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New Insurance Law for Motor Vehicles now in force

26th August 2011
New Insurance Law for Motor Vehicles now in force image

New Insurance Law for Motor Vehicles now in force

It has long since been an offence to use a motor vehicle on a road or public place with no third party insurance in force. In this situation drivers can expect to receive a minimum of 6 penalty points upon their licence and could be disqualified from driving for the offence all of which in addition to a fine.

The Continuous Insurance Enforcement Scheme is now in force and it is now an offence to be the Registered Keeper of a vehicle which is not insured. Think that this will not affect you, then read on.

Whilst the ultimate objective is to prevent people driving without insurance and it is clearly easier to enforce as there is no need to catch the driver in the act of driving, a number of people could still fall foul of this provision.

Own a motorbike or classic car which you only use in summer and you must now either be insured all year round or make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) for the period that it is off the road.

Similarly if you own a car that you are repairing or modifying you cannot just cancel the insurance for the period that it would be off the road without making a SORN.

Who else could suffer? A divorcing couple for example where one party is the registered keeper but the other party is the one who uses the car in this instance the registered keeper may not even know that the insurance has not been kept in force.

Fortunately the penalties do not include penalty points but could include a fixed penalty fine, having the vehicle clamped, impounded or destroyed and possible court appearance and fine.

Registered keepers should however be aware that there is an offence of permitting the use of a vehicle with no insurance which carries the same penalties as the use of vehicle with no insurance including the imposition of penalty points or disqualification.

Should you be charged or summonsed with an offence involving no insurance and require representation or advice please contact Daven Naghen daven.naghen@maplessolicitors.com or Anita Toal anita.toal@maplessolicitors.com or ring the office on 01775 722261.

If you have been hit by an uninsured driver you may still be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers Bureau. If you require any assistance in this regard please contact Daven Naghen daven.naghen@maplessolicitors.com or ring the office on 01775 722261.


Stamp Duty Changes from 1st April 2025 image

Stamp Duty Changes from 1st April 2025

In accordance with Government Announcement on the 30th October 2024 from 1st April 2025, there will be several changes coming into effect.
Please note if you complete after 1 April 2025 then these changes could impact the stamp duty rate applicable to you even if you have exchanged contracts already.

Thresholds up to 31 March 2025

SDLT starts to apply when you buy property that costs:
- £250,000 for residential properties
- £425,000 for first-time buyers buying a residential property worth £625,000 or less
- £150,000 for non-residential land and properties

Thresholds from 1 April 2025

SDLT starts to apply when you buy property that costs:
- £125,000 for residential properties
- £300,000 for first-time buyers buying a residential property worth £500,000 or less
- £150,000 for non-residential land and properties

You can visit the gov.uk website and search Stamp Duty Land Tax where you will find further information and a calculator to enable you to calculate the rate and amount payable.

To discuss any Conveyancing matters please contact either Donna Sandison or Laura Day of our Conveyancing Team or telephone the office 01775 722261.

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Gemma Mayer LLB

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Faye Blair LLB

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Jamie Dobbs GCILEx

Over the last forty years I have cause to deal with many law firms both in a personal and professional capacity, including some ‘top’ London Companies. In all of those dealings I have never found anyone as proactive and so willing to offer help and advice as Jamie Dobbs. During the last two years Jamie guided my parents through the completion of Lasting Powers of Attorney. Helped myself with the use of the LPA and recently dealing with Probate and Estate Administration following their death.

Mike Pepper MA

Mike Pepper gave us excellent advice. He was always most helpful and accommodating giving lucid explanations every step of the way. Thank you Mike.

Donna Sandison FCILEx

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