Crime Solicitors

The DVLA is reminding drivers that after 8 June the paper counterpart of the driving licence will no longer have legal status – and motorists should destroy the paper counterpart after that date, unless they live in Northern Ireland, which is not affected by the change.

Photocard driving licences will still be legal and drivers should keep these.

The paper counterpart on a driving licence was introduced in 1998 so that details on a driving licence that would not fit on a photocard licence could still be displayed.

The sort of details which the paper counterpart used to show include vehicle categories of vehicle a driver is licensed to drive – as well as details of penalties for motoring offences and endorsements on a motorist’s licence.

The DVLA says that paper driving licences issued before the photocard was introduced in 1998 will continue to be valid and motorists should not destroy these. Drivers with paper driving licences can continue to use them provided the details are still relevant, such as name and address.

Paper driving licences do not need replacing unless lost or spoilt and should remain valid until motorists reach their seventieth birthday, when motorists can re-apply for a driving licence after taking a test.

Motorists who drive professionally re-apply for a new licence at the age of 45.
Paper driving licences are now replaced by photocard driving licences if they are lost or spoilt.

From 8 June, penalties for motoring offences will not be recorded on the driving licence but will be recorded electronically.

The Share Driving Licence service will enable motorists to access details of what is held on record online – including details of endorsements and penalty points on their licence.

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers – Motoring Offences

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise on motoring offences at any stage of a charge, including speeding offences, careless, dangerous or reckless driving, causing death by dangerous or careless driving, DUI, leaving the scene of an accident and charges relating to vehicle theft.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence lawyer can usually reach a police station or court within an hour to advise on motoring offences.

For expert legal advice on criminal charges and motoring offences, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.