Motorists being caught out by 'unknown' driving licence renewal law
Drivers could be hit with fines with if they fail to follow this 'unknown' rule when renewing their licences.
The majority of motorists assume they are legally entitled to continue to drive whilst waiting for their new license to come through, however this isn't always the case.
Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 dictates whether drivers are legally allowed to be on the road while waiting for a driving licence renewal. This can become complicated when medical conditions are involved.
READ MORE: Dog owners misread pets and don't understand true meaning of their emotions, new study suggests
READ MORE: Boden's £46 joggers that 'suit every body shape' have shoppers begging for 'more colours'
Motoring website Honest John reports drivers who fail to meet certain conditions of their license could face fines, penalty points or even a complete driving ban.
According to Number 1 Plates, if a driver has a medical condition that could impact their ability to drive – their licence could be invalid.
This is the case even if they have not yet received an official revocation notice from the DVLA. Drivers aged over 70, or those with medical conditions requiring periodic assessments, are particularly at risk.
Motoring experts at Number 1 Plates experts said: "Unlike a traditional speeding ticket, where drivers are explicitly informed of their offence, the consequences of this little-known rule often come as a shock when they are pulled over or involved in an accident.
"Sensible steps to help avoid getting caught out include checking your driving licence expiry date, confirming your eligibility under Section 88, promptly disclosing any medical conditions and keeping a copy of your renewal application – this will prove your compliance if questioned.
"While the law may not always be widely publicised, ignorance is no defence in the eyes of the courts."
DVLA data shows that more than 1.2 million driving licences are revoked or refused each year – and medical conditions are a major cause.
Conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnoea or heart conditions can all impact someone’s ability to drive under Section 88.
