Warning to uninsured drivers as crackdown returns to South Yorkshire

Driving without insurance isn’t a victimless act. Those who take these risks can cause devastation on the roads, and it is law abiding drivers who pay the price through reduced safety and higher premiums.

Seizing cars and enforcing against drivers is daily business for officers across the force, with an average of 12 cars a day being seized during this year.

As the police work to crack down on uninsured drivers, and remove risk from our roads continues, roads policing officers, supported by colleagues from response and neighbourhood teams are backing a national week-long initiative.

Research and officers’ experience tells us that those who drive without insurance are more likely to take further risks on our roads, and each year uninsured motorists are responsible for over a hundred deaths on the UK’s roads.

Roads Policing Sergeant Martyn Micklethwaite explains more: “This work is daily business for us, during the first three months of 2026, we have already seized 1,109 vehicles for having no insurance from our roads, but as this week of action returns nationally, we are raising awareness and educating drivers, as well as enforcing against those who show a disregard for the law.

“People often see driving without insurance as a victimless crime, but the reality is it’s devastating.

“These drivers are more likely to be reckless and take risks, causing serious and fatal collisions and leaving families and our communities shattered and heartbroken.

“As well as the greater risk, the more people that drive uninsured leads to higher premiums for law abiding drivers and costs the UK economy around £1bn every year, including compensation for victims, emergency services and medical costs- everyone needs to do their part.”

Uninsured drivers face a minimum £300 fine and six penalty points. Court appearances and driving bans are also possible.

PS Micklethwaite added: “We understand that sometimes changes with policies, cars and drivers can lead to your vehicle being uninsured. You can check your insurance status at www.askMID.com.

“For those facing financial hardship, there are ways to reduce premiums—such as choosing less powerful vehicles, installing black boxes, and limiting mileage. Driving without insurance is never an option.”