What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
If a police officer doesn't serve a summons, can a driver plead not guilty and have no case to answer?
A driver is stopped by the police and after the driver's details are obtained the officer says: "You will be reported for driving without reasonable consideration for other road users". Nothing else is said. As the officer did not notify the driver that he was being reported for consideration of the question of prosecuting him and as no summons or NIP has been served in accordance with The Road Traffic Offender's Act 1988, am I correct in thinking that if the driver subsequently receives a summons he can plead 'Not Guilty' and submit that he has no case to answer?
Asked on 27 April 2013 by JR, York
Answered by
Honest John
No. Not correct. He was informed on the spot that he would be reported for "driving without reasonable consideration for other road users" and that is effectively the 'Notice of Intended Prosecution'. It may or may not go ahead.
Tags:
legal advice
police
Similar questions
What's the position where you are 'forced' across a red light with camera by a police car? It happened to someone in the lane next to me yesterday and could have been me. The police car came up behind...
With the restrictions on touching the screen of a smartphone while driving being considered, I assume all the cars with touchscreen controls for the radio, Sat Nav, heating etc will be withdrawn from sale...
I put my smartphone in a holder attached to the dashboard and then use it as a sat nav. Sometimes I need to touch it to see how far ahead a traffic jam is going on. Am I breaking the law if I touch it...