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?

[New Judge]

You do not have to carry your photo card driving licence pixie. Section 164 (8) of the Road Traffic Act:

In proceedings against any person for the offence of failing to produce a licence [and its counterpart] it shall be a defence for him to show that—

(a)within seven days after the production of his licence [and its counterpart] was required he produced [them] in person at a police station that was specified by him at the time [their] production was required.

The introduction of photo card licences did nothing to alter that.

[DaisyNonna]

Only too happy to have my bus pass, identification although the photo is horrible;

[pixie373]

Fair enough, nj. I was literally told that today by a friend. However, her qualifications don't match yours.

[Baldric]

//it could be that was why he left.....//

I 'left' because I was involved in a serious RTC, the results of which were not compatible with active service, although you wouldn't know it nowadays.

[solvitquick]

To the best of my knowledge it is not an legal obligation to carry proof of identity immediately on demand.
It is unwise to carry your driving licence, motor insurance and all credit/debit cards in case you lose them all in wallet(s), purse(s) or, as pointed out earlier, your car is stolen.
Think of the time and inconvenience it will cost in reporting the losses and replacing these. This applies not only to you but the issuing bodies.
Carry the minimum valuable cards/documents outside your home where they should be kept in a safe place.
SIQ.

[Peter Pedant]

Thank you for that clarification NJ

I was already aware that the photo card was not a licence for any important purpose ( you need the paper counterpart )

[Peter Pedant]

Balders ..... Could be that was why he left

I added that for literary reasons - not for any implication that love of civil liberties caused you to turn in your AK 47. My sincere apologies for any offence caused which was unintended.

Sorry about the RTC from another thread it is obvious that the consequences are still with you. hope it gets better