UK- Single Justice procedure notice for uninsured vehicle
Hi,
I have my driving license since October 2020 and I bought my first car in December 2022.
In September 2025 my first car completely broke down and had issue with my gear. My neighbour owns a towing company and he helped me when my car broke down. He said the car is not worth fixing and its better to be scrapped.
I then gave him the V5C as he said he will take it to a scrapping company and will handle everything. I wasn't too aware of scrapping vehicle so I just gave it to him.
In December I received a £100 fine for uninsured vehicle, I was confused as the car was scrapped. So I appealed the fine saying the car had been scrapped. I didnt recieve anything back from DVLA.
Then in February I received the same letter again about the £100 fine again and I appealed again. And again hear anything back.
Now I received a single justice procedure notice today that I have to either plead guilty or not guilty for uninsured vehicle.
I called up DVLA and told them the situation, they said the car is still registered under my name. As I dont have the V5C, I am now writing a letter to them to take the vehicle off my name.
However, I am not sure about this notice. Do I plead guilty? As at the end of the day it is my fault and I should have been more responsible for letting DVLA know. Or do I plead not guilty for this?
Also is this considered a criminal offence and will I get some criminal record if I plead guilty. As its my fault im happy to pay the fine but I dont want to have criminal record for it.
I am really not sure what to do. I would appreciate any advice for this. Thanks