The Comité des Chefs de Police issued a warning to Islanders to check their licences and reminded drivers that if their documents had expired, they must not drive.
The group’s chairman, Centenier Danny Scaife, says parish authorities have reported that more than 400 licences that expired in October and November had yet to be renewed.
‘The honorary police, in conjunction with the States police, is increasing the number of road checks this month as part of the seasonal campaign in the run-up to Christmas,’ he said.
‘As well as checking for motorists who may be drink-driving, and for defects on vehicles, our checks may include that a current window insurance disk is displayed and a valid driving licence is held.
‘Drivers should check before they get behind the wheel and if their licence has already expired our advice is do not drive, but apply immediately for a new licence.’
Fines for driving with expired documents start at £300 and can also lead to a driving ban.
Moreover, if a licence has expired it could render vehicle insurance invalid, which is also an offence and carries a maximum penalty of £10,000.
Half of all licences due to expire in January have yet to be renewed. Anyone holding a Jersey driving licence can check the expiry date, which is shown in column 11 on the reverse of the card. There may be different expiry dates for each category of vehicle, so each category should be checked.
Parishes say they are dealing with applications in the order they are received but, to avoid a delay, applications can be made up to three months before the licence expires.
Motorists can apply online using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Application forms are available from parish halls and the Town Hall.
‘But please don’t drive to the parish hall if your licence has already expired,’ Centenier Scaife said.
‘We recognise that it will be inconvenient not to drive for a short period while waiting for your new licence to arrive, but that is minor compared to having to attend court just before Christmas and paying a fine.’
