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Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
Related legal acts
Key definition
Use definition

What does Use mean? In legal practice, Use describes any act of dealing with information, materials, works, data or technology. It is usually a contractual umbrella term capturing a broad range of actions, commonly including to distribute, disclose, store, use, analyse, copy, reproduce, extract, modify or adapt, whether in whole or in part. Use is not generally fixed by statute; its scope turns on the wording of the relevant agreement and context. That said, it intersects with specific legal regimes. In intellectual property, “use” of a trade mark in the course of trade (UK Trade Marks Act 1994; Irish Trade Marks Act 1996) and the...

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Using, causing or permitting a motor vehicle without insurance: elements, key definitions, defences and sentencing under the Road Traffic Act 1988

Practice notes
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The offence of driving with no insurance

Under the Road Traffic act 1988 (RTA 1988), it is unlawful to use a motor vehicle, or to cause or allow another to use one, unless a policy of insurance or a security covering third parties is in force. Driving without insurance is a summary-only offence that carries a maximum penalty of an unlimited fine.

Elements of the offence

  • uses, or causes or permits use
  • of a motor vehicle
  • on a road or other public place
  • without valid third-party insurance or security in force

Meaning of ‘use’

The person regarded as the user of a vehicle is generally the driver, or their employer where the driving occurs in the course of employment. There must be some element of control, management, or operation of the vehicle at the relevant time. An owner can still be considered to be using the vehicle when travelling as a passenger, as they would typically retain a degree of control. See Cobb v Williams [1973] RTR 113 (not reported by LexisNexis®)...

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Alex McHugh
Alex McHugh

Alex McHugh joined Pump Court Chambers following successful completion of his pupillage. His key areas of practice are criminal defence, family, and landlord & tenant disputes. Prior to joining Chambers, Alex worked as a paralegal for a number of years at a Legal 500 firm in London. Two of those years were spent in crime under the stewardship of extremely experienced senior partners. Alex helped manage cases from beginning to end and represented all manner of clients in respect of a full range of alleged offences. As counsel, Alex defends his clients throughout every stage of proceedings. Alex accepts private and, where applicable, publicly funded briefs on road traffic offences, and has experience in representing clients in relation to speeding, drinking driving, “totting up”, and causing injury by dangerous driving offences.  Alex predominantly works across the Western Circuit, London, and the South East.  ...

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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