Free Traffic Legal Advice

I paid my speeding fine on 16th May 2024, but have had It refunded on 30th December 2024, after some google searching I believe I may not have sent my license off as required. I had 2 speeding tickets around the same time, both different County’s, the first one just wanted the license number, Im guessing the second wanted the physical license, as after more searching online have found half the county have upgraded to electric other still want the licence, pointless exercise but I can see this is most likely what’s happened. I’ve not received a court summons yet, just the refund. Is it true that as it’s more than 6 months since the offense they cannot do anything? I just want clarification about this 6 months rule, is it a case, as I’ve already accepted it was me and paid (although now refunded), does this mean the 6 months rule don’t apply and they can take me to court any time? or is it a case they have 6 months to take me to court from date of the offense, so now this has passed I’m in the clear?

30th November 2022. You presumably had in mind the date that physical counterparts were abolished, rendering the requirement to submit the licence for endorsement absurd.

For the sake of completeness, for proceedings instigated by authorised prosecutors (as opposed to private prosecutions - which are not relevant to the instant case) the proceedings are instigated when the Written Charge and SJPN or Postal Requisition are issued. The paperwork is typically served 2-3 weeks later when they get around to collating the bundle of initial evidence to serve with the SJPN/PR.

Thank you for your reply. How would I check if formal proceedings have started? It’s been over 7 months since payment made and refunded, offense was a month prior to payment being made to.
Thanks