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Anyone know what happens if the police confiscate your car keys?

(36 Posts)
kittylester Thu 12-May-22 21:04:36

Not me!! My lovely sister in law has dementia (as yet undiagnosed officially) and poor driving had been reported to the police.

It sounds as though the police handled it really well and were very kind to her, called her daughter to tell her and gave her keys to a responsible neighbour.

But, is she banned from driving? Can she demand her car keys and drive.

The police suggested that my niece disconnect the battery which she might do..

Anyone have any knowledge or experience please?

kittylester Fri 13-May-22 08:28:12

Monica, as I said, I help run courses for people who care for people with dementia.

Where there is a very early diagnosis people can be assessed as fit to drive. I have seen it happen quite a few times.

The DVLA often refer to the gp and occasionally ask for a rl assessment.

I tend to think that if someone needs a referral to a memory clinic they should have their licence removed.

Jaxjacky Fri 13-May-22 08:31:24

I think it’s difficult without a formal diagnosis, a relative with a grudge could contact her insurance/DVLA, I’d expect them to need proof..

Whiff Fri 13-May-22 08:47:51

kittylester has the family got both lasting powers of attorney health and financial? If not I would advise them to. I took mine out 2 years ago when I changed my will it was easier. And ment I didn't have to worry in the future. Only 64 not intending to pop my clogs anytime soon. But we all have to do what makes things easier for our families.

Iam64 Fri 13-May-22 08:55:35

The police seem to have handled this initial stage well. It’s over to the family to involve the GP and make sure the individual doesn’t drive. It’s difficult but not an uncommon situation. I suspect insurance will be invalid from the point of police advice.

kittylester Fri 13-May-22 09:07:02

No, whiff, they haven't!! MY Bil is in hospital after falling down stairs. He has always refused our advice to do them. Even now!

Their son is organising everything for his parents at the moment and not necessarily involving his sister who asks my advice (and moans) on a regular basis.

Germanshepherdsmum Fri 13-May-22 09:39:46

Exactly what I was going to say Iam.

Nannarose Fri 13-May-22 10:01:57

I think that Ladyleftfield makes a good point. If someone is insured to drive the car, can you find somewhere to store it? Ask for police advice on moving it if need be. Then tell s-i-l that the police are checking her car. She may forget about it, or if like my mum, she keeps asking, say it needs work doing, still sorting it out.....etc.
We had an old friend who knew a lot about cars, and my mum trusted his advice, where she thought her family just annoying! So she accepted what he told her. I wonder if you can do something like that.
I think the neighbour is being very helpful, but if it was me, I'd only want to hold the keys whilst things were sorted out, not long term.
God luck!

kittylester Fri 13-May-22 10:09:23

Iam, we do too, they have been brilliant.

But my sil is still awaiting an official diagnosis. Someone will take her to the next appt. But, she could easily forget not to drive if she wants to nip to the shop.

She was quite a scary driver previously!

Germanshepherdsmum Fri 13-May-22 11:08:17

The insurance company should be notified kitty. I very much doubt that the insurance is still valid - they have to be told about changes that might affect their willingness to insure or the price at which they will do so. The intervention by the police and withholding of the keys is definitely one such.

geekesse Fri 13-May-22 11:48:14

I confiscated my late MiL’s car keys after she drove into the side of an articulated lorry, and told me in mitigation that she hadn’t noticed it driving across her path at a crossroads. I expected her to protest, but she merely said “Really, dear? Perhaps you’re right”. She sold the car and managed perfectly well with buses until other factors made venturing out alone impossible.