Notice period

[IPAddis]

I have been told that the police are required to send your NIP within a certain period. Can anyone remind me what this is (1 month?) and tell me if it applies to all offenses or just speeding? I was about to do a quick loop around a small roundabout to go back in the other direction but the 2 granny cars in front of me were stopped trying to work out why their exit was closed (roadworks). As they were completely stationary and I was in a mad rush, I decided to do a quick half-donut U-turn around the island at the entrance to the roundabout (involving temporarily going the wrong way round the roundabout). Unfortunately, I failed to notice the police van two cars behind me. They didn't stop but probably took my reg no. Anyone know what kind of penalties you can get for a moment of bad judgement? Can you get done by a non-traffic cop van? Ta, Ian A.

[john robson]

Its 14 days for an NIP. it has to be served on the registered keeper within that time, not the driver. 1st class postage is considered sufficient. and if you hav'nt changed owners, the last known keeper will do. NIP's apply to speed, dangerous, careless driving,plus a few others. They do not need to be posted if you are stopped at the time of the offence and it is given verbally, or if you are issued with a fixed penalty, or if you are involved in an RTA of which you are aware. A non traffic cop van provided it is driven by coppers can 'do' you for most things, even speeding if they want to go to the trouble of getting a traffic officer to check the speedo accuracy, Mmm penalty for a moment of bad judgement, if it comes under the heading of careless driving a fine and up to 6 points if its really bad and could be described as "falling far below that of a carefull and competant driver" then it comes under the heading of dangerous driving, which is a ban + points + fine and even prison. next please?. Edited by john robson on Monday 19th March 22:25 Edited by john robson on Monday 19th March 22:30