S172

[Lewis]

Does anyone know how long the Police / CPS have to prosecute you for not declaring the driver at the time of a motoring offence ( Section 172, Road Traffic Act ) ?

A *ahem* mate of mine didn't tell N'hants police back in July and was wondering how long he had left before he knew he'd got away with it.

Cheers,

Iain

[Dunk]

Probably dropped by now - they have to prosecute within 21 days of the offence being committed. I think.

Under British law, you are not obliged to incriminate yourself - theoretically, its up to the police and the CPS to prove that you are guilty - not you prove that you're innocent. Its a bit of a grey area - despite this rule supposedly applying to all offences regardless of the seriousness or nature of the crime.

However, you are legally obliged to not withhold information about your mate that may result in the police failing to prosecute. But, again, the police have to prove that you knew who was driving, rather than you prove that you didn't know.

If that makes sense.

[Robbie]

I think the time limit for the summons to be issued is 6 months. Must be getting very close to that so it might be worth a phone call to them as a reminder ;)

[JB]

6 months is the time limit.

So you can expect a brown enveloped franked Nthants Police any day not :D