How long does a police marker stay in a car in the UK?

When it comes to cars in the United Kingdom, police markers play a vital role in keeping everyone safe and informed. These markers provide valuable information to law enforcement, such as whether a vehicle is stolen or not, associated with a wanted person, abandoned, or even deemed an insurance write-off.

There is no specific time limit on how long a marker can remain attached to a vehicle. Some markers can expire automatically after a certain period, and if the offence was relatively minor, then this expiry can be in as little as six months. 

Understanding how long these markers usually stay on cars is crucial for both current car owners and potential buyers. So, if you’re interested in avoiding cars with police markers and want to know how to check for them? Look no further! This guide dives into this lesser-known area, giving you valuable insights to make informed decisions.

What is meant by a “police marker” on a car?

Police markers are used as a way for the authorities to track and monitor vehicles involved in suspicious or criminal activity. When a police marker is recorded against a vehicle’s number plate in the Police National Database (PND), it increases the likelihood of that vehicle being identified and monitored by law enforcement.

This system helps to ensure that police can quickly identify vehicles associated with criminal activity, allowing them to take appropriate action more rapidly and efficiently.

How long does a police marker stay on your car?

The amount of time a marker can be attached to a car is not time-limited. Certain markers may automatically expire after a predetermined time; if the offence is small, this period may be as little as six months. 

On the other hand, other marks might stay on the car for its life. Typically, police departments will check markers regularly, though this varies greatly depending on the department. Reviews are held on average every month to maintain continuous relevance and can last anywhere from 28 days to a year.

Why are police markers assigned to vehicles?

Police markers are assigned to vehicles for various reasons, ranging from the car being involved in antisocial behavior to its involvement in criminal activities such as drug trafficking. The following are some common reasons for assigning police markers to vehicles:

Anti-Social Behavior: Vehicles involved in disruptive activities receive police markers.

Stolen Vehicle: Markers help identify and recover reported stolen vehicles.

Cloned Vehicle: Markers indicate vehicles with false number plates. Read more about cloned plates here.

Failing to Stop: Vehicles repeatedly disobeying police instructions to stop are marked.

Involvement in Criminal Activity: Markers are assigned to vehicles used in crimes like drug trafficking or burglary.

What do “Section 59” police markers mean?

“Section 59” markers, also known as “Police Crime Prevention Markers,” are utilized by the police to help reduce crime. These markers signify that a police officer believes the driver is committing an offense under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. 

To ensure compliance with legal requirements, the police employ Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to check if a vehicle has a valid MOT, VED, and Road Tax. 

In order to comply with legal requirements, the police utilise Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to verify whether a vehicle possesses a valid MOT, VED, and Road Tax.

In cases where a vehicle obtains two or more Section 59 marks, the police have the legal authority to impound the car. Additionally, they can charge a daily fee for the vehicle’s release. 

The Section 59 marker is also used when a vehicle is being driven in an antisocial manner, such as engaging in street racing or reckless driving. If a police officer comes across a car with a “Section 59” marker, they can stop and seize it if necessary. 

What should I do if I discover a police marker on my car?

If you discover that your vehicle has a police marker on it, contact the police to clarify things. Depending on why the marker was placed there, you could have to take action, like paying any fines that are still due, taking care of legal matters, or giving details about your car’s history.

Key factors that affect the duration of a police marker

A police marker’s duration on a car might vary greatly based on several variables. Vehicle owners and buyers must consider these factors to stay informed about the duration for which a vehicle may be flagged by law enforcement. The following are the main variables that affect how long a police marker remains on a vehicle:

Types of Police Marker:

• Criminal Investigation Markers may last until the investigation is closed or resolved.
• Stolen Vehicle Markers remain active until the vehicle is recovered.
• Traffic Violation Markers can last until fines are paid or disputes are settled.

Ongoing Investigations

Resolution of Legal Issues

Administrative Oversight

Recurrent Offences

Collaboration Between Agencies

Removal Process

How to remove a police marker on my car?

When the police mark a vehicle, it indicates there is reason to believe the car may be associated with suspicious activities. The marker is linked to the vehicle itself rather than the driver.

It’s important to note that specific markers, like a Section 59 marker, may have an expiration date specified in the paperwork. For minor offenses, the marker can expire in as little as 6 months. However, other markers can remain associated with the vehicle throughout its entire lifespan on the road. 

To remove a police marker from a car you purchased, you can visit a police station and present the required documents, such as proof of new ownership, valid tax, MOT, and insurance. 

By explaining that you are the new owner, there is a probability that they will consider removing the marker. However, it’s essential to know that this process is not guaranteed, and the outcome may differ depending on the circumstances.

Common reasons why a police marker is placed on a vehicle

Law enforcement can monitor or track a vehicle by placing police marks on it for various purposes. The following are a few typical causes:

Stolen Vehicle: To notify law enforcement and ANPR systems, a car that has been reported stolen will be marked with markings.

Criminal Activity: Cars implicated in fraud or drug trafficking are frequently marked for surveillance.

Unpaid Fines: Until payments are made, vehicles with unpaid parking citations, toll infractions, or taxes may be marked.

Suspected Involvement in Accidents: Vehicles connected to significant traffic accidents or hit-and-run occurrences may be subject to an investigation.

MOT and insurance issues: It’s essential to maintain legal compliance, as a marker may be applied to a vehicle that does not have a valid MOT or insurance, emphasising the importance of these documents.

Can I sell a vehicle with a police marker on it?

If you’re considering selling your car, you might be wondering if it’s possible to do so if it has a police marker  on the car. The police may put a marker on a vehicle for intelligence purposes, which means that the car is being monitored as part of an ongoing investigation. 

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t sell the car – you need to let the buyer know that the police marker is on it, or the seller will know if they conduct an free HPI checks. Additionally, there is the issue of whether doing so is morally correct.

How to find out if a car has a police marker on it?

Unfortunately, the general public does not have access to information regarding whether a vehicle has a registered marker on the Police National Database. This privilege is exclusively reserved for law enforcement agencies.

It is highly recommended to avoid owning a vehicle with a marker due to the significant inconvenience it may cause. However, you can obtain information about a car marked by a police officer through a online vehicle history check. 

For just £9.99, our comprehensive vehicle checks provide over 30 details to ensure your peace of mind. This will also check if a vehicle has been reported as stolen or lost.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that our vehicle history checks do not include any marks registered by the police in their national database (PND). These checks provide extensive information about a car, motorbike, or van’s past but do not cover police markers.