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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