What is the Time Period for Issue of a Motor Ticket
Q.
I was flashed running a red light nearly 3 weeks ago, but have heard nothing. Is there a period when the ticket should be issued? Or is there a time period after which it becomes invalid?
A.
If you go through a red light without stopping or are caught out speeding above the legal limit, you are likely to be issued with a Notice of Intended Prosecution or NIP. These can be issued on the spot or in the case of an automatic camera placed near the lights or on the stretch of road where you commit the offence, then the first time you'll know you've been caught for definite is when the ticket appears on your doormat. But how long should this take?
Flashed by a camera
If you have been 'flashed' by a camera, or think you have, then the next few weeks can bring a tense wait, while you wait to see what the postman brings each day. In this scenario, the registered keeper of the vehicle should expect to be informed by post within 14 days, and when it arrives, the NIP should contain information on the location, the alleged offence and the time and place that it took place.
What happens if it doesn't come within 14 days?
If the ticket does not reach the offender, or the registered keeper of the vehicle within 14 days, then it can be considered invalid - unless one of the following conditions is applicable:
- If the offender was issued with a ticket on the spot by a police officer
- If the notice was sent by post within a reasonable time so that it could be expected to arrive within 14 days (for example, if a postal strike was to interrupt normal service), then it can be deemed that the NIP has been served even though it didn't arrive within the normal 14 day window. This is unusual, but worth bearing in mind.
- If the vehicle is involved in an accident and the driver knows this, then the police don't have to send an NIP.
- If the police haven't been able to get the name and address, or if the offender didn't comply with providing this information - someone driving a work or hire car could fall under this condition.
- If an address is not available or the offender has moved on without notifying the DVLA, then service at the last good known address of the offender will be seen as enough effort from the issuing authority.
In the case above, if none of the above conditions apply, then it would seem that you've not been issued with a ticket this time. Do remember how dangerous it is to run red lights, and try to make sure you don't make the same mistake again!
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