Warning Issued over Fake Highway Code Books

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Warning Issued over Fake Highway Code Books

Here is a detailed article based on the warning by the DVSA about counterfeit Highway Code books, describing the problem and its consequences and advising the purchasers. The following article will outline the risks associated with such counterfeits, how to identify them, and how the general public can ensure that they are using legitimate material.

Beware of Counterfeit Highway Code Books: A DVSA Warning for Learners and Road Users

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has issued a warning to all road users and learner drivers in the United Kingdom against an influx of counterfeit Highway Code books being sold through popular retail websites. It says these fake copies of the Highway Code include misleading and incorrect information, which may have serious repercussions for road users by putting them at risk of failing tests or even breaking the law.

Why DVSA’s Warning Matters: The Highway Code is more than just a book for learners; it is a guideline to give an idea of the basic rules so as to safely and legally drive on UK roads. It gets compiled by experts in the DVSA under careful consideration for such propositions to be granted in order to assure safety, prevent accidents, and act as a reference for all road users, be it cyclists, motorcyclists, or pedestrians.

But with the proliferation of fake versions now flooding online marketplaces, this trusted resource has been compromised. In these forged books, key information might be incorrect or not there at all. Counterfeits put road users “at risk of breaking the law or, worst still, having some form of accident,” Mark Winn, the chief driving examiner at the DVSA says. By withholding correct and proper information, these fakes put the public in danger and defeat the purpose of the Highway Code altogether.

Scale of the problem: why target the Highway Code?

One of the first questions one may think of is why anybody would indeed bother making counterfeit copies of a book that is fairly inexpensive, with the Highway Code retailing for only £ 4.99. This, however hides the truth behind the sales figures. The Highway Code is a phenomenally successful publication, shifting approximately 19,000 copies in a week as it is the go-to purchase for all people who will take to the road. That kind of demand makes it a favorite among counterfeiters who wish to make money off the unsuspecting public.

The DVSA explained that these counterfeit books are normally available from popular online websites, and thus become easy to stumble upon even by casual browsers who need one copy. With the myriad new drivers coming out every year, and so many others who want to stay current with the latest in road laws, the sales volume of the Highway Code provides ample reason for the criminals to exploit this demand. Moreover, the vendors selling these at prices barely lower than the original do not raise any suspicion while raking in such high profits.

Risks Involved in Using a Counterfeit Highway Code Book

The main concern of the DVSA regarding counterfeit Highway Code books pertains to road safety. For learners, it may translate into failure in a theory test or a practical test; worse, they could be oblivious to committing an offence while driving. Even licensed drivers who purchase these fakes for reference are in danger of misinformation that may lead to unsafe driving practices or the accidental breaking of the law.

Mark Winn says these pose a serious risk, with the potential for these false books to undermine public confidence in the Highway Code, which is invaluable to the British highways’ safety record. Inaccurate information does not only put driver safety at risk but toys with a resource which has been relied upon for generations. The DVSA draws the emphasis that, with a counterfeit version, the driver can be denied the recent updates, including changes in laws and regulations that are fundamental for safe and lawful driving.

How to Identify a Fake Highway Code Book

The DVSA has provided clear guidelines concerning how to find out if a Highway Code book is fake. Some of the surefire ways are as follows:

Pixelated Logos: Probably the most noticeable signs of a fake Highway Code would be poor printing quality on the cover, which includes pixelated logos. The pictures on the original ones are sharp and high-resolution, but the counterfeits have blurry or distorted logos of any kind.

Glossy Finish Instead of Matte: Real copies of the Highway Code are made with a matte finish on the cover, while forged ones often print in glossy finish. This is actually a conscious design by the DVSA in order to make it easier for buyers to tell at a glance which ones are real and which ones aren’t.

Missing ISBN Number: Every official copy of the Highway Code has an ISBN number located above the barcode on the back cover. The ISBN here is an identifier that authenticates the book and, therefore, makes it traceable with ease. It is a significant detail that almost all the fake copies will leave out either blank or using the wrong, changed code.

Being alert and aware of what to look out for when purchasing a Highway Code book can fend off buyers from becoming victims of these scams. Though the aforementioned indicators are quite simple, they may not necessarily be overtly apparent to a first-time buyer of the book, which makes it even more imperative to raise awareness among the public regarding these facts.

Where to Purchase an Authentic Copy of the Highway Code

DVSA advises buying copies of the Highway Code from trusted suppliers. Buying the book directly from TSO, which is the official publisher of this book, or directly from the agency, will help to make sure you actually receive an authentic and updated copy. In the meantime, for the digitally-minded reader, there’s a convenient and easily accessible option: you can also view the Highway Code free of charge online, through official channels.

Steve Gooding of the RAC Foundation further advises to buy only from trusted sellers because by doing so, the chances of getting a fake copy are minimal. Since there are so many forged copies in existence, this is crucial advice for new learners who may not know what a proper Highway Code book looks and feels like.

To get the latest edition, you can place your orders from the following official sources:

The Stationery Office Official Website (TSO):

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA): Official Website
For a faster and more dependable option, the Highway Code online version is updated the very minute, and access to it is free.

What to Do if You’ve Bought a Fake Copy?

If you have purchased a counterfeit version of the Highway Code, the DVSA does encourage making a report of the incident. Buyers can contact the DVSA at crowncopyright@dvsa.gov.uk in order to report fake copies. You may also call your local Trading Standards Office with regard to reporting the counterfeit. This helps the DVSA take further action against the illegal sellers and consequently halts the distribution of counterfeit copies for the most part.

The Ongoing Efforts of the DVSA to Curb Counterfeits
The DVSA has pursued legal action against the counterfeit Highway Code sellers. These are regular actions that the Agency pursues in locating the seller and dismantling listings from popular online marketplaces. However, lots of counterfeiters continue to find ways of distributing fake copies, and consumers should continue being vigilant:.

Meanwhile, the DVSA is working with major retailers to make sure that genuine copies of the Highway Code are easily available and can be clearly identified by the public from the counterfeits. This includes partnering with online marketplaces and closely monitoring listings in order to help protect consumers and safeguard the integrity of the Highway Code.

Why the Highway Code Matters to Every Road User?

The Highway Code is not only a code to be followed by new drivers but also a kind of directive on its own for anyone who gets onto UK roads. It covers rules and advice from speed limits and road signs to cyclist safety and pedestrian rights. To the learners, it provides the basis necessary for passing both the driving theory and practical tests. It will serve as a reference for experienced drivers on updated traffic laws to ensure compliance and safety.

In the light of recent changes to the Code, this is an essential book: updated rules for cyclists, extra guidance for smart motorways, and the consequences of stricter penalties for using mobile phones while driving. The updates reflect the dynamic nature of UK roads; it is a matter of keeping up with them for safety.

The Highway Code plays an important role in engendering public trust.
It’s not just driver education for the DVSA; it’s a matter of trust in a system where the yardstick is clarity and road safety. Bogus copies erode such trust by spreading misinformation, hence putting road users in harm’s way. The strategy at play involves warning the general public about such fakes and raising awareness so that the Highway Code retains credibility as a reference for drivers.

Conclusion: Purchase Authentic Highway Code Books to Safeguard Yourself This is because, while the counterfeit Highway Code books appear the same; they are riddled with false information that will leave you and others at risk. Knowing how to spot one, buying from trusted providers, and reporting any counterfeit merchandise means you are doing your part in ensuring others carry information appropriate and accurate enough to be out on the highways and roads.

Whether you’re a new driver learning the rules of the road or an experienced driver refreshing your knowledge of the latest laws, the Highway Code is the essential reference. Buy genuine copies and support reputable sources to help keep Britain’s roads safe for all road users.

If you’re at all unsure about whether your Highway Code book is genuine, then you can contact the DVSA, or check with your local trading standards office. We all play a part in ensuring this important road safety resource stays safe and secure.

The article also underlines the importance of all drivers using a genuine Highway Code book; it offers practical advice on how to recognize fake copies and outlines what the DVSA is doing to stamp out counterfeits.

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