If you’ve received a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) for speeding, it’s tempting to think about naming someone else as the driver to avoid penalty points or a driving ban. The car involved in the speeding offence is central to the investigation, and the registered keeper must provide the correct details of the person who was driving at the time the offence was committed. But lying about who was driving when speeding is a criminal offence in the UK with life-changing consequences above and beyond a speeding ticket if you get caught.
As motoring solicitors, we at 1 Motoring Solicitors help drivers understand their legal position and defend their rights. Before you do anything, please read this guide carefully, and if you need expert advice, feel free to call us on 0333 023 7600.
Is It Illegal to Lie?
Yes. Under Section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 the registered keeper of a vehicle must identify the driver at the time of the alleged offence. Providing false information about who was committing the driving offence at the time it was committed can result in being accused of perverting the course of justice. If you’re found guilty, this offence is far more serious than the original speeding offence, and consequences can be compounded by other factors impacting your driving privileges, including previous convictions.
What Are the Consequences?
If you’re caught speeding and subsequently perverting the course of justice and name someone else as the vehicle’s driver or collude with someone to take points on their licence, you could face:
- Prison sentences – perverting the course of justice carries a maximum life imprisonment sentence, though typical sentences range from months to several years.
- A criminal record – which can affect future employment, travel and reputation.
- Driving bans and penalty points – even if someone else is initially blamed, once the truth comes out and you’re found guilty, you can still get disqualified or points.
- Insurance implications – insurers may cancel or refuse cover if they find out you’ve been dishonest about motoring offences.
- Fines – A fine of up to £1,000 is common for failing to provide driver information.
In many cases, courts have found that those who lied about who was driving received more points than they would for just a speeding ticket, higher speeding fines, and even prosecution costs in addition to their sentence. For example, following their trials at Wolverhampton Crown Court, a driver was sentenced to three months in prison after being caught speeding multiple times within five minutes and paying someone else to take the speeding points.
High-profile speed limit violation cases have shown courts take this offence very seriously. It’s not worth the risk.
How Do the Police Investigate Driver Identity?
Many drivers assume filling in the wrong name on an NIP will go unnoticed. In reality, the police have several ways to investigate:
- CCTV and ANPR evidence from traffic cameras and other sources
- Witness statements from officers or members of the public
- Digital evidence, such as mobile phone records or GPS data
- Forensic checks, including handwriting analysis on forms
The police prove who was driving by using speed camera evidence and, in many cases, can prove the identity of the person committing the offence. Even a small inconsistency can trigger a full investigation, and if the lie is proved, the penalty is far more severe than a speeding fine.
What Should You Do?
If you don’t know who was driving, you should still respond honestly. Write to the police and explain the situation and show you’ve taken all reasonable steps to identify the driver.
If you were driving, you must take responsibility. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible to:
- Attend a Speed Awareness Course (if offered). Completing his course can reduce other penalties.
- Accept a Fixed Penalty Notice with points and a fine
- Accept a conditional offer from the police to pay a fine and accept speeding points, but note this is at their discretion and not guaranteed
- Defend yourself in court if you believe there are grounds to challenge the speeding allegation (e.g. incorrect signage, faulty speed camera, or procedural errors)
Completing the Notice of Intended Prosecution form with the correct details is an essential part of the process. Failing to do so or providing false information can lead to further prosecution.
How Can #1 Motoring Solicitors Help?
Facing a speeding allegation can be scary. Our motoring offence solicitors have years of experience defending drivers across England and Wales. We can:
- Review your Notice of Intended Prosecution and evidence from speed cameras or other sources
- Advise you on your legal obligations and rights
- Explore legitimate defences for your case
- Represent you in Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court if needed
- Help reduce penalties and protect your licence where possible
If you are accused of a driving offence and your case goes to trial, expert legal representation can help reduce penalties and prosecution costs.
We offer clear guidance, fixed-fee representation options and a dedicated team with a proven track record.
Why It’s Never Worth Lying About Who Was Driving
It’s natural to want to protect your licence but naming someone else or giving false details creates a much bigger problem. The courts take a strong stance because honesty is at the heart of the UK’s motoring and justice systems. If you have lied about who was behind the wheel or paid someone else to take your speeding points, it is treated as a very serious offence and the consequences can be severe. In most cases these can include a criminal record, more points, and even a prison sentence. Failing to pay speeding fines or respond to official notices can result in additional penalties and court proceedings.
Instead of taking a risk, seek advice early. A speeding offence can often be managed, but perverting the course of justice can change your life forever.
Speak to Expert Motoring Solicitors Today
A speeding ticket is often a relatively minor offence, and you should tell the truth about who was driving. If you’ve received a speeding ticket or you’re unsure how to respond to a request for driver details, talk to our experts at 1 Motoring Solicitors. We’ll give you straight answers and a clear plan.
Call us now on 0333 023 7600 for confidential advice and trusted representation.
This article is for general information only and should not be taken as formal legal advice. For tailored support, contact our team directly.