Should you carry your documents with you?

[blackcat77]

When watching any of the tv programmes that follow the police around the driver is alwys asked "Have you got your documents with you?" I never carry mine around with me because if my car or handbag got stolen then i would have lost the car documents too - is there any law about this?

[Rollo]

If a Police Office want to see your driving licence/insurance certificate/mot certificate then if you don't have them with you you can produce them at a police station within, I believe, 5 days.

Easier if you have them with you.

[Ethel]

It is not a problem in the UK - you are given given a 'producer' by the police if they need or want to see your documents.

This means you have 7 days to produce your documents at the police station that you nominated.

I would never carry my documents either

[Rollo]

Yes, Ethel is correct. It is 7 days.

You must produce your driving licence in person. The other documents can be produced by anybody.

[blackcat77]

Thanks for your answers Rollo and Ethel, you've sorted out a difference of opinion!

[blackcat77]

Thinking about it, can't the police officer check some database and find out if the car is insured?

[Rollo]

Yes they can, but the car's insurance may not cover the driver concerned. That driver may be insured to drive other people's cars on their own car insurance policy.

It is sometimes necessary to produce the insurance certificate concerned.

[blackcat77]

Oh I see. Thank you Rollo

[gelda]

A friend of mine was driving home the other night and was stopped by the police, puzzled as to why he asked them and they said that his mot had run out,he asked how did they know and was told most police cars have a gadget that can check mot, insurance , and tax etc. just by putting in the registration number, so now you know.

[sigma]

Watch "Police Interceptors " on channel 5 and you'll see how it works

[Panic Button]

That show points out that the police can't totally trust the database, as it is not always 100% up to date.

[north star]

to be clear, It is an offence not to produce your documents at the roadside when asked by a constable.

The offence is negated by producing them at a police station of your choice within 7 days.

[pagey]

I would guess it is (generally) more likely to have car documents stolen from your car than be asked to produce them. So keep them at home.

[Ice.Maiden]

But always carry your passport and related documents when going to the airport. My husband didn't, and we had to go all the way back home!!! : )