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uk Legal, police, prison & official contact section 172 request • notice of intended prosecution letter • nip and section 172 notice • identify the driver letter • name the driver form • who was driving my car notice • registered keeper driver request • camera offence driver details • speeding camera letter to keeper • red light camera notice uk • company car driver nomination • hire or lease car notice • someone borrowed my car • not sure who drove that day • wrong person accused driver • vehicle sold before offence date • car was stolen at the time • cloned number plate suspicion • official police notice in post

What to do if…
you receive an official notice requiring you to identify who was driving a vehicle linked to an alleged offence

Short answer

Don’t ignore it: note the deadline and respond with the driver details you can truthfully provide (or truthfully explain what you did to try to work it out).

Do not do these things

  • Don’t “wait and see” until the deadline is close—late replies can create a separate problem.
  • Don’t guess a name to make the situation go away.
  • Don’t give false details “to protect someone”.
  • Don’t assume it’s a scam and bin it without checking—verify first.
  • Don’t fill it in while panicking; one rushed mistake can be hard to undo.

What to do now

  1. Confirm what the notice is and diarise the deadline today.
    In the UK this is commonly a Section 172 request to name the driver. A common deadline is 28 days from service—use the deadline printed on your notice and set reminders.

  2. Verify it’s genuine (without committing yourself).

    • Check the letterhead/reference number and that it names a real police force / safety camera unit.
    • If you’re unsure, contact the force using contact details you find independently (not only what’s printed on the letter) and ask them to confirm the reference.

  3. Work out who is expected to reply (so it doesn’t get lost).

    • If you’re the registered keeper, you’re usually expected to respond.
    • If it’s a company / lease / hire vehicle, contact the fleet/lease admin immediately and ask who is handling the nomination—time can disappear while it’s being forwarded.

  4. If you know who was driving, respond accurately and keep proof.
    Provide the driver’s details exactly as requested (typically full name and current address).

    • Keep a copy (photo/scan) of what you submit.
    • Keep proof of sending/submitting (postal receipt/tracking or an online confirmation).

  5. If you’re not sure who was driving, do a quick, factual “who had the car?” check and write down what you did.
    Do this promptly so you can respond truthfully and consistently. For example:

    • Check your diary/calendar, work rota, school run, appointment history for that date/time.
    • Check messages with anyone who might have borrowed the vehicle.
    • Look for objective records: fuel/charging receipts, parking receipts, toll emails, delivery logs, workplace sign-in records.
      Keep short notes (what you checked, what it showed, and the date you checked).

  6. Ask for any available photos if they might genuinely help identify the driver.
    Many issuing offices can provide or let you view images to help you identify who was driving. Ask early so you still have time to respond.

  7. If you only received the notice late (e.g., you were away), 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 possible—don’t assume “being away” automatically fixes anything.

  8. If the vehicle was sold, stolen, or you suspect plate misuse, gather hard proof before you reply.
    Examples: proof of sale/transfer, insurer letter, police crime reference number, or written confirmation from DVLA/your insurer about dates. Respond using the notice’s process and include copies (keep originals).

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether to challenge the underlying allegation (speeding/red light/etc.).
  • You do not need to write a long explanation unless the form specifically asks—priority is a correct, evidenced response on time.
  • You do not need to confront the suspected driver right now; focus on accurate identification and records first.

Important reassurance

Official wording can feel threatening even when it’s a standard step. Slowing down, verifying the notice, meeting the deadline, and only stating what you can honestly support is the safest way to avoid accidental escalation.

Scope note

This is “first steps only” to prevent avoidable harm (missed deadlines, inaccurate details, lost evidence of what you did). Later steps—contesting the allegation or court procedure—may need specialist advice.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Motoring enforcement processes can vary by police force and offence type. If there are multiple possible drivers, or you believe the notice relates to fraud/plate misuse, consider getting independent legal advice promptly.

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