Carrying Identification

[Kathyan]

I'm watching an episode of motorway cops on TV and when the stopped driver was asked for identification he said 'you have my details on your computer'. The cop answered 'we only have the registered owner, which might not be you'. It got me thinking why we are not obliged to carry our driving licence when in the car? In Canada you have to carry your licence, insurance and registration documents at all times. Would it not make sense to do the same here to save time?

[woofgang]

I am not sure that "saving time" is worth more than my personal freedom....and i speak as one who always carries my licence with me.

[Bazile]

//..'we only have the registered owner,//

You mean registered keeper

[EcclesCake]

Unless you hold a photo licence it wouldn't work as all you would be presenting where three documents with corresponding information and nothing to link it to you.

[Baldric]

To save who time?
We are not required to carry ID, why introduce more legislation?

Having said that, as an ex RM I'm used to carrying ID I just don't want to see even more Big Brother powers.

[Kathyan]

Yes I mean the registered keeper. I mean save the police time trying to find out who you are.I can't see how it's an invasion of privacy when you already have to prove who you are!

[whiskeryron]

I cannot understand the reticence in this country to carrying ID, I would welcome it, at the very least it would sort out once & for all those that are entitled to be here & those that are not. I am very happy to prove to any official body that I am who I am supposed to be.

[BlueScorpion]

I thought we were supposed to carry our driving licence when driving

[mushroom25]

it'd be your time you're saving - if you get a producer you end up having to go to the local nick. in my case, that's 8 miles away.

[Baldric]

From MOTOR LAWYERS Site
Do I have to carry my Licence at all times when driving?

Do I have to carry my licence with me at all times when driving/riding?


No, but it is strongly recommended. The Police are entitled to ask to see your licence at any time and if you do not have it immediately, you will be ordered to produce it to a Police Station within 7 days. Failing to produce within that period of time is another offence, even if you do actually hold a licence.

[vulcan42]

Baldric, I'm not sure why you consider carrying an ID as a Royal Marine is acceptable but carrying the same in civvie street as Big Brother

[Orderlimit]

My understanding is that its an offence not to carrying your driving / vehicle docs etc but because its not sensible you get the 7 days to produce at a police station.

[Orderlimit]

Sorry, an offence not to produce docs upon request

https://www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q648.htm

[Old_Geezer]

For Gawd's sake don’t give them more ideas. We're obliged to do this and that at authority’s whim at the moment. Maybe we aren’t obliged yet because our forefathers had more sense the hard of thinking folk we have in authorities today. And because it isn't necessary because one can present licences and stuff at the police station later at our leisure (more or less) if asked. Heck is there to be no freedom in a "free society" at all in any area any more ? Why do folk continually want to add more and more hassle one can be picked on for as time goes by ? Do I live in a society of masochists, or sadists, or something ?

[ToraToraTora]

we are not obliged to carry anything and that's fine by me. The path to tyranny is paved with "security measures". The yanks defend the 2nd as a fundemental right, I defend the right to not have to carry anything with equal vigour.
Nothing to Hide, Nothing to fear? Please!

[Baldric]

Vulcan @ 1342,
It wasn't really an option as a RM,
Back in Civvy Street it is, and I choose not to,
my choice and long may it stay that way.

[Peter Pedant]

Oh great - lets give up our liberties and freedoms as I cant think of a good reason to keep them....

altho we were required to carry identification during the war 2WW
it was guaranteed that since we didnt have to before, the status quo would be restored.

someone has mentioned the photo-licence. it isnt under English law of course a licence - it has a second paper part without which....
usual London bureaucracy

as a hitch hiker I remember a police car not offering me a lift but asking for identification and I said no. in fact then - seventies - if you were in the city of London, they could ( ask for identification ) under the 1772 act of some sort.

[Canary42]

Of course the criminal fraternity welcome the "free society" supporters, it gives them far greater opportunity to escape detection. The rest of us must decide where we want to draw the line.

But, for example, be aware that the much-hated CCTV has resulted in an enormous of criminals to be apprehended (including three where I sat on the jury incidentally).

[KARL]

The freedom not to carry documentation in favour of having to produce it later or else become a criminal is to me not a desirable freedom for exactly the reason pointed out by Canary. Whiskeyron's sentiment is one I share. The UK is possibly unique among nations in wanting to be reliant on everyone behaving honourably but the contrary is painfully evident countless times daily and the culprits are happy to enjoy that freedom. TTT correctly points to a parallel where a Quixotic obsession drives a national situation to the detriment of society.

[Peter Pedant]

The form to produce docs at a police station you name is called a "producer",

as in " 'ere jinj, shall I give im a producer ? "

and as I explained to the police officer the advice used to be NOT to carry licence, insurance and MOT in the glove compartment as that was all that was necessary to flog the car in the event of its theft.


and as for the q to Baldric - there would be a ton of things he had to do as RM which he doesnt now do in civvie street - it could be that was why he left.....

[pixie373]

You have to carry your photocard when driving. That's what they were introduced for.