MOTORISTS could be fined £1,200 for driving without insurance, four times the current £300 penalty, if new government proposals go ahead this autumn.

The increase has overwhelming public support, with a new YouGov survey revealing that 75 per cent of British adults back the quadruple fine increase, while 78 per cent believe the current £300 penalty isn't enough to deter uninsured driving.

The Motor Insurers' Bureau, which compensates victims of uninsured drivers, is pushing for the higher penalties as part of its "Accelerating to Zero" strategy to end uninsured driving completely.

Kazimieras Urbonas, motoring expert at automotive marketplace Ovoko, said: "Uninsured drivers often delay essential vehicle maintenance and repairs. When drivers are operating without insurance, they frequently can't afford basic safety components like brake pads, tyres, or lights, creating additional road safety risks beyond just the insurance violation."

The call for action comes as government figures show uninsured driving costs the UK economy £1 billion annually, with someone becoming a victim of an uninsured or hit-and-run driver every 20 minutes.

Kris Barber, Principal Attorney at The Barber Law Firm, said: "Many people see the £1,200 penalty and think that's the total cost, but court proceedings typically add £1,000-3,000 in additional fees. If defendants choose legal representation, that's another £3,000-8,000.

“When fines quadruple, more cases tend to be contested rather than accepted, which could strain an already stretched court system. We're also likely to see more defendants requesting payment plans or claiming financial hardship, which requires additional administrative resources."

Currently, drivers caught without insurance face a fixed penalty of £300, six points on their license, an unlimited fine if the case goes to court, and vehicle seizure.

Under the proposed changes, the fixed penalty would increase to £1,200, with all other penalties remaining the same.