Seven Updates Drivers Must Tell the DVLA Else Risk Hefty Fines

Drivers have been warned to tell the DVLA of specific updates to avoid hefty fines and penalties. Motoring experts have named seven fines motorists could incur if they don’t declare certain information as the registered keeper of a vehicle. 

Many motorists are unaware they risk hefty penalties for failing to update the DVLA on specific matters and withholding details.

The UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency must be notified of a range of things, including standard medical conditions and address or name changes.

Penalties for not doing so are serious and could set drivers back up to £1000 and six points on their license.

If a driver is involved in an accident and has failed to declare the information, they could also be prosecuted.

Failure to keep the insurance company up to date with all relevant information and inform the DVLA could invalidate the policy, leading to serious consequences.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Motorists should always keep the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency up to date with any changes.

“There are a few things that car owners must tell the DVLA and anyone that doesn’t risk a huge fine or even being taken to court.

“It is easy to think some of these details, like a change of address, are insignificant and therefore forget to notify them, but there could be serious and expensive consequences.

“If you are registered as the official keeper of a car, you are responsible for official communications with the police, the DVLA and your insurer.

“If you need to check to get in touch with the DVLA to notify them of anything, go to their website.”

According to Quotezone.co.uk, withholding these seven pieces of information could result in hefty penalties: 

1. Provide Driver Details or Furnish Information

Any individual whom the DVLA has registered as the vehicle owner alleged to have committed an offence will be guilty of failing to provide driver details if they fail to name who was driving the vehicle at the time of the offence.

The penalty for failing to provide driver details is six points and a fine of up to £1,000.

2.         Changes to Eyesight

Drivers must inform the DVLA if their eyesight deteriorates or if they have visual impairments such as cataracts or glaucoma.

Their rules state that drivers must be able to read a number plate at 20 metres, which can be done with the help of contact lenses or glasses, and that, if required, these must always be worn whilst driving. Unfortunately, those whose eyesight does not meet the minimum requirements could risk a fine of up to £1000 and 3 penalty points on their license if caught driving.

Those with poor eyesight could also get their driving license revoked by police immediately if they think they are a risk on the roads.

3.         Medical Illnesses

Those who don’t declare a medical condition could fall foul of a fine of up to £1,000, and if the driver is involved in an accident, they risk prosecution.

The DVLA has an extensive list of over 110 conditions that can affect driving, so some motorists may be unaware of all these conditions or the extent to which they say can affect someone’s ability to drive.

Some of the most common conditions that may need to be disclosed include Diabetes, Vertigo and Sleep Apnoea, but there is a whole list on the website that can be checked.

In extreme medical cases, the DVLA says drivers must give up their licenses if they don’t meet the correct driving standards.

4.         A Change to Name or Gender

Not informing the DVLA of a legal name or gender change could land drivers a £1,000 fine. Newlyweds should watch out as failing to notify the DVLA is breaking the law, even when the process is free of charge.

Drivers should send off their old licenses and any supporting documents to update their driving licenses and vehicle logs accordingly.

5.         If a Vehicle Is not in Use or Off-Road

All cars must be insured and taxed, so anyone not using their vehicle must apply for a Statutory Off-Road Notice (SORN.)

Any keeper of a vehicle that will not be in use for an extended period should declare it as SORN so they don’t have to pay for it. This vehicle then cannot be used and must be kept in a private driveway or garage because leaving it on a public road is breaking the law.

After being registered as SORN, if the car is used on the road for any other reason than for a booked MOT or testing appointment, the keeper could be prosecuted and fined £2500.

6.         Car Modifications

Drivers need to update specific changes made to their vehicle on a V5C registration and send off evidence. The DVLA must be told about most modifications made to a car, such as if the chassis or body shell is modified or adaptations to the exhaust or number plate or if the vehicle is wrapped in another colour.

The DVLA will be in touch if they need to inspect the change made to the vehicle to check it is roadworthy. If they need to conduct tests and it fails, the car could be taken off the road until changes are made, or owners could be given a fine or court summons.

7.         Change of Address

Even if it’s not permanent, the DVLA must be informed of address changes to always reach the vehicle owner.

The vehicle logbook and driver’s license must always be up to date, whether permanent or temporary and can be changed online. Drivers can be fined up to £1000 if they do not tell DVLA of an address change.