Veteran entertainer and national treasure Christopher Biggins has been handed a six-month driving ban after a misunderstanding over the rules for older drivers landed him in court.
The 75-year-old television personality was convicted of driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court. The court heard that Biggins had failed to renew his driving licence after he turned 70, a legal requirement for all drivers in the UK.
Biggins, known for his roles in Porridge, I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, and as a beloved pantomime dame, was also ordered to pay a £660 fine, £440 in costs, and a £264 surcharge.
The Legal Requirement for Older Drivers
In the UK, a driving licence expires when the holder turns 70. To continue driving legally, individuals must renew their licence with the DVLA every three years thereafter. This process is crucial for ensuring that drivers remain medically fit to be on the road.
There is no requirement to retake a driving test, but failure to apply for a new licence renders driving illegal. This administrative step catches out a surprising number of motorists each year.
A Costly Oversight
The prosecution represents a significant and embarrassing setback for the popular star. The total financial penalty amounted to £1,364, a substantial sum for what was likely an innocent oversight.
This case serves as a stark reminder to all drivers approaching their 70th birthday to diarise the renewal date with the DVLA. The consequences of forgetting, as Biggins has discovered, can be a day in court, a large fine, and the loss of your driving privileges.
Biggins has not yet made a public statement regarding the conviction or the driving ban.
