30/10/2026
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It's on everyone's lips - Section 59 - a new law change that's dramatically changed the road traffic scene where you could find your beloved bike seized - for doing nothing wrong!!
Gavin Grewal, Managing Partner at White Dalton, has just written his 59th legal article for Fast Bikes Magazine and the topic is, coincidentally, Section 59.
It used to have a safeguard where a warning was given but no action could be taken until a second offence/warning was committed within a 12-month period.
That changed this year and now a uniformed copper can immediately seize your machine if they believe that you've ridden carelessly, dangerously, AND IS causing OR is likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public.
There is no warning and you'll be walking home. And the really scary thing is that you cannot defend it at the roadside as questions and clarifications don't form part of the seizure.
There is no court process for a Section 59 seizure and no way to undo it. Yes you could try and recover your costs but since the fees are currently £192 recovery and £13 a day storage, it's small claims and unlikely to go ahead.
If you do end up in court for the criminal charge of careless driving, and are acquitted you might have that as an option but you wouldn't want to leave your bike in storage for the next 12-18 months that it could take to get to trial.
Gav said: "My personal view is that these powers go too far, especially if you’ve done nothing wrong but the copper believes your machine or riding is causing an annoyance, alarm or distress. This is a low bar and there are no checks/balances where you would normally be able to argue a case before the Magistrates’ Court. "
To read more take a look at our blog on our website.
