Tesla fined for failing to assist UK police over driving offences

Tesla has been convicted at least 18 times for failing to co-operate with UK police forces.

The British arm of the US electric carmaker has received fines of around £20,000 across a number of criminal court proceedings linked to alleged road traffic offences.

Tesla offers its vehicles on long-term leases, meaning it is typically the registered keeper of the car. Drivers of rented or company cars caught speeding have to be named before they can face prosecution.  Companies which fail to return paperwork to police can be prosecuted instead.

Almost 4,000 defendants have been convicted in courts in England and Wales over the last two weeks for failing to identify the driver of a vehicle under police investigation. Fines can range from £1 to £1,000.

The Press Association has identified at least 18 convictions recorded against Tesla Financial Services since the start of 2024. These including prosecutions brought by the Metropolitan Police, Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police.

Letters from police which went unanswered have been addressed to Tesla Financial Services at offices in London and an office in Manchester.

In the cases identified by PA, fines, costs and court fees totalling £20,686 have been imposed by magistrates sitting in the single justice procedure.

Tesla was asked to comment.