What Documents Should and Shouldn’t Be Kept In Your Car

There aren’t any laws in place that says you need to keep anything in your car. However, if you are asked by a law enforcer for certain documents, like your drivers licence, then you’ll need to product it. With our ever-changing technological work, we’re now used to almost every aspect of our lives being managed and processed online. You can handle every aspect of your car insurance and tax without seeing any paperwork.

You may think that you don’t need to keep any physical documents in your car, but think again. Which ones are important to keep around?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually have to carry your driving licence with you when you are driving. Although not illegal, it is highly recommended. If you do wish to carry your driving licence with you, store it in a place like your wallet or purse so you know where it is at all times. If you do lose your licence, replace it immediately. This is because if a police officer pulls you over and demands to see your licence, failure to produce it there and then or at a Police station within seven days of the incident may result in prosecution.

There are no laws or legal obligations that require you to keep anything in your car. However, there are some documents that you need to produce if you are asked for it by a law enforcer. These include your insurance certificate, MOT certificate and your vehicle registration document (the V5C vehicle log book) – this gives details about the car, the make, the model, registration number and the registered keeper. Make sure to keep these documents together in a safe, secure but easily accessible place.

Although, if you do not have these documents with you at the time of being asked, if can produce evidence that you have these documents then that will more than likely be accepted. It isn’t as strict as it used to be.

Leaving any person documents in your car is a big no no. This includes your passport, tax forms, bank statements and any mail. This is because if your vehicle is broken into and your important documents are stolen, this can leave you exposed and vulnerable to those who can use your personal or business information for their own gain. Having these documents stolen from your car and lead to identity theft.