Appiah Adomako Writes: Why DVLA Must Stop Treating Every Expired Licence Holder as Delinquent.
About six weeks ago, CUTS raised concerns about the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority’s (DVLA) delinquency charges for late renewal and replacement of a driver’s licence. Our position is that merely holding an expired licence does not, in itself, constitute a crime. It only becomes an offence when one drives with an expired licence, as […] The post Appiah Adomako Writes: Why DVLA Must Stop…
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has come under fire for charging individuals with delinquency for holding expired driver's licences. CUTS argues that simply having an expired licence does not constitute a crime, but only becomes an offence when someone drives with an expired licence, as stated in Regulation 46(8) of the Road Traffic Regulations 2026 LI 2519.
A recent release from DVLA titled "Clarification on Delinquency Charges on Failed Renewal of Driver's Licence" emphasizes that drivers must always ensure their licences are active, but fails to consider situations where an individual cannot renew on time or has no intention to drive. These include professionals whose professional practice licences may have expired, individuals on peacekeeping missions, foreign postings, or medical reasons preventing them from driving.
The issue arises when these individuals attempt to renew their licences upon returning, facing delinquency charges for periods they were unable to renew. Examples cited include MPs, doctors, lawyers, and clergy members who have had their licences expire while unable to renew. The article questions the fairness of imposing delinquency charges on individuals who are following DVLA's instructions and renewing temporary licences during overseas stays, only to face charges upon returning.
CUTS argues that the system should not penalize individuals for following prescribed procedures, and that the DVLA should provide practical means for renewing licences abroad.
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