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UK
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USA
What to do if…
you receive a notice asking you to identify the driver of a vehicle linked to an offence
Short answer
Do not ignore it. Check who the notice is addressed to, note the deadline, and respond by the notice’s method with truthful driver details or a truthful account of what you have done to identify the driver.
Do not do these things
- Do not wait until the deadline is close; a late reply can create a separate problem.
- Do not guess a name to make the notice go away.
- Do not give false details to protect someone.
- Do not pass the notice to another person and assume that is enough, unless the notice specifically tells you to do that.
- Do not assume it is a scam and bin it without checking.
- Do not challenge the alleged offence instead of answering the driver-information request.
What to do now
-
Read the notice and write down the deadline today.
In the UK this is commonly a Section 172 request to identify the driver. Many notices require a reply within 28 days, but use the deadline and instructions printed on your notice. -
Check who must reply.
The person or company the notice is addressed to usually needs to complete the response. If the vehicle is a company, lease, or hire vehicle, contact the fleet, lease, or hire administrator now and ask who is handling the nomination. -
Verify the notice if you are unsure it is genuine.
Check the reference number, vehicle registration, date, and issuing police force or camera unit. If you are unsure, contact the force or camera unit using contact details you find independently, not only details printed on the letter. -
If you know who was driving, respond accurately and keep proof.
Give the driver details requested on the notice, usually the full name and current address. Keep a photo or scan of what you send, and keep proof of posting, tracking, or online submission. -
If you are not sure who was driving, make a quick factual check before replying.
Check calendars, work rotas, appointment records, messages with anyone who may have used the vehicle, fuel or charging receipts, parking receipts, toll emails, delivery records, or workplace sign-in records. Write down what you checked, what it showed, and the date you checked it. -
Ask early whether images are available if they may help identify the driver.
Some forces may provide or show photographic evidence, but this varies. Asking for images does not remove the need to respond by the notice’s deadline unless the issuing office clearly tells you otherwise. -
If you received the notice late, contact the issuing office immediately.
Explain when you actually became aware of it and ask what they want you to do now. Still respond as soon as you can, because being away or missing post does not automatically cancel the request. -
If the vehicle was sold, stolen, or you suspect number-plate cloning, gather proof before you reply.
Use the notice’s process to explain the situation and include copies, not originals, of evidence such as proof of sale or transfer, a police crime reference number, insurer records, photographs showing vehicle differences, or records showing where your vehicle was at the time. If the vehicle was stolen and you have not reported it yet, report it to police first and keep the crime reference number.
What can wait
- You do not need to decide right now whether to challenge the underlying allegation, such as speeding or a red-light offence.
- You do not need to write a long explanation unless the notice asks for one.
- You do not need to argue with the suspected driver right now; focus on accurate identification, the deadline, and keeping records.
- You do not need to decide now whether you would accept a course, fixed penalty, or court hearing if one is later offered.
Important reassurance
Official wording can feel threatening even when this is a standard first step. Slowing down, checking the deadline, answering truthfully, and keeping proof of what you sent are the main things that reduce the risk of accidental escalation.
Scope note
These are first steps only to help prevent avoidable harm such as a missed deadline, inaccurate details, or lost records. Later decisions about contesting the allegation, court procedure, cloned plates, or multiple possible drivers may need specialist help.
Important note
This is general information, not legal advice or professional advice. Motoring enforcement processes can vary by police force, offence type, and the wording of the notice, so follow the notice you received and consider getting independent legal advice promptly if you are unsure how to respond.
Additional Resources
About this guide
This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.