Free Traffic Legal Advice
Live cases legal advice => Non-motoring legal advice => Topic started by: Sam22011 on June 07, 2026, 05:54:52 pm
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Maybe the windows were too tinted? Number plate font /letter spacing is n on-compliant? If you refuse a blood or breath test for drink or drugs it's likely to be a one year ban and a hefty fine. some insurance firms charge more for a car with "embellishments".
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Fair questions.
The minor cosmetic items were a front bumper lip/splitter, headlight covers, stickers and a cosmetic/fake sunroof. No engine, remap, exhaust/downpipe or performance modifications.
I did declare these details to my insurer after the stop and asked them directly whether my policy was active/valid at the time. They confirmed my policy was active at the time and had not been cancelled, voided or avoided retrospectively. I have used that evidence to dispute the no-insurance COFP.
For the number plate, the issue appears to be that it was tinted. I accept it may need proper evidence/review. My point is that I bought the car like that, it was readable, and I was not told at the roadside or given a chance to correct it before the ticket arrived.
About “accepting cannabis”: I did not accept anything. My understanding was someone came to my cell and suggested if I accepted the alleged cannabis issue it would not go further. I did not feel I had legal advice at that point. I was told I was not being charged with possession.
At the moment, I have received COFP letters for no insurance and number plate only. I have not received a separate charge/summons/SJPN for drug-driving or failure to provide blood yet. The blood sample was requested in custody and I refused after panicking.
I understand people need the full facts. I’m trying to work out what solicitor I need and what records should be requested before I say anything further.
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The OP clearly has no intention of giving us all the facts. He is not seeking legal advice from us, but merely asking for advice as to what flavour of lawyer he should instruct.
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The officer then said my insurance was not valid due to minor cosmetic items on my car.
- I received a no-insurance fixed penalty, but my insurer has now confirmed my policy was active at the time and not voided/cancelled/avoided retrospectively. I have disputed this
What are "Minor Cosmetic Items" on the car and have you declared these to your insurance when telling them the details of the allegation? You can dispute this charge by doing nothing and the matter will progress to a SJPN notice where you can tick the NG box and request a court hearing.
I refused a blood sample after panicking.
- I asked for legal advice but say it was not provided before important decisions were made.
- I was not interviewed.
- Around 6am, someone came to my cell and I say they pressured me about accepting the alleged cannabis. I did not feel I had proper legal advice at that point.
What do you mean by "accepting the alleged cannabis"? What did they offer for accepting it?
In summary, other than the COFP for the insurance & something else for a number plate offence, what have you actually been charged with? Have they charged you with driving while being above the specified drug limit?
It feels like you are giving us your side but not all the facts. What are the mods on the car? What was wrong with the plate? What did you tell your insurance about the stop for them to confirm you were covered?
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There are thousands of solicitors in London who do this type of work. Just google them.
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They said that will invalid your insurance because you haven't declared to insurance now we seised the car cus we don't think your j have valid insurance
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"... The officer then said my insurance was not valid due to minor cosmetic items on my car..."
Sorry but what does this ^ mean? What did the police say to you about the "minor cosmetic items"?
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Post:
Location: England / London
I need advice on what type of solicitor I should contact: motoring, criminal defence, police complaint/civil action against police, or one firm that handles all.
Brief facts:
- I was stopped by plain-clothes/undercover police on 1 June 2026.
- The stop happened near/in front of a speed camera. The officer said I was speeding, but I am sure I was not speeding and no speed reading, camera evidence or measurement was shown to me.
- I told officers I am a Blue Badge holder and have PTSD/anxiety, but I felt ignored, pressured and not listened to.
- The officer then said my insurance was not valid due to minor cosmetic items on my car.
- My car was seized and I paid around £218 to recover it.
- I received a no-insurance fixed penalty, but my insurer has now confirmed my policy was active at the time and not voided/cancelled/avoided retrospectively. I have disputed this.
- I also received a £100 number plate fixed penalty, which I dispute.
- Officers alleged tobacco/cigarette ash in my ashtray was cannabis. I disputed this and was told I was not being charged with possession.
- I refused a blood sample after panicking. I have PTSD/anxiety and fear around needles/blood being taken. I have contacted my GP and have an appointment booked.
- I was detained for about 12 hours and only given one meal.
- I asked for legal advice but say it was not provided before important decisions were made.
- I was not interviewed.
- Around 6am, someone came to my cell and I say they pressured me about accepting the alleged cannabis. I did not feel I had proper legal advice at that point.
- I believe I was treated differently and the situation was escalated because of race/disability. I want to make a formal police complaint.
What records should I request now: custody record, body-worn video, stop/search record, seizure paperwork, officer notes, drug-testing paperwork and any document they say I signed?
What type of solicitor should I contact for this?