Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what action they are taking to improve public awareness of the penalties for (1) uninsured driving, and (2) failing to stop after an accident.

Enforcement of road traffic law is an operational matter for the police, and sentencing in individual cases is a matter for the independent courts.

Since 2011, Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) has enabled action to be taken against those who keep a vehicle without insurance. The scheme allows uninsured vehicles to be identified from a comparison of the DVLA’s vehicle register and the Motor Insurance Database of insurance policies managed by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). Under CIE keepers of vehicles which appear to be uninsured are sent reminder letters. Those who take no action receive a fixed penalty of £100, followed by enforcement action including prosecution.

CIE supplements enforcement action taken by the police on the road. Since 2005 the police have had the power to seize vehicles that are being driven without insurance. In addition to a £300 fixed penalty and 6 penalty points on their licence for the offence, those whose vehicles have been seized face a cost to recover the vehicle and must provide proof that the vehicle has been insured. Seized vehicles that are not claimed within 14 days can be sold or crushed.

The Department for Transport published the consultation, “Proposed changes to penalties for motoring offences” on 7 January 2026. It sought views on changes to the motoring offences framework, including consideration of whether the minimum penalties for the offence of driving uninsured and failure to stop and report should be increased.

The consultation closed on 11 May 2026, and the Government is considering the responses.