Dorset Police news site

Officers from the Dorset Police Roads Policing Team have stepped up their efforts to target uninsured drivers across the county with support from MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau).

Driving without insurance is illegal – there is an increased likelihood of being involved in a road traffic collision, as well as an economic cost impact for other road users. Uninsured vehicles can also be linked to other criminality, such as vehicle theft, fail-to-stop collisions or drink and drug driving.

Uninsured drivers can receive a £300 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence. If stopped by police, their vehicle may be seized. If you end up in court, you could also receive an unlimited fine and even a driving ban. A new driver within their first two years of driving could lose their licence if they receive six points.

On Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 November 2025, officers took to the roads with MIB and carried out additional checks on motorists to identify anyone driving without insurance. Across the two days, 16 vehicles were seized and taken off the road for having no insurance.

The activity, which formed part of Operation Drive Insured, the national week of action, saw 29 vehicles seized in total across the week and taken off Dorset roads.

In addition to this, an arrest was made for drink driving and two people who were found to be wanted in connection to unrelated matters were arrested. Officers also dealt with people who were driving without a valid MOT, driving without due care and attention and while on their mobile phone.

Police Sergeant Dan Yates, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “We cannot underestimate the dangers that driving while uninsured can cause – these motorists are more likely to take greater risks and can be found to be involved in wider criminal activity.

“While our activity last week was part of a national operation, carrying out vehicle stops and ensuring motorists are driving with all the correct documentation is something we do every day to keep the roads safe for everyone.

“We do know that some people who are caught with no insurance have not intentionally set out to flout the law and we want to take the opportunity to remind everyone to check they have the right level of insurance for their needs.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “I hope this operation sends a very clear message to anyone thinking about driving without insurance that, quite simply, it will not be tolerated.

“This should be a reminder to everyone to check their insurance is in place to avoid a fine, points on their licence or potentially a driving ban or loss of the licence.

“Any risky, careless or dangerous behaviour on Dorset’s roads will be dealt with robustly to ensure we can all continue to travel safely around our county.”

Martin Saunders, Head of Enforcement at MIB, said: “Whilst we focus on uninsured driving every day of the year, Operation Drive Insured is a key moment in the year to draw attention to the devastation this issue causes to our society.

“Our aim is to end uninsured driving, which means working closely with the police across the UK to remove dangerous vehicles from our roads. At the same time, we are ramping up our support for motorists who want to drive legally, providing them with the knowledge they need to have the right cover in place.”

Here are a few easy mistakes worth double-checking:

• Forgotten when your insurance expires? Check your renewal date today.
• Assumed your policy auto-renews? Not all do, and expired payment cards can cause lapses.
• Kept a vehicle off the road without declaring it SORN with the DVLA? Make sure it’s officially off-road.
• Thought fully comprehensive cover lets you drive someone else’s car? It often doesn’t - check your policy first for coverage and any restrictions.
• Using your car for work or deliveries on a social-only policy? You’ll likely need commuting, business or hire-and-reward cover.

If you’re not sure about your insurance status, check today for free: mib.org.uk/DriveInsured