Points from overseas...

So, I've long believed I can do what I like when on mainland europe and
the worst that's going to happen is my bike would be seized. My license
would remain inviolate.

I had a discussion with someone I work with in Germany who was adamant
this changed last year and he knew someone with a German license who got
points for speeding in the UK. I've just seen this article on the BBC:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8682962.stm

Which contained this:
"A law change last year has now made it easier to fine any drivers who
break the law who have a British address but a foreign licence.
This law change has already resulted in thousands of drivers in the
South having to pay fines and have points on their licence, the
authorities have said."

A little googling doesn't turn up much except for this:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_181893

Which mentions a 1998 European Convention on driving disqualifications.

Anyone got some hard facts here? Can I still ignore speed limits
without risk to my license...

 

I think think this is the relevant bit ^^^^^^^^^

 

<SNIP>

Its been the case for some time now that if you commit an offence in Germany
worthy of points, they will register the points even if you have a foriegn
licence and keep a record for you ( in Flensburg so they say). When you have
enough points you'll get a ban but only in Germany AFAIK.

 

Yes... but I'm more interested in the reverse direction.

Can I still ride like a twat without concern for anything apart from my
wallet?

 

That's my take on it. I don't think that they can go that far in France
because it'll mean holding data on a foreign individual; and this is very
tightly controlled in France. Fines are all you'll get here for the moment.

 

This is how I had it explained to me. It's even funnier because the
points don't expire after a set period of time so those criminals that
flaunt the laws in other countries will eventually get what they
deserve.

 

Do you have an address in another European country ?

Are you riding in Europe from that address, using your UK licence ?

 

Grief. This is hard work.

Yes, I can work out that bit for myself. What I was looking for was
*solid* comment from someone who had either read something or knew
someone who had got points whilst abroad.

I'll assume I'm still safe.

 

I got some points in Wales once. Does that count?

 

Not really, but you knew that.

 

wrote:

It'd have to have been a very recent change.

I have a friend who picked up three points in Germany late last year and
they've shown no sign of showing up on his UK licence.

My friend has four other friends in the same boat, one of whom seems to
be asking questions about it right now.

 

Like in the last 9 months, yes. Only reason for the question was the
adamant German last week. Better safe than sorry and all that.

 

wrote:

Tell you what, try and pick up another three on the way to that rally
and see what happens.

 

That's it then. Taking the XT.

 

And you asked for that, here ?

Seems fair, as we had 2 on the French run the other weekend, and neither
seems to have been worried about points.

 

No, there is no point to Wales.

 

**** off. It's my keyboard and I'll type whatever I like on it.

 

Flounce

 

Using the patented Mavis Beacon "Hunt&Peck" Technique, Paul Corfield

Not much point, there'll be a High Court injunction prohibiting all
flounces, flounce-like behaviours and minor pouting.

 

Wicked Uncle Nigel wibbled forthrightly:

There'll always be a way around that, like rattle throwing for
starters.