Points that aren't points...
 

Mods, wasn't sure where to put this...

A while back, I got a TS20 (crossing white lines), and the officer that stopped me, said it would be 6 points. Fine, fair enough.

After a chat with an officer today (59 in a 40 :-dd), it turns out that the court only applied 3 points. Great. I've just checked on the website, and it turns out the original officer was wrong, it's only a 3 point offence.

Anyway, that puts me at 6 points total now (due to the laser trap today). Great, no different to what I had before!! Or is it...

Whilst on his mobile phone today, the officer looked a little puzzled. Basically, when he stopped me, he asked if I had a clean licence, to which I merrily replied "nope, 6 points." On the phone, he was told I had no points at all. :cheers:

As I understand it, I have to declare offences comitted to the insurance company, but does any-one know where I stand on these 3 points for TS20? Do they apply, or don't they?

Re: Points that aren't points...
 

Does your physical licence have endorsements marked down?
If you have official documentation showing that you were handed down a motoring conviction, then you'd definitely need to declare that in the timeframe requested.
There is some argument over the timeframe than an insurance company can request, however.

Re: Points that aren't points...
 

Yup, it's written on by hand. :rolleyes:

Must admit I was polite when I spoke to the officer (he seemed like a decent guy in all fairness), and suggested that I may contact DVLA to get it officially recorded.

On the subject of tiemframe for offences, yup, DVLA state 4 years minimum now. Most insurers seem to ask for a 5 year history.

Still, I set off today thinking I had 6 points on the licence. I still have 6 points on my licence now. So it's just £60 down the drain really.

Re: Points that aren't points...
 

How was the first offence dealt with? I mean, by way of Endorsable FPN or summons? If the FPN, then the white line is deffo only 3 points, no matter where you live.

Just clarify, what does the hand written counterpart say? 3 or 6?

The DVLA is a large, badly run thing. Most data is input by hand and is done on a "piece work" basis, with no regard for accuracy of details. It is possible that the local central ticket office that put your points on your licence by hand (when you surrendered it at a Police Station) after the white line moment failed to notify the DVLA, or the DVLA failed to update the correct licence.

Points are "live" for three years and remain recorded on the licence for four, hence the insurers requiring the five year licence history.

If DVLA say no offences recorded from the time of the white line incident, you have to decide what to do from there, either 'fess up, or move on with your new 3 points.

Oh, by the way, naughty naughty! ;)

Pete

Re: Points that aren't points...
 

It's was an FPN issued at the roadside, but the officer did quite clearly say it was a 6 pointer.

The paper bit clearly says (I never bothered to look at it until the officer had it today) 3 points.

Apparently, what has happened (according to the officer today) was that the court haven't notified DVLA of the points (and therefore possibly the offence).

Now, purely hypothetically... If someone chose the latter option... potential outcome later? Lets say I'm involved with some form of RTA, whereby at least partial blame lays with me. Would the insurance company rely on what DVLA say? Would police chase up the 3 points listed but not recorded?

Naturally, if I turn around to my insurance company & say "I have an SP30" but convientently forget about the TS20, I invalidate my own insurance... but is there anything other than that?

Could of been worse, he could of seen the plate, or the can without baffle...But to be honest, I stepped off the bike before he'd parked up, and walked over to his car, that's the closest he got to even looking at the bike. Could of been a more expensive bimble. ;)

Re: Points that aren't points...
 

Well... as you had already informed the insurance company of your 6 points when you took out the policy, it depends on if they asked for 'Which Offence Code'.

If they did, then it might be worth ringing them to lt them know that what you told them previously was wrong, and to correct it. However, depends how long you've got left to renew your policy as they mght make you pay a small admin charge ;)

Re: Points that aren't points...
 

Now see, that's the thing. The TS20 was last August, and I haven't had to renew insurance since then.

I pay for insurance yearly, so the only times I contact them usually is for renewals or claims (touchwood, none yet).

Re: Points that aren't points...
 

Well, when I've claimed on insurance in the past the Insurance company have always wanted a copy of my driving licence showing the points or lack of.

Not sure it's the same now though. what with them new fangled computers and what not.:D

Re: Points that aren't points...
 

I am of the opinion that honesty is always the best policy. That way, you avoid the sinking pit of the stomach feeling you get when that little white lie jumps up and bites you on the ****.

Insurance is unavoidable and expensive. We all know they hate paying out and, heaven forbid, a major event happens where they might be asked to pay out on a fatality or permanent disability, then are they going to pay if there is even a slight possibility the policy holder is not telling the truth?

There are many insurance investigators out there, I know a few, hell I even tutored one who took those skills and abandoned the Cops! They are the guys you have to prove it to.

It's only money after all.

Pete

Re: Points that aren't points...
 

phone dvla and say you have lost your paper part of your licence and could they re-issue you with another. might be free. then you will have a proper copy