Single justice procedure notice issued for not insuring a vehicle that's been sold

[Danielhulse]

Hi all
First time posted here!

Looking for some help. I've been issued a single just procedure notice for failing to insure a vehicle.

The vehicle in question was actually sold to a dealer in early 2022. I was suffering COVID at the time and stupidly relied on the dealer to complete the change of ownership which they clearly haven't.

My question is should I plead not guilty to failing to insure but offer to plead guilty to failing to notify a change of keeper?

Really can't afford a £1k fine and terrified about the consequences.

Any advice very much appreciated

[islandgirl]

Do you have any proof of the transaction? Receipt etc
No insurance means 6 points and a hefty fine...

[Danielhulse]

Thanks for the prompt reply, I changed my insurance policy to a new vehicle the day after I sold the car. Unfortunately I don't have a receipt or record of the sale since I've changed banks since then. I've never driven any vehicle without insurance .

[islandgirl]

so what is the charge wording exactly please? Obviously it is not driving without insurance!

[Danielhulse]

"The record shows that the defendant was the registered keeper on 22/06/2023. The vehicle did not meet the statutory insurance requirements contrary to Section 144A(1) of the road traffic act 1988"

[islandgirl]

Thank you = this is not my area (I am more familiar with driving without insurance) but as you probably know...
"A fixed penalty notice (FPN) is issued. Penalty set at £100 reduced to £50 if paid within 33 days.
If penalty is not paid, as a criminal offence the case may be pursued through the magistrates’ court. The maximum penalty is £1,000."
Did you get the first offer of £100/£50?
The penalty for failure to notify change of keeper
An out of court (OCS) letter issued. OCS set at £55 reduced to £35 if paid in 17 days.
If the OCS is not paid, as a criminal offence the case may be pursued through the magistrates’ court. The maximum penalty is £1,000.
You are clearly guilty of the latter if not the former (fully understand from your initial post why this slipped your mind)
If you have not received the initial offer you could perhaps contact the court and explain? In this case if this were accepted you would only have to pay £55. As I say not my area and I have no idea if they would let you pay at the original rate.