for the police to abide by to ensure they have served the original notice within. Authorities must ensure that the notice is sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle if they are unable to determine who was driving at the time of the offence.

Such situations may occur when a NIP is issued due to an offence caught via a speed camera. A Notice of Intended Prosecution can be sent via normal first or second class post, recorded delivery or occasionally delivered by hand.

If the Notice of Intended Prosecution was sent within the 14 day time period but you did not receive it due to driving a hire car, borrowed car, did not register the vehicle with the DVLA, moved house or sold the car, none of this invalidates the notice. It may take many weeks or months before the offender becomes aware of the NIP, the police however have up to six months to prosecute.


Notice of Intended Prosecution lost in post

A Notice of Intended Prosecution delivered by post was originally only delivered by recorded or registered delivery. As of 1994 however, the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 was amended to allow for standard postal delivery. As already covered, a NIP can be sent via first class or second class mail or recorded delivery. Many of us have at some point experienced mail either not finding the address it was intended for, or a piece of mail never arriving.

A Notice of Intended Prosecution getting lost in the post is therefore possible. You will of course only realise this when you have received a NIP reminder. Unfortunately, the prosecutions only requirement in this matter is to prove that the original NIP was sent within the 14 day time limit. Providing the notice was sent to you within the time constraint, the original NIP remains valid regardless of when you received it.

Notice of Intended Prosecution not signed

The Notice of Intended Prosecution must be signed, but not necessarily by hand signature. It is acceptable for the notice to be signed on behalf of the Chief Constable by type.

Notice of Intended Prosecution penalty, fines and points

Upon receiving the NIP, it should be signed and returned to address supplied within 28 days. The Notice of Intended Prosecution time limit of 28 days can incur harsh penalties of a fine up to £1,000 and six penalty points on a driver’s licence if not dealt with inside the 28 day time constraints. A Notice of Intended Prosecution penalty points and fines vary depending on the severity of the offence and whether a Fixed Penalty was offered or if the case is referred to court.

Notice of Intended Prosecution speeding

If you have received a Notice of Intended Prosecution through the post due to being caught by a speed camera, you may if the offence was relatively minor or there are mitigating circumstances, receive a Conditional Offer Fixed Penalty or a Speed Awareness Course offer. The conditional offer of a Fixed Penalty fine is £100 along with 3 to 6 penalty points depending on the severity of the offence. If the offence is referred to court, a speeding offence has a maximum fine of £1,000, or £2,500 if the offence was committed on a motorway.


Notice of Intended Prosecution has incorrect name or address

A Notice of Intended Prosecution that has incorrect name or address details may not be enough to invalidate the notice. Although it may be tempting to ignore a Notice of Intended Prosecution due to these inaccuracies, if the matter goes to court, it will be determined whether the offender is trying to avoid prosecution due to minor technicalities.

If the notice is obviously issued to the correct name and address but was ignored due to incorrect spelling or other typing details, the court may fine up to £1,000 and up to six penalty points for failing to identify the driver of the said offence.

A Notice of Intended Prosecution is sent to the name and address of the registered vehicle, details of which are obtained from the DVLA database. The police and NIP processing department cannot be held responsible for name or address inaccuracies in a court.

The Notice of Intended Prosecution arrived after 14 days

If the Notice of Intended Prosecution arrived 14 days after the offence (excluding the day of the offence), you cannot be prosecuted unless for the following exceptions:

  • A full or provisional fixed penalty notice has been given or fixed
  • A NIP that arrived later than 14 days but was posted well within the 14 days’ time limit so that it would be ordinarily considered to reach the recipient within the limit
  • The car of the driver charged has been involved in an accident, and the driver is aware of it.
  • The police with reasonable diligence could not obtain the name and address of the offender within the 14 day limit
  • The police are unaware of your current address and send the NIP to last known address


Notice of Intended Prosecution procedure

Providing the NIP has been received by the registered keeper of the vehicle within 14 days and the NIP has been returned naming the driver at the time of the offence within 28 days, police will issue either a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or if the driving offence is more serious, a court summons.

Notice of Intended Prosecution 14 day rule

Many of us lead busy lives. Driving is often considered a chore and a means to get where we need to go in the shortest of time. It’s surprisingly easy to forget where we have been driving, on which roads and what times. The Notice of Intended Prosecution 14 day rule is what the police notice processing department must abide by to allow a reasonable time frame for the offence to be processed and delivered, but also to allow motorists as minimal time as possible from the date of the offence to remember who was driving.

It’s common for partners to share one car. The Notice of Intended Prosecution will be sent to the registered keeper if the offender was not questioned by the police at the time of the offence. For example, this could be due to receiving a Notice of Intended Prosecution due to a speed camera. It is law that the registered owner of the vehicle must identify the driver responsible for the offence, hence the 14 day time limit rule allows motorists in this situation a reasonable time-frame to remember who was driving.

Ignoring a Notice of Intended Prosecution

Ignoring a Notice of Intended Prosecution is potentially going to result in the issue escalating, resulting in greater fines. If there are inaccuracies within the NIP or you received the NIP late, it’s important that you reply.

It is law that upon receiving a NIP, the driver at the time of the offence must be identified to the authorities. Ignoring a Notice of Intended Prosecution is therefore failing to identify which can incur a £1,000 fine and 6 penalty points on a driving licence.


Requesting photographic evidence

It is surprisingly difficult to remember who was driving at a particular time and place several days ago, especially when multiple persons have access to the same vehicle. It becomes even more confusing if the original NIP sent by first or second class post never arrived, only to receive a reminder several weeks later from the time of the offence.

The police are not obliged to release photographic evidence along with the Notice of Intended Prosecution, however many authorities will supply photographic evidence upon request. Unfortunately, such photographic evidence seldom helps the situation due the driver being obscured or insufficient clarity on the image.

A Gatso speed camera will typically take photos of the rear of the vehicle, making it almost impossible to distinguish the driver. Although not remembering who was driving at the time isn’t a ‘loophole’ as such, you can’t be prosecuted if you weren’t driving at the time of the offence and it’s the prosecutions job to determine the proof needed.

If you genuinely cannot remember who was driving, don’t be pushed into providing a name. Explain the situation to the police and do all you can to obtain any evidence as to whom was driving. It’s not advised to lie however. If proof is obtained by the prosecution as to the driver of the offence, the offence will become much more serious.

Information on various driving offences

  • Driving offences



Driving Test Tips
Comments: 82
  1. Kay
    at

    Hi
    I had a letter asking me to confirm if I was driver driving 56mph on motorway when restricted to 40mph. I was and returned letter. The letter didn’t ask me to pay a fine, speak of points or ask for my licence. I haven’t been through this before. Is this usual? I also haven’t heard since I returned letter confirming to be me over 4 weeks ago. What to do?

    ReplyCancel
  2. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Kay,
    They simply want to ascertain if you were the driver of the vehicle which is normal. There’s nothing you need to do except wait.

    ReplyCancel
  3. MR W
    at

    I’ve just paid a fine and had 3 points popped onto my license for an offence on 13th August this year, I didn’t realise about this 14 day rule. The letter that I received issuing NIP was dated 31st August. Guessing its too late to challenge now?

    ReplyCancel
  4. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Mr W,
    I think the best course of action would be to contact a solicitors that deals specifically with road traffic offences. Most offer some free advice.

    ReplyCancel
  5. Justin
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    Hi i got nip 23/11/2017 but my offensce was made 03/10/2017 its more than 5 days late. Does 14 days rule apply to me?

    ReplyCancel
  6. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Justin,
    The regulations outlined above cover the general rules of a notice of intended prosecution. Based on individual cases, I would recommend consulting with Citizens Advice which is free, who will then be able to advise.

    ReplyCancel
  7. Mr.N
    at

    Hi, If I was given the yellow slip which has Verbal NIP ticked, than does the 14 day rule still apply for the postal NIP ?

    Thanks.

    ReplyCancel
  8. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Mr.N,
    No it doesn’t apply as you have already been issued the NIP verbally.

    ReplyCancel
  9. Craig
    at

    I received a NIP for dangerous driving careless driving saying I done a wheelie at about 6mph at the most I don’t want to be banned as use my bike/car for work I said my hands were cold and my fingers sliped off the clutch resulting in a small wheelie do you think I will receive a speed aweness course I have never been done for anything like this in the past had my car liscance 5 years and done my CBT 3 times and never been done before thanks for your information

    ReplyCancel
  10. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Craig,
    I think it’s unlikely you’ll be offered a speed awareness course as the NIP is related to the wheelie and not the speed you were traveling at. If you get a fixed penalty, then you will receive a fine and penalty points and will not lose your licence provided you do not exceed 12 points on your licence. If it goes to court, you can explain the mistake to the judge. Based on what you are saying, it doesn’t seem severe so I would imagine a ban would be far too extreme.

    ReplyCancel
  11. J khan
    at

    I was stopped 7 months ago for driving with no food delivery insurance but I have normal Inshurnce that time thay tuk my motorbike to pound Station and I’ve still not heard anything from anyone about it. When do people usually hear something back? Or am I in the clear?

    ReplyCancel
  12. Craig
    at

    My dad who is the registered keeper of the car received the Notice of intended prosecution on the 15/01/18 but the speeding offence was recorded on the 07/12/17 so it is more than 5 weeks late. The offence was done by me, a named driver of the car, and my dad straight away after receiving the letter nominated me as the driver so does the 14 day rule still apply in my case as initially the NIP was not provided to the registered keeper of the car within 14 days?

    ReplyCancel
  13. Jamie
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    Hi, i was pulled over the other day by police. I was driving fast but im not sure by how much. The police car followed me for a few minutes very closely and i did go onto the outside lane to let him pass on the inner(it was a undercover cop so i didnt realise it was police). When i was stopped the police didnt mention to me why i was stopped. They took my name and address to check whether i was insured. He wrote it down on his phone and sent it to probably control room to find out. He asked me why i was driving like that to which i replied i dont know. He didnt caution me not did he give me any paperworks. Does this suggest i am free of any fines as its really bugging me. Thanks

    ReplyCancel
  14. Driving Test Tips
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    Hello Jamie,
    Seems a bit strange he didn’t mention why you were stopped. He really should have given you a verbal Notice of Intended Prosecution which would later been followed up by official paperwork through the post. However, you may receive one through the post still.

    ReplyCancel
  15. Jamie
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    Yes i though the same. He literally just took my details and then said i can go. I didnt have any id with me aswel. He took my details, asked my “why where you driving like that” i replied i dont know” and off i went

    ReplyCancel
  16. Claire
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    I have just been informed of driving in a bus lane on the 31/10/17 it’s now 13/02/18 they have photo evidence is this invalid now as it’s too late?

    ReplyCancel
  17. Melissa
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    Hi,

    i got a nip on the 13/2/18 for an offence that happened on the 19/1/18 (motorway, speed cameras wernt suppose to be on and it was at 11:30 at night! lol) the issue date was 10/2/18 which is out of the 14 days? what do i do?

    it somehow got sent to my new address, ive not long moved but kept in contact with my old landlord which informed me nothing got sent, i sent of to change my address to the dvla but not yet recieved anything back which is why i spoke to my old landlord

    what do i do?

    ReplyCancel
  18. Mr E
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    I was stopped for speeding and issued a verbal NIP and given a yellow ticket for this, no complaints I was caught fair and square.
    I was told I’d receive info in the post about the fine and getting the points put on my licence. This has now arrived, however they have put incorrect details down about the car I was driving, all other info is correct, time, places, my details but the car number plate is not mine. They put the correct first letter and correct last 3 letters but the 2nd letter and numerical info is incorrect.
    Does this mean I can escape on a technicality? What’s the best next step??

    ReplyCancel
  19. Driving Test Tips
    at

    I would think this is likely a bit of a gamble. You can argue that the car reg is not yours and they may decide to drop it there and then. If they decide to escalate it and prove it was you, then it may result in greater fines.

    ReplyCancel
  20. Mr annoyed
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    I received an NIP for “Use a motor vehicle on a road fail to maintain lamps/reflectors/rear markings/devices in working order / clean” (phoning them revealed alleged offence is I was driving when a light was partially covered by snow whilst another one was out during the recent snow). Is this covered by section 1 of the act? I challenged the NIP as it took 24 days to arrive, but response from local constabulary is that this offence is excluded and they don’t need to abide by the 14 day rule. Tried reading the act but couldn’t really make sense of it.

    ReplyCancel
  21. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Generally all the police need to do is to prove that they did all they can do to ensure the NIP was sent within the 14 period to the last known address of the registered keeper. Whether it actually was received by yourself at your current address in time is not their issue. I would contact them again and ask specifically why this offence is excluded. If there is no legitimate reason why the NIP is late, this can be used for a defense, though it is advisable to contact a motor defense solicitor who will have current and specific advice at hand.

    ReplyCancel
  22. Katrina Williams
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    I bought a car from a friend and apparently I got caught speeding. My friend received Nip over 7 weeks ago but failed to inform the police and only now sending it back where does this leave me
    Kate

    ReplyCancel
  23. Driving Test Tips
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    Hi Kate,
    It still leaves you liable for prosecution. The police have 6 months in which to prosecute.

    ReplyCancel
  24. Kelly
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    Hi
    I’ve been issues with a speeding letter but due to recently moving into a family members temporarily due to have to move out of my family home under family circumstances my letter was sent to my old address as I forgot to update that I’m living at a new one for a few weeks under my new house is ready. Is it a problem if I fill out the form with my current address I’m at now just letting them know then changing it agin once I move properly? Due to family problems I haven’t changed the address due to forgetting

    ReplyCancel
  25. Driving Test Tips
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    Hello Kelly,
    If it is just temporary for a few weeks, it would probably be best to keep the address as it is providing you are returning shortly and have access to the property and it is still your registered home. Best not to take too long though else you may be prosecuted for failing to provide information.

    ReplyCancel
  26. Sfchim
    at

    Hi My husband got caught speeding at 6.15am he had just come out of a 50 into a 30 and got caught at 76 (It’s not good I know I’ve said this) no excuse but his 3rd day into a new job and was running late he signed all the stuff which come through the post and returned it 3days later.
    This was on 3rd December 17 he still hasn’t heard anything how long does it normally take please?thanks

    ReplyCancel
  27. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Sfhcim,
    Documents must be submitted to court within 6 months, then after the 6 months it will usually take the court a few more weeks. So anytime within a little over 6 months is what you can expect to see some documentation come through the post.

    ReplyCancel
  28. Alan
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    I had a red light NIP which I received 4 days after the offence, no problem, hold my hands up.Filled it in there and then and handed it in to the local police station desk which it said on the form I could do and 14 days later am still awaiting to here from them . Is this normal?

    ReplyCancel
  29. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Alan,
    There is a ‘6 month rule’ if you want to call it that, where the police have 6 months to prosecute after the NIP has been returned. After the 6 months have passed, it’ll be too late for the police to bring charges.

    ReplyCancel
  30. Amy
    at

    I got 2 NIP on the same day (I did both offence on the same day, one afternoon and one at night), I sent back the first and got a reply to offer a speed awareness course, which I already booked.
    I was the driver for both cases but what will happen if I send back the 2nd NIP that I was a driver? Will they offer another course or will they fine me and put 3 points on my driving licence? I need to send back the second letter within 28 days as well but I would like to know what to expect.
    Many thanks,

    ReplyCancel
  31. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Amy,
    You can only do the speed awareness course on one NIP as you can only do the course once in a three year period.

    ReplyCancel
  32. Kelly
    at

    I got caught by a camera in a van at the side of the road but my speed isnt on the letter?

    ReplyCancel
  33. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Kelly,
    The NIP is essentially to inform you that you may be prosecuted for an offence committed. Further paperwork of the offence may follow the NIP later.

    ReplyCancel
  34. joe
    at

    i was pulled over and told i ran a red light, the officer said i would be prosecuted for this, he took my details and didnt give me anything and sent me on my way, its been 26 days and still havent heard anything. what should i expect?

    ReplyCancel
  35. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Joe,
    As you have received your notice of intended prosecution verbally by the officer, the 14 day rule does not apply and they have up to 6 months to take action.

    ReplyCancel
  36. Imare
    at

    I was given NIP on the day of the offence. The offence was dropping off a passenger on a zig-zag marking. What is the possible prosecution?

    ReplyCancel
  37. Driving Test Tips
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    Hello Imare,
    You will likely receive a fixed penalty – three points and a fine.

    ReplyCancel
  38. bips
    at

    I received a NIP for over speeding, at 21.25 36 miles on 30 miles zone. I hold a provisional license and I had my friend who hold a valid driving license with me. I do have insurance on this car. I have returned NIP for further procedure. I had no L plate on the rear side of the car ( I originally had it and no excuse if it was not there it is solely my mistake though I never drove car without L playe. What worries me is, will the police catch you for this offence as well or will they only charge me for speeding. I have submitted my driving license details

    ReplyCancel
  39. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello bips
    Modern speed cameras are able to pick up more offences such as not wearing a seat belt, mobile phone use etc. It is feasible that they may notice the lack of L plates, but equally, it could be missed.

    ReplyCancel
  40. bips
    at

    Yes I agree with you. I received a NIP and it has mentioned that I was at 36 miles on 30 zone(it was at 21.25 night). I have noticed my missing L plate next day morning ( I know this is not an excuse and I am here to face what ever the law decides). My concern is, will the police check the L plate after seeing my NIP submission with provisional license. The last thing I want is to have points for driving without L plate and loosing the ability to drive here with a ban.

    ReplyCancel
  41. bips
    at

    I tried to search through the cases and find if there is any such scenarios and could not see any, I am due for my driving test next week and very worried about this. If anyone knows what all things they check after NIP return it would be helpful. Fingers crossed. Thank you

    ReplyCancel
  42. junaid mohammed
    at

    hi. what happened? in same situation so please help.

    ReplyCancel
  43. Craig
    at

    Hi I came home from work yesterday to find a NIP doing 7mph over the limit, the offence occurred on the 13/10/18 but the notice issue date wasn’t until the 31/1018 should I contest this now ? And if I do would it then go against me applying for the speed awareness course instead of points ?

    ReplyCancel
  44. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Craig,
    If you are absolutely sure that you can contest the NIP and win, then of course go ahead and do so, but yes, it may reduce your chances of being offered a speed awareness course. There are certain criteria that you must meet in order to be offered a speed awareness course, and this varies slightly between police forces (you can’t apply or ask for one). It would probably be beneficial for you to go over the specifics of your offence with a motoring offence solicitor and they will advise you.

    ReplyCancel
  45. Graeme
    at

    I have just been caught by a mobile speed camera doing 45 in a 30 zone. Will I be taken to court for this? Or will I just be fined and have points added to my license? My license is clean at the moment.

    ReplyCancel
  46. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Graeme.
    You fall into Band B speeding offence category which is between 11 and 20 mph over the speed limit. Band B can result in court attendance or a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). If you have no previous speeding convictions, it’s less likely to go to court.

    ReplyCancel
  47. Andy
    at

    Hi
    Is the date on the NIP the Alleged Offence date, or just the date the letter was sent ?

    Thanks, Andy

    ReplyCancel
  48. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Andy,
    The date at the top of the letter is the date the letter was sent. It should provide the times of the offence within the content of the letter.

    ReplyCancel
  49. Paul
    at

    I got a nip form well the 2nd one as I didn’t sign the first as I don’t know what offence I have done. just says driving with out due care and attention, i not been stopped and no incidents and it’s annoying cause I’m in the dark here. I signed the form under protest, written a letter asking for evidence etc..the buggers

    ReplyCancel
  50. Kings
    at

    I received a nip for driving at 48 in a 40 zone, I was caught by a red light camera. I’m kind of worrying that I drove though a red ligjt, because I can’t remember if it was green, I’ve never drove through a red lightning before nor have I nearly drove through one, but I took my eyes off the road for two seconds to reach for my asthma inhaler, so this is why I’m struggling to remember, it was late at night and the car in front of me he just passed through the light 5 seconds or maybe less before me I’ve received the letter for speeding three days after the offence, is it likely that I would get the nip for the red light at the same time? I’m just a little worried as I’ve only been driving for a year and half and 2 offences will cost me 6 points and the loss of my licence ?

    ReplyCancel
  51. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Kings,
    If the traffic lights have a separate camera on them, then it is possible that you could receive a NIP on a separate date. Do you travel through these lights often? You should be able to see if there’s a camera mounted on the lights.

    ReplyCancel
  52. Mario
    at

    Hello,one month ago I I run on a red traffic light with 29 miles speed 12,5 sec and Got NIP .What i can expect from court .???

    ReplyCancel
  53. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Mario,
    It might not go to court if there’s an admission of guilt. Probably looking at a fine of £100 and 3 penalty points for running a red light providing it was the only offence.

    ReplyCancel
  54. Axel
    at

    Hi, after 40 years without a blemish, never a warning nor a single point, a mobile camera got me at 36mph in a 30mph zone which just dropped from 40. Offence at end of August. Hire company invoiced me on 20th Sep (£40 admin charge) telling me Police were informed of my details. Finally had the NIP delivered today (16th October). Surely the same limitation should apply once they’ve been given my details. It’s more than 14 days since they were informed who I am. Is this worth fighting or do I just shut up and pay up?

    ReplyCancel
  55. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Axel,
    You may wish to take legal advice, but I believe that as you were driving a hire car, they have longer to prosecute.

    ReplyCancel
  56. Matt
    at

    I got caught by a red camera back in December at 4.10 in the morning. Just came of a night shift the day before and back on days had a moment of concentration and went through the light on red and it states kn my letter it was red for 6.1 seconds. I havent been offered a fpn so guessing its going to court. Am I likely to loose my licence over this?

    ReplyCancel
  57. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Matt,
    Ultimately it’s down to the discretion of the judge. If you have an otherwise clean licence and your actions didn’t affect other road users or pedestrians, then I would think a driving ban unlikely. The probable outcome is a fine and penalty points, though there’s also the possibility of a driver awareness course.

    ReplyCancel
  58. Andy
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    I have received a letter from my local force (cheshire) for an application for name and address for an offence in Scotland. The offence took place on 25/02 and the papers were served on the 12/04 by a Cheshire Police officer who didnt explain why this was hand delivered. This is a company vehicle and the letter has my correct details on it. Is this within the correct time frame it can I contest it?

    ReplyCancel
  59. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Andy, As it was a company vehicle that you were using, they are permitted extended time over the 14 days limit. I would recommend taking initial free legal advice.

    ReplyCancel
  60. Ade
    at

    I received 2 NIPs for speeding and I had to return them back within 28 days. But I come to realise that 28 days have passed as I misunderstood the counting ( excluding weekends). In fact, II am now on 38 days. What would be the consequences of this? Should I send them with that delay or go to court?

    ReplyCancel
  61. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hello Ade,
    It’s always best to avoid court (unless it’s your intention to fight it in court) as you’re likely to incur greater charges and fines. I would get them sent back ASAP

    ReplyCancel
  62. Ella
    at

    Hi, I’ve received an NIP which is 1) outside the 14 day window (Speeding apparently 27/06, ref date of postage 20/07) and b) has the wrong surname (accurate on dvla) records. How would you challenge to prevent the points & fine?
    Thanks!!

    ReplyCancel
  63. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Ella,
    I would always recommend that you take advice from a traffic offence solicitor even if you feel that you can contest the NIP.

    ReplyCancel
  64. Sam
    at

    I got a NIP through the post for careless driving, with no supporting evidence or info as to what it was, only where. The only thing I can remember was over taking a car doing 40 in a national speed limit country road (on a straight) when there was a cyclist heading towards me, I pulled back into my lane quite far ahead of the cyclist though. if this is the offence, what sort of outcome should I expect?

    ReplyCancel
  65. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Sam,
    The fixed penalty for careless driving is 3 penalty points and £100 fine. However, if it goes to court under ‘Driving without due care and attention’ and/or ‘Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users’, the penalty points range from 3 to 9 along with a fine of up to £5000. Points for careless driving remain on your licence for 4 years.

    ReplyCancel
  66. Sam
    at

    The NIP said “Driving without due care and attention” – Does this mean it will automatically go to court?

    ReplyCancel
  67. Driving Test Tips
    at

    No, a notice of intended prosecution doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll go to court. Depends how serious the offence was. You may receive a fixed penalty (3 points and £100 fine). If you choose to ignore the fixed penalty or refuse it, it will then go to court.

    ReplyCancel
  68. Zomi
    at

    Hello, I got 3 NIPs through the post, all dated 22nd September 2020 for speed limit offences committed on different days (28th June, 24th July and 7th August 2020). I have filled the section A of the NIP forms, but seeing this 14 day rule, what do you suggest I do? I currently am using an international drivers license that is valid until November 2020, which I provided in the section requiring driving license details. I have a UK provisional license, but do not yet have a full UK license, and I am yet to take the UK driving tests. What is your advice on this?

    ReplyCancel
  69. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Zomi,
    There are some technicalities for the 14 day rule. Are you the registered keeper and is the vehicle registered to your address? The only obligation that the police have is to send the NIP within 14 days to the registered keeper at the last known address on the DVLA database. Due to there being a few speeding offences on your NIP, it’s important that you get it sorted professionally. I would advise seeking some free initial advice from a road traffic law solicitor.

    ReplyCancel
  70. Rose
    at

    Hi
    I received a NIP at the roadside for speeding. Verbal box ticked.
    I’ve read and re-read the green copy that I have and it’s says not to do anything until I received comms from West Mercia.
    I’m just worried because of the wording…intended prosecution…do I just wait for them to contact me??

    ReplyCancel
  71. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Rose,
    Yes, just wait. The final result depends on how fast you were going over the speed limit. If it was only a little over the limit, you may receive a fixed penalty notice (3 penalty points and £100 fine) or the option of a speed awareness course. If you were driving over the speed limit by a larger margin, you may have to go to court.

    ReplyCancel
  72. Hayley
    at

    I have today received a NIP letter dated 15/10/20. The date of the offence was 1/8/20. I know that I still need to provide the driver details but can I appeal this due to the time it’s taken to send it out!

    ReplyCancel
  73. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Haley.
    There are quite specific circumstances where the 14 day rule applies. I would recommend that if you think you’re eligible for an appeal, you should seek professional advice.

    ReplyCancel
  74. Adam
    at

    I don’t know if I’ve been reported for dangerous driving, will I receive an NIP in the next 14 days if I have?

    ReplyCancel
  75. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Adam,
    That could be likely.

    ReplyCancel
  76. Jason derilo
    at

    There was a bend and I spun the car out and the tyres screeched and police where at the end of the bend the followed me . I was unaware As it was undercover police then I was trying to overtake a bus however I didn’t because of oncoming traffic I stayed in my lane . Police stopped me took my details and done me for careless driving . I’ve been passed 10 months do you think I will 6 points ??

    ReplyCancel
  77. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Jason,
    Careless driving is 3 to 9 points. It doesn’t sound like what you did is worthy of a ban, but of course I don’t know all the details.

    ReplyCancel
  78. CPT Obvious
    at

    In reply to Jason derilo.

    You tried to overtake a bus on a bend, you definitely deserve the points and a ban, and if it was up to me, I’d make you retake your driving test and lessons

    ReplyCancel
  79. Gary
    at

    My friends daughter has only recently passed her test and within 6 days she has a NIP for doing 35mph in a 30mph. My friend is worried as his daughter is 17 and he does not think she can take the speed awareness course. Can his daughter take the course so as to not get points on her licence and if she can take the course does she have to inform her insurance company?

    ReplyCancel
  80. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Gary,
    She might be offered the speed awareness course, but you can’t request it. It’s usually offered to drivers who are not significantly over the speed limit when caught. If she does get offered the speed awareness course and she accepts it, she wont get any points on her licence. She is not legally obliged to inform her insurance company of the course.

    ReplyCancel
  81. Ema
    at

    Hi, my dad got caught driving alone with a provisional licence 4-5 weeks ago but still didnt receive a nip, on gov’s site he still has 0 penalty points. What that should mean?

    ReplyCancel
  82. Driving Test Tips
    at

    Hi Ema,
    Are you sure he didn’t receive the NIP at the time of the offence? If that’s the case, or if it isn’t his car, the 14 day rule doesn’t apply.

    ReplyCancel

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