The guidance explains to individuals the circumstances
where the information might be shared without breaking data
protection rules.
The DVLA keeps a register containing details of all vehicles
licensed for use on the road and can pass details from the register
to a third party for a number of legitimate reasons. That might be
to identify vehicles on the road to help prevent and detect crime,
to investigate suspected insurance fraud, to improve road safety or
to ensure that vehicles are properly taxed.
Although the DVLA does not have to obtain permission before
passing an individual’s details to other people, the person or
organisation requesting the information must prove that they have
‘reasonable cause’ to obtain an individual’s details.
For example, a company requesting information to enforce parking
fees must also provide evidence that a parking charge scheme
actually exists and that drivers are made aware that the scheme is
in force.
“The DVLA passes on information from its register to third
parties for a variety of legitimate reasons," said Phil Jones,
Assistant Commissioner at the ICO. "However, the person or
organisation requesting the information must always provide
evidence to the DVLA which shows why their request is reasonable.
It is an offence under the Data Protection Act to unlawfully obtain
information, for example by misleading the DVLA as to why the
information is required.”
