Any lawyers about....?

[R063R]

I have received a fine from the government concerning a car I own. I have moved house with my upcoming wedding and finding a job right on the doorstep of where me and my future wife will live. The letter detailing the fine (dated mid-October) was sent to my parent's house, and being home for Christmas there this week only got the letter myself. If I pay the fine in X number of days then I only need to pay half of it. Also - my new house is a new build and hasn't been rated yet so I technically don't have a new address yet.

I'm wondering what the law or legal view of my situation is - in my exceptional circumstances, would the law allow for reasonable time for me to personally take receipt of this letter. I am well out of the 'pay half the fine' window if the letter was opened the day it fell through the letterbox, but as I have only opened the letter in the last 24 hours does that mine I am still in the window (I think it is 14 days)?

 

[TB]

To me, the real question is why did you parents hold on to the letter for the last 2+ months?

And personally I'd say you're out of luck with the "half the fine" window. I'd be surprised if there wasn't a date on the notice for when that offer expires. Couldn't hurt to take it down to where you're supposed to pay the fine and explain the situation. They might still honor it.

 

[R063R]

To me, the real question is why did you parents hold on to the letter for the last 2+ months?

Probably - and I'm really only clutching at straws here, so please bear with me and my obviously stupid suggestion - because it was my name on the envelope and not theirs, the envelope was plain with no clue from what organisation it came from, a person's privacy is respected within my family, and it is somewhat unethical, never mind downright ignorant, to open somebody else's mail.

 

[TB]

I meant a simple phone call that you have a letter and/or sending it to you inside another envelope would have taken care of the problem.

 

[R063R]

whatever

Well, it's quite clear to all that you are most definitely NOT a lawyer.....

 

[TB]

Well, it's quite clear to all that you are most definitely NOT a lawyer.....

Clearly. However I am, apparently, an asshole.

 

[Danny]

Here you go, OP. Since this "TB" person is trying to waste your time...

 

[Hayden]

Well, it's quite clear to all that you are most definitely NOT a lawyer.....

A lawyer would have said exactly the same thing but with a consultation fee attached. Just pay the full fine, take it on the chin and get your mail redirected as soon as possible.

I'd also count my lucky stars that it wasn't something properly important that got lost in the mail. Medical test results, a court summons or even an acceptance letter from Harvard Law.

 

[daan]

I'll just leave this here too.

Change of name and/or address
If you change your name, address or both you must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) immediately. You can update your driving licence online or send it to the DVLA to be amended. A new licence will be issued free of charge unless your photograph’s due for renewal.
Failure to notify the DVLA of any changes to your name and/or address is a criminal offence and you could be fined up to £1000.

 

[kikie]

You pay half of the fine and your parents the other half.

 

[Grayfox]

So is this "fine" less than £100 and in the process of saving what £50, do you want to pay £1,000.