Fraud and financial crime
Vehicle registration fraud
Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 (as charged)
England & Wales. Elements, mode of trial, maximum and defences — not a charging or outcome predictor.
- Triable
- Either way
- Maximum penalty
- Maximum when tried summarily: Level 5 fine Maximum when tried on indictment: 2 years’ custody
Actus reus
- Typically Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994, s.44 (forgery, fraudulent use or false information in connection with registration documents/marks — read the charged subsection). Not a Fraud Act offence unless that is what is charged.
Mens rea
- Depends on the subsection (forged document, fraudulently using a mark, or furnishing false particulars). Do not invent a single intent.
Defences
Document or mark not false · No fraudulent use · Not the person who furnished the particulars
Sentencing Council
Sentencing Council guideline effective 01 April 2025. Offence range: Fine – 1 year six months’ custody.
At the police station
Cloned plates and stolen V5Cs are common. Identify s.44 limb versus a Fraud Act charge on the same facts.
When to involve a rep or solicitor
Police station advice is free under legal aid and is not means-tested.
Authoritative sources for this page
Statute plus Sentencing Council (and CPS where listed) are the two primary sources we used for mode of trial, maximum and elements. Case links are from our verified registry only.
- Statute:Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 (as charged) ↗
- Sentencing Council:Sentencing Council definitive guideline ↗
- CPS:CPS — Fraud Act 2006 ↗