Time Limits in Motoring Cases
In motoring law, strict time limits apply to how long the police and prosecution have to begin proceedings. If these deadlines are missed, the case may be invalid. Knowing your rights can make the difference between facing penalty points and having a case dismissed.
Our solicitors will be by your side at every stage of the court process, providing clear guidance and strong defence to protect your license.
Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)
For most offences (such as speeding), the police must send a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) to the registered keeper within 14 days of the alleged offence.
- If the NIP is not received within this time, the case may be challenged.
- The 14-day rule applies to the first notice only — later notices (such as when the vehicle is a company car) may be sent outside this period.
Section 172 Requests
Along with a NIP, the registered keeper may receive a Section 172 request to name the driver.
- You normally have 28 days to reply.
- Failure to respond within this period is itself an offence carrying 6 penalty points.
Laying of Information in Court
For summary-only motoring offences (such as speeding or no insurance), the prosecution must begin proceedings within 6 months of the alleged offence.
This means:
- The police must “lay information” (submit the case) with the court within 6 months.
- The actual hearing can take place later, but the process must have been started within that time.
Common Issues with Time Limits
- Postal delays – Courts may still treat a notice as valid if it was posted in time, even if you received it late.
- Company vehicles – Notices often go to the company first, meaning delays for the individual driver.
- Misunderstanding deadlines – Missing your 28-day Section 172 deadline can result in harsher penalties than the original offence.
Why Time Limits Matter
- A late NIP may mean the case cannot proceed.
- Delays in starting proceedings beyond 6 months can result in dismissal.
- Understanding deadlines can help protect your licence and avoid unnecessary penalties.
How MC Solicitors Can Help
We can:
Review whether the police complied with all relevant time limits.
Advise if you have a defence based on late service of documents.
Challenge prosecutions that have been brought out of time.
Represent you in court to ensure deadlines are properly applied in your case.
Driving & Motoring Defence
Time Limits in Motoring Cases
In motoring law, strict time limits apply to how long the police and prosecution have to begin proceedings. If these deadlines are missed, the case may be invalid. Knowing your rights can make the difference between facing penalty points and having a case dismissed.
Our solicitors will be by your side at every stage of the court process, providing clear guidance and strong defence to protect your license.
Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)
For most offences (such as speeding), the police must send a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) to the registered keeper within 14 days of the alleged offence.
- ▸ If the NIP is not received within this time, the case may be challenged.
- ▸ The 14-day rule applies to the first notice only — later notices (such as when the vehicle is a company car) may be sent outside this period.
Section 172 Requests
Along with a NIP, the registered keeper may receive a Section 172 request to name the driver.
- ▸ You normally have 28 days to reply.
- ▸ Failure to respond within this period is itself an offence carrying 6 penalty points.
Laying of Information in Court
For summary-only motoring offences (such as speeding or no insurance), the prosecution must begin proceedings within 6 months of the alleged offence.
This means:
- ▸ The police must “lay information” (submit the case) with the court within 6 months.
- ▸ The actual hearing can take place later, but the process must have been started within that time.
Common Issues with Time Limits
- ▸ Postal delays – Courts may still treat a notice as valid if it was posted in time, even if you received it late.
- ▸ Company vehicles – Notices often go to the company first, meaning delays for the individual driver.
- ▸ Misunderstanding deadlines – Missing your 28-day Section 172 deadline can result in harsher penalties than the original offence.
Why Time Limits Matter
- ▸ A late NIP may mean the case cannot proceed.
- ▸ Delays in starting proceedings beyond 6 months can result in dismissal.
- ▸ Understanding deadlines can help protect your licence and avoid unnecessary penalties.
How MC Solicitors Can Help
We can:
Review whether the police complied with all relevant time limits.
Advise if you have a defence based on late service of documents.
Challenge prosecutions that have been brought out of time.
Represent you in court to ensure deadlines are properly applied in your case.
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