Request to give information as to identity of driver question

**Gremlin** · 11th July 2009, 00:03

Yes, its come up before.

Essentially, what has normally happened is that the vehicle has been witnessed doing something (usually illegal) and it is your responsibility as the registered owner to know who is driving the vehicle (at all times, I believe).

They issue you with that notice to identify who the driver was. You must reply within 14 days (if I remember correctly) or you can be pursued for up to $10,000 or jail time (3 months was it?). Replying saying I don't know is not a response they will take kindly to, and usually follow this with a phone call.

If you cannot (or will not) name who was the driver at the time, then you, as the registered owner will be held liable. Depending on how the previous phone call went (if you have one), they may take kindly to you and reduce the charges.... or not.... Either way, it doesn't just disappear.

Of course, there may not be a ticket for anything, but they don't usually randomly ask who was driving x vehicle at x time for absolutely no reason.

**Squiggles** · 11th July 2009, 00:57

Of course you could ask for details, to assist you in id'ing the person who was driving...

**Murray** · 11th July 2009, 07:41

Originally Posted by Dave Lobster

Doesn't matter to them. They get paid the same whether they're sitting in court or catching rapists/muggers/thieves (not murderers though)

Do they still catch rapists/muggers/thieves??????

**SixPackBack** · 11th July 2009, 07:55

Originally Posted by Murray

Do they still catch rapists/muggers/thieves??????

Sometimes.

Usually after a random stop or speeding ticket.

**The Baron** · 11th July 2009, 08:09

Hi. You could just tell them the truth. Write a nice letter telling them that there are three/four possible drivers and ask they provide you with more information that would help you in providing this information to them.

**p.dath** · 11th July 2009, 09:07

Originally Posted by BiK3RChiK

I'd vigourously defend a ticket in relation to me driving the stated vehicle and I'd give proof that I wasn't the driver. I think the cops would be barking up the wrong tree there and wasting court time. I don't think judges look too kindly on having their time wasted in such a manner. Just because I'm the registered owner of a vehicle doesn't mean I know who is driving the vehicle registered in my name every minute of the day. I'm a very busy person and my vehicles are available to a number of people throughout the day, and I have no record or way of finding out who was driving the vehicle at the time stated. So we'll see.....

The law is pretty clear in this area. If the registered owner can't say who it was then they pretty much accept responsibility for it.

**SixPackBack** · 11th July 2009, 09:08

Originally Posted by The Baron

Hi. You could just tell them the truth. Write a nice letter telling them that there are three/four possible drivers and ask they provide you with more information that would help you in providing this information to them.

I have been through this process.

Tell the cop what he wants to hear, any other approach is interpreted as 'attitude' [whatever the fuck that is] and a court date will at some stage ensue.

Such is the state of NZ law and order all that is needed for a conviction is some dodgy copper pointing the chicken bone. Employing a lawyer is pointless, the charge may be dropped but it will cost you more.

Perhaps the only way of getting out of an impending charge [when/if the details of the alleged offence are produced] is the possibility that:

The copper was mistaken or telling porkies [both distinct possibilities].
A riding partner/s witnessed your behaviour that day and had a completely different recollection.
A witness will reduce the amount of lawyer cost and perhaps get you off the charge.

If you do have a witness you can point this out at your court hearing, the case should be adjourned and your witness subpoenaed.

In my case this would have not worked as my witness required payment, if he had been subpoenaed I may have had a hostile witness to deal with as well as a lying copper. Additionally paying the witness not only pushed the cost out, but for me personally cast doubt on the veracity of his recollection.

One other point: If the accusation is correct, tell the truth.

**paturoa** · 11th July 2009, 10:06

Originally Posted by BiK3RChiK

..... all driven by various personages at different and varying times...

I assume that it is a limited number of peeps that it could have been, get the details from the popo and ask them.

**boomer** · 11th July 2009, 10:18

Originally Posted by SixPackBack

In my case this would have not worked as my witness required payment,

I fukin nearly choked when i heard this.. who needs enemies huh.

**Big Dave** · 11th July 2009, 11:09

Just tell them it was Boomer.

**boomer** · 11th July 2009, 11:16

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Just tell them it was Boomer.

I gotta be good for summit huh

**Big Dave** · 11th July 2009, 11:37

Originally Posted by boomer

I gotta be good for summit huh

My Motto.

I can always be used as a bad example.

**scumdog** · 11th July 2009, 11:47

Originally Posted by Murray

Do they still catch rapists/muggers/thieves??????

No, otherwise how would we wind-up SPB?

Speeding tickets are the only way to go

**scumdog** · 11th July 2009, 11:49

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Yes, its come up before.

Essentially, what has normally happened is that the vehicle has been witnessed doing something (usually illegal) and it is your responsibility as the registered owner to know who is driving the vehicle (at all times, I believe).

They issue you with that notice to identify who the driver was. You must reply within 14 days (if I remember correctly) or you can be pursued for up to $10,000 or jail time (3 months was it?). Replying saying I don't know is not a response they will take kindly to, and usually follow this with a phone call.

If you cannot (or will not) name who was the driver at the time, then you, as the registered owner will be held liable. Depending on how the previous phone call went (if you have one), they may take kindly to you and reduce the charges.... or not.... Either way, it doesn't just disappear.

Of course, there may not be a ticket for anything, but they don't usually randomly ask who was driving x vehicle at x time for absolutely no reason.

Nothing to worry about, last dude to go to Court for it down here only got a $1,500 fine - waay below the $10,000 max.