New car insurance rules coming into effect next month will mean motorists that do not make sure their vehicle is insured could face a fine of up to £1,000, regardless of whether they are caught driving it or not.
From June 20th, people can be fined for just owning a vehicle without insurance, rather than being caught driving it, people looking for Citreon deals have been told.
It is thought there are around 1.4 million motorists without insurance.
According to road safety minister Mike Penning, uninsured drivers kill 160 and injure 23,000 people a year, costing honest motorists £500 million in additional premiums.
The new rules, which will mean motorists can be prosecuted for having no insurance, will see motorists receive a warning letter; if they do no nothing, they will be issued with a £100 fine.
If the vehicle remains uninsured, regardless of whether the fine is paid, further action will be taken.
If on public land, the vehicle could be clamped, seized and destroyed; alternatively court action could be taken, with the offender facing a fine of up to £1,000.
"The change in law is a stepping up of enforcement activity, so that not only those vehicles driven without insurance will be caught," said Ashton West, chief executive at the Motor Insurers' Bureau.
"Now the registered keeper must make sure that their vehicle is insured all the time."
Posted by Emma Grange
For the latest new car deals visit Cars2buy.