(1)A person is guilty of an offence if—
(a)he uses, or keeps, on a public road a vehicle in respect of which vehicle excise duty is chargeable, and
(b)there is not fixed to and exhibited on the vehicle in the manner prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State a licence for, or in respect of, the vehicle which is for the time being in force.
[F1(1A)A person is guilty of an offence if—
(a)he uses, or keeps, on a public road an exempt vehicle,
(b)that vehicle is one in respect of which regulations under this Act require a nil licence to be in force, and
(c)there is not fixed to and exhibited on the vehicle in the manner prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State a nil licence for that vehicle which is for the time being in force.]
(2)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) [F2or(1A)] is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale.
[F3(3)Subsections (1) and (1A)—
(a)have effect subject to the provisions of regulations made by the Secretary of State, and
(b)are without prejudice to sections 29 and 43A.]
[F4(4)The Secretary of State may make regulations prohibiting a person from exhibiting on a vehicle [F5which is kept or used on a public road] anything—
(a)which is intended to be, or
(b)which could reasonably be,
mistaken for a licence which is for, or in respect of, the vehicle and which is for the time being in force.]
[F6(5)The reference to a licence in subsection (4) includes a reference to a nil licence.]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 33(1A) inserted (1.4.1998) by 1997 c. 16, s. 18, Sch. 3 para. 4(1); S.I. 1998/560, art. 2
F2Words in s. 33(2) inserted (1.4.1998) by 1997 c. 16, s. 18, Sch. 3 para. 4(2); S.I. 1998/560, art. 2
F3S. 33(3) substituted (1.4.1998) by 1997 c. 16, s. 18, Sch. 3 para. 4(3); S.I. 1998/560, art. 2
F4S. 33(4) inserted (29.4.1996) by 1996 c. 8, s. 23, Sch. 2 para. 10
F5Words in s. 33(4) substituted (1.4.1998) by 1997 c. 16, s. 18, Sch. 3 para. 4(4); S.I. 1998/560, art. 2
F6S. 33(5) inserted (1.4.1998) by 1997 c. 16, s. 18, Sch. 3 para. 4(5); S.I. 1998/560, art. 2