Production of Driving Documents (HO/RT/1)
There are a number of documents that a police officer can ask the driver of a motor vehicle to produce. These documents include:
- driving licence
- certificate of motor insurance
- MOT Test certificate
A police officer may ask the driver of a motor vehicle to produce these documents when:
- a motor vehicle is being driven on the road, or
- the officer reasonably believes that the person was the driver of a motor vehicle involved in a road traffic collision, or
- the officer reasonably believes that the person was the driver of a motor vehicle at the time of a moving traffic offence.
If the driver cannot produce the relevant documents at the time of request the police officer will issue them with a form HO/RT/1. The documents should be produced with this form at the police station nominated by the driver.
If a HO/RT/1 is issued, the driver has seven clear days from midnight on the day of the request to produce the documents at the nominated station.
The driving licence must be produced in person. The certificate of insurance and the MOT test certificate can be produced by any person.
If one of the documents you are required to produce is lost, immediately apply for a duplicate and produce the documents that are available at the nominated station. (Police action will be explained to you when you produce the documents you have available.)
Please make sure the police station to which you intend to take the documents will be open when you attend, as not all police stations are open at all times. Follow this link to locate your nearest police station and view details of its opening times.
You are still legally obliged to produce the documents within 7 days, so if necessary you should attend an alternative police station that is open when you are able to produce ensuring you take the HO/RT/1 form with you.
Report of Lost Driving Documents
Inform DVLA or your insurance company for duplicate documents to be issued.
Call 0845 0454545 to make a lost property report at your local police station.
Certificate of Insurance
It is an offence for anyone to use, cause or permit someone to use a motor vehicle on a road unless there is a policy of insurance or security in respect of third party risks is in force.
If you have been asked to produce your insurance document you will have to produce the insurance certificate. Large companies or fleet drivers may have to request the original certificate from head offices - they have seven days to produce the document and should ideally produce the original.
Report of Lost HO/RT/1
If you lose the HO/RT1 form:
- you are still legally obliged to produce your documents within 7 days of being asked to do so by the officer who stopped you
- you should take all your documents (driving licence, insurance certificate, and MOT certificate) into the police station you nominated at the time. If you are unable to remember which station you nominated, you may take them to any police station in England or Wales. When attending the police station you should try and recall the time, date and location you were stopped.
- the information will be recorded and records tied up.
It is in your best interest to act as soon as possible to avoid running over the seven day period.
