Defence guides

Naming the driver of a private or company vehicle

When the driver is not identified at the scene, the notice may go to the vehicle’s registered keeper. If someone else was driving, the reply must identify them with the details required under Article 171 of the Highway Code.

What to check in your case

A private keeper can nominate the driver within the defence period. A company served with the request has 15 working days to identify the driver or, for the leasing arrangements specified by law, the lessee. Giving the required details of another driver stays the original proceedings and opens a case against the named person. Check who held the keys at the recorded time. For ANSR cases, use form F306.

Documents for your defence

Full notice or decision, front and back, and evidence of the date of service.

  • Request to identify the driver and date of service
  • Duty roster, key log or lease agreement
  • Driver details requested on the official form

Legislation and official sources

Information checked on 7 November 2026.