Commentary on Sections Part 12 - Sentencing Chapter 8: Other Provisions about sentencing Section 301: Fine defaulters: driving disqualification
650.This section re-enacts the provisions of section 40 of the Crime Sentences Act 1997. As an alternative to committing an offender to custody in default of payment of a sum, it provides the Court in subsection (2) with a power to disqualify an offender from driving for a period of up to 12 months.
651.Under subsection (3) if the fine is repaid the order ceases to have effect, or if it is repaid in part, the total number of weeks or months is reduced by a corresponding proportion. Subsection (5) provides the Secretary of State with an order-making power to alter the period of disqualification (currently 12 months) specified in subsection (2).