Millions of motorists could be breaking driving laws without knowing it, as tougher penalties for uninsured driving come into force.
New research suggested that around 1.6 million drivers may be on the road without valid car insurance because they failed to realise their policy has an expiry date.
The Road Safety Strategy unveiled today will introduce double fines for uninsured driving, with experts now urging motorists to check their cover.
Driving without insurance is a criminal offence, with experts warning that even if it happens by accident, drivers found guilty could be at risk of hefty fines.
Under current rules, drivers caught driving without insurance can be slapped with a £300 fine and six penalty points, but as part of the new proposals, fines are set to rise to £600.
The research, carried out by MoneySuperMarket, found that four per cent of drivers remain unaware of when their car insurance policy runs out.
According to DVLA figures, 42.1 million people now hold a full UK driving licence, the highest number on record, with around 1.6 million people driving illegally without realising it.
Alicia Hempsted, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said the findings were particularly worrying.
Under the new rules, penalties for driving without valid insurance will double to £600
| GETTYShe said: "Our research found that a surprisingly high number of UK drivers aren't aware that their car insurance policy has an expiry date, putting millions of motorists at risk of severe financial consequences this year.
"Driving without insurance doesn't just lead to an initial high fine; it can have long-lasting consequences.
"If you're caught driving without insurance and receive an IN10 conviction, you'll see it reflected in your insurance costs."
An IN10 conviction stays on a driver's record for four years and is one of the most serious motoring offences, which can damage car insurance premiums, the expert explained.
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Police forces have been working with the Government to crack down on uninsured driving
| NORTH WALES POLICEMoneySuperMarket data showed that drivers with an IN10 conviction pay £1,570 a year on average for car insurance, more than double the current UK average premium of £766.
Drivers can also have their car seized at the roadside, with repeat offenders taken to court, where fines can be unlimited.
DVLA data found the number of full licence holders has risen by more than one million in the past two years. Older drivers, in particular, were found to be holding onto their licences for longer.
More than six million people aged 70 or older now hold a full driving licence, while almost 1.8 million drivers aged 80 or older are still legally permitted to drive.
Drivers will now face tougher consequences for uninsured driving
| GREATER MANCHESTER POLICEJohn Wilmot, CEO of car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco, said the figures underscored the importance of driving, especially for older people.
He said: "For many seniors, owning a car serves as a vital link to social connection, a benefit particularly pronounced in rural areas where public transportation options may be limited or unreliable."
The expert explained that car insurance policies typically last 12 months, with the driver being responsible for ensuring the coverage does not expire.
Ms Hempsted urged motorists to check their policy now. "If you're unsure when your car insurance policy expires, or you weren't aware that it has an expiry date, check your policy documents or contact your insurer to find out," she said.