| Thousands of drivers could be at risk of fines of up to £1,000 because they have not renewed their photocard driving licences according to Steve Gelsthorpe, motoring defence specialist at Midlands based law firm Cartwright King.
Unlike the old style driving licences which are valid until the driver is 70, with the new photocard licences, they expire after 10 years. These new style licenses were first issued in 1998 which means that the first ones issued expired in July last year but many people have failed to renew them.
Not only do drivers with licences that have expired face the risk of prosecution if they are stopped by the police, but insurers may also refuse to pay out on any claims they make.
“According to the DVLA a quarter of drivers who were due to renew their photocard licences have failed to do so despite being sent reminders,” said Steve. “Whilst the new style licences are a little confusing and it is not immediately clear when the renewal date is, this is no excuse and drivers without a valid driving licence could still face a fine of up to £1,000. Anyone who faces prosecution would be well advised to consult a specialist motoring defence solicitor who would be best placed to help you avoid such a fine.”
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