Entitlement to drive diplomatic and consular registered vehicles
It is the United Kingdom’s long-standing policy that only those enjoying privileges and immunities should be permitted to drive diplomatic or consular registered vehicles.
Service Staff and Locally Engaged Staff
Service staff and locally-engaged staff may drive a diplomatic or consular registered vehicle while on official duty only; provided they hold a valid driving licence or permit. Personal use of such a vehicle by service staff and locally engage staff is not permitted.
Alcohol and drugs
Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol (or drugs) is a very serious offence in the UK. Even a first offence of this kind by an entitled person could lead to a request by the FCDO for withdrawal, particularly if violence or injury to a third party aggravates the offence. For a second offence, the FCDO will automatically request the withdrawal of the offender.
There are strict alcohol limits for drivers, but it’s impossible to say exactly how many drinks this equals – it’s different for each person.
The limits in Scotland are different to the rest of the UK.
| Level of alcohol | England, Wales and Northern Ireland | Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| Micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath | 35 | 22 |
| Milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood | 80 | 50 |
| Milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine | 107 | 67 |
Individuals react differently to the use of alcohol and the only sensible advice is not to drink and drive. Further details can be found on the GOV.UK webiste https://www.gov.uk/drink-drive-limit
Accidents
UK law requires drivers to stop if they are involved in an accident and they provide details of driving licence and insurance to the other driver at the scene of the accident. They must also report the accident to the police within 24 hours, if personal injury was caused.
Seat belts
Seat belts should be properly adjusted and worn by the driver and all passengers travelling in a motor car. Driving without seat belts is an offence.
Speeding and driving past a red traffic signal
Driving in excess of the speed limit and past a red traffic signal is an offence and poses a danger to the driver, their passengers and other members of the public. In the event that a vehicle is recorded driving in excess of the speed limit or past a red traffic signal, the police will send a Notice of Intended Prosecution to the registered keeper. The registered keeper will be expected to identify and inform the police of the name of the person who was driving at the time of the offence. If the driver enjoyed privileges and immunities at the time of the offence the police will notify the FCDO, the FCDO will then issue a letter to the diplomatic mission or international organisation concerned stating that the driver is required to pay a fixed penalty notice fine of £100 and have their Diplomatic Driving Permit (if they have one) endorsed with penalty points. If the driver did not enjoy privileges and immunities at the time of the offence, they will be expected to comply with any police instructions with regards to payment of fines and endorsement of driving licences.
Mobile telephones
Vehicles should be equipped with hands free apparatus if carrying mobile phones. Using a mobile phone whilst driving, without hands free equipment, is an offence.
Valid licence and insurance
Drivers must not only hold a valid driving licence, but also be covered by at least third party insurance. Members of diplomatic missions should particularly bear in mind the need for third party insurance when driving cars that they do not own. Failure to hold third party insurance for themselves, or any member of their family who drives a car, is likely to lead to a request for their transfer from the United Kingdom.
Learner drivers
If members of diplomatic missions or members of their family are driving on a British provisional driving licence prior to taking a driving test, under UK law they must be accompanied at all times by a qualified driver and the car must carry “L” (Learner) plates.
General rules of parking in London
There is a severe shortage of parking in London, particularly in Westminster. Illegal parking is a matter of particular public concern and parking rules are strictly enforced. Diplomats are required to comply with local parking regulations, and to park their vehicles legally at all times.
Some points to remember:
• never stop your vehicle in a position which obstructs traffic or pedestrians
• never stop on “zig-zag” markings
• never park on the pavement (even on 2 wheels) unless there is indication that this is acceptable.
Penalty Charge Notices and the annual Written Ministerial Statement
If you contravene parking rules, it is likely that you will be issued with a parking ticket or Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). Diplomats are expected to pay parking tickets promptly – there is a 50% discount if the ticket is paid within 14 days.
Details of unpaid fines are collated by Protocol Directorate annually. Missions with more than £1,000 in outstanding fines are named in an annual statement to Parliament by the Foreign Secretary.
Roadworthy vehicles
Cars must be kept in roadworthy condition. If they are more than 3 years old, they must have an annual MOT test of their roadworthiness.
Congestion charging scheme for central London
Congestion charging came into effect in central London in 2003. The congestion charge may be paid either in advance or on the day of travel.
Detailed information about the congestion charging scheme is on the Transport for London website, together with details about discounts and exemptions. The link to the website can be found here.
The decision to impose a congestion charging scheme for central London and questions on its operation are primarily matters for the Mayor’s office and Transport for London. This is not a central government initiative.
On the introduction of the scheme, the FCDO carefully considered whether the UK is under an obligation to exempt diplomatic missions and international organisations from these charges. Our view is that there are no legal grounds for doing so.
Fees to be levied under the Congestion Charging scheme are charged for the use of road space in a designated area and are analogous to car parking charges. Payment of the fee buys the right to enter the designated area in a vehicle, in the same way that purchase of a car parking ticket buys the right to park in a designated area. It is of course generally accepted that diplomats are not exempt from parking charges.
Useful Links
The drink drive limit – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Drugs and driving: the law – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Speed limits – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Penalty points, fines and driving bans – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Getting an MOT: When to get an MOT – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Check if a health condition affects your driving: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)