Married motorists face £1,000 fine for breaking little-known DVLA rule
Drivers have been warned of the importance of making sure the DVLA has the correct information
Wedded drivers are being warned of a little-known rule that could result in a £1,000 fine. The motorists who have recently made the life-changing decision are being urged not to overlook the DVLA law to prevent landing themselves in trouble.
According to Tim Alcock, director at motoring experts LeaseCar, married motorists who take on another partner’s name could be hit with an eye-watering fine if they don't update their details with the DVLA.
He said: “As more couples getting married are choosing to buck the trend of taking one partner's name, with some merging their names or choosing a new name together, this changes the way in which your name is legally updated, which affects the name change process through the DVLA.
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“If you choose anything other than taking one partner’s existing name, the name change must be done via deed poll, meaning you will need more documentation than just a marriage certificate. This also affects the urgency of how soon you need to tell the DVLA of your new name.”
Tim added: "The best practice is to first update your details with HMRC to ensure your National Insurance number and tax records are correct.
“Then, use your marriage certificate or Deed Poll to update all other documents, starting with your driving licence, passport and bank accounts.
"A little effort upfront can prevent a lot of stress and potential legal problems down the road.”
When you move home, you must update your driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C), Direct Debit for vehicle tax, and other details. However, you do not need to tell us if you move temporarily (for example, you’re living away at university) if we can still contact you at your permanent address, reports Birmingham Live.
You can still drive while you wait for your new documents to be sent to you.
UK drivers are also being warned to check their number plates before next week to ensure they are compliant with stringent rules.
On September 1 the new '75' plates will hit the roads and the Driver and Vehicles Standard Agency are urging vehicle owners to make sure their plates are road legal.
If you are a driver in Scotland, England, or Wales and your licence plate doesn't meet stringent standards you face a £1,000 fine and it could even see your car fail its MOT.
"With a new batch of '75' plates coming to our roads from next Monday (September 1), it's a reminder to motorists to make some checks now.
Aside from a possible hefty fine and MOT failure, those with non-conforming plates can also find their insurance is invalidated and police can even seize the vehicle.