Caught tv license

Your local magistrate, district judge or sheriff can send you to prison if you wilfully and repeatedly refuse to pay the fine. In Scotland, most cases are actually settled out of court, which impacts less on court time. The Ministry of Justice said that from , a total of people were handed custodial sentences for not paying fines. Non-recordable offences are typically for things like travelling on a train or tube without a ticket. This is actually half true. But this applies to non-live, catch-up TV and non-live catch-up TV only.

You will also need to formally opt out of paying for a licence, which will require you to contact TV Licensing or fill out a form on its site. Hopefully this has cleared up some misconceptions you may or may not have had about the licence fee.

Update: This article has been amended to correct inaccuracies related to fines in Scotland, Guernsey and Jersey. The fee covers a wide range of TV, radio and online content from the BBC, as well as developing ways to deliver it to audiences, such as iPlayer.

Most importantly of all, the licence fee allows the BBC to remain free of adverts and also political and commercial interest. This is the first time it has risen since 1st April , with the government freezing the fee at that level until three months after the last BBC Charter ended.

The government is responsible for setting the level of the licence fee. Last year, it announced that the fee will now rise in line with inflation for the next five years, starting this year. Licence fee payers will receive a payment plan or a reminder reflecting the new amount when their licence is next due for renewal.

Those buying or renewing a licence after 1st April will pay the new fee. Those already paying for a licence in instalments e. The announcement of the new fee amount follows a change of the licence fee conditions, as part of the renewal of the BBC Charter. This applies whether they are using a TV set, computer, or any other equipment. The free concession for those aged over 75 remains, although those entitled to the concession must apply for it.

If you are blind severely sight impaired , you are entitled to a 50 per cent concession on the cost of a licence. Perhaps most importantly of all, the licence fee allows the BBC to remain free of adverts and also political and commercial interest. Giving a free ride to those who enjoy Sherlock or Bake Off an hour, a day or a week after they are broadcast was never intended. This applies to any device and provider you use, which means that even if you are accessing iPlayer through a provider, such as Sky or Virgin, you will still need a licence.

This article contains incorrect information. This article does not have the information I am looking for. I've been writing about the industry now for over 10 years - first as an editor of various magazines before branching out to work on my own blog.

I like to keep up with the ever-evolving world of gadgets, home entertainment, and personal technology. If not fiddling with AV cables at home or in front of the computer, I can be found playing tennis or padel.

This blog is my space to explore new topics related to these hobbies; as well as share some thoughts about life in general sometimes you need a break from electronics! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What Happens Next? Was this article helpful? Yes No.