Road tax — who is liable?
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"JUST A ROUTINE check, sir". How many times in a working month does the average professional driver hear those words?
Of course, for the conscientious driver, they should hold no fear if he knows that he is not breaking the law. There are some things for which he is not responsible if he is an employee and driving his boss's vehicle.
One of those things is road tax. At least that is what Mr Rally, a member of Routiers Drivers Club thought. "I was stopped by the police in a routine spot-check on one of the London bridges. No problems — except the vehicle had no road tax. I knew this, but assumed that it was the responsibility of the owner, not the driver. Unfortunately, the boss thinks it is cheaper to pay a fine than to keep legal."
Mr Rally got a shock when the police informed him that both his boss and himself would be facing a summons. He contacted Routiers to find out the situation.
There are two charges relating to this offence. The owner can be prosecuted for keeping a vehicle with no road tax — an offence which can carry a stiff fine.
The driver can be prosecuted for using the vehicle despite knowing that the tax is not paid. However, the court would take into consideration the fact that the driver is under pressure to drive the vehicle. The driver would be treated leniently, and more than likely be given an absolute discharge.