No copy of UK Licence provided, so speeding payment refused

Morini

I tried to pay a speeding fine, but the form and payment was returned as I hadn't provided a copy of my licence (its a UK Licence).

The form clearly states that 'It is strongly recommended that you send a photocopy of your licence/permit...'.

So this is a (strong!) recommendation, not a requirement, so does anyone know are the Gardai correct in refusing to process the payment? I don't really care if having a copy makes it easier for them somehow, I'm just interested in complying with the requirement.

I'm not trying to avoid the payment (obviously!) or the points, I'm just annoyed that such a simple requirement, if it exists, can't be stated on the form.

mullingar

Maybe send it back to them with a note that you are enclosing all the mandatory documentation and payment and see what happens.

Keep a hold of the Garda note just in case advising of why it was rejected.



Edit:

Curious I did a quick google:

http://www.garda.ie/controller.aspx?page=1652

As its only to assist them in processing the valid payment and its not a requirement, personally I wouldn't give them a photocopy.

But if you have a non-irish licence it states : In order to assist in the validation process, in the case of Non-Irish Driving Licences, a photocopy of the licence must be provided in order for the payment to be processed.

I wonder how legal this "must be" is? If you want to be ratty you could ask under what section of the road traffic act that you must furnish a photocopy of a non-Irish licence?

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

Morini

I don't think I'd have anything to gain personally by going to court, as I'm going to pay the fine (even though given the location and timing of the alleged offense, I don't see how the remit to improve road safety is being fulfilled).

I've had this is response to a query:

"When an out of state licence number is entered on the Declaration Section of the Fixed Charge Notice, a match cannot be found on the National Driving Licence File. The requirement to produce a copy of a non-Irish driving licence is necessary to validate the driving licence number furnished and to confirm that the licence is allocated to the person to whom the Notice issued. This office does not have access to licensing records for non-Irish licences for reference purposes, hence a request for copy of same. When a copy is attached it can be referred to for clarification and correction.

While there is no specific provision in law to request a copy of a driving licence, it is our legal responsibility to ensure that the correct person receives the penalty points on their driving licence file. We are obliged to ensure that there is no margin for error."

I'm sure there are holes there to be poked by someone with the time and resources.

Morini

Rather than return the form with a photocopy of my licence, I went to the post office to pay. I had my driving licence with me, but didn't offer it, or a copy, and wasn't asked to show it either.

So 'twas all a bunch of bureaucratic nonsense.