Tesla UK Fined Over £20,000 for Refusing to Hand Over Speeding Driver Data

Tesla's UK subsidiary is facing multiple lawsuits for failing to assist police in identifying speeding drivers in rented vehicles. According to the BBC, since early 2024, police forces in London, Hampshire, and Thames Valley have filed at least 18 legal actions against Tesla. Of these, 17 cases have already been adjudicated, with Tesla fined in each instance for failing to provide driver information, resulting in total penalties exceeding £20,000 (approximately RMB 189,000). Under UK law, rental companies, as the registered vehicle owners, are obligated to disclose the identity of the driver at the time of an offense upon receiving a notice from police; failure to do so renders them liable. In November last year, Tesla director Becky Hodgson admitted guilt on behalf of the company via email, citing technical issues encountered while attempting to use the police’s online system. To date, Tesla has not issued a public statement regarding the matter.