If you or your business are notified of an investigation or prosecution for a motoring offence, you should contact a driving offence solicitor as soon as possible. 

For offences like speeding, the enforcement process may be started with a Notice of Intended prosecution (“NIP”).

The prosecution must be able to prove that the police issued and sent the NIP so it is delivered to the registered keeper of the vehicle within 14 days of the offence.

If you were driving a company vehicle that is registered in your employer’s name, the company will receive the NIP. It is required by virtue of section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to identify the driver of the vehicle at the time of the alleged offence.

If you are identified as the driver of the vehicle the police will send a NIP to you. There is no obligation on the police to do so within the original 14 day window. Once you receive the NIP, you will have 28 days to respond to it. The police will have 6 months to commence proceedings against you.  

If you receive a NIP or a summons for a driving offence, you are advised to seek legal advice from a regulatory solicitor. Call our Regulatory and Licensing Partner, James Lowe, on 07833 240400. George Green can assist with all road traffic and transport matters.