If your Out of Time witness statement has been rejected
This page has been updated in January 2026 to reflect significant changes that were introduced by the Traffic Enforcement Centre in around September 2025 that address the reasons why an Out of Time witness statement or Statutory Declaration may be rejected. If you have received a letter from the Traffic Enforcement Centre advising that your application to file your witness statement late has been refused, this page should be of assistance to you.
Why did the Traffic Enforcement Centre reject my Out of Time witness statement?
From the many enquiries that we receive on this subject, the main reason why Out of Time applications are rejected is usually because the forms TE7 and TE9 (or PE2 and PE3) forms had been very poorly completed. Secondly, motorists fail to explain the reason WHY the Witness Statement or Statutory Declaration was being submitted LATE (Out of Time). This page from our website explains more.
In October 2025, the Traffic Enforcement Centre undertook a Consultation with proposed amendments regarding Out of Time applications. One such amendment that has been introduced is that the TEC Court Officer should provide a brief REASON for the rejection. Reasons provided may include the following:
No explanation has been given why the Witness Statement was served late.
No explanation from the respondent as to why they failed to notify DVLA of their change of address.
No evidence has been provided for proof of their absence from the address for the relevant period when the Order for Recovery was sent.
Unfortunately, since this amendment was imposed, we are receiving a significant number of enquires from motorists who consider that their applications had been unfairly rejected. We are also aware of many complaints being made to the Traffic Enforcement Centre on this matter.
Who decides whether to accept or reject my Out of Time witness statement?
It is actually the local authority, who decide whether or not to allow you to file the witness statement late. If they refuse to grant permission, they will inform the Traffic Enforcement Centre and the case will then be passed to a TEC Court Officer. They can decide whether or not the local authorities decision was the correct one.
Can I appeal the rejection of my Out of Time witness statement?
Yes you certainly can but please, make sure that you seek advise beforehand.
In the letter outlining the rejection, the Traffic Enforcement Centre will inform you that you may seek a review of the rejection by way of an N244 Application. You will need to submit the N244 within a period of 14 days from the date of service of the decision. There is a fee to pay for this application of £123. Unfortunately, this fee is applicable for each application rejected. It is therefore very important to seek advice before considering an N244 Application and in particular, if you have multiple Out of Time applications that have been refused. If you are in receipt of applicable benefits, you will likely qualify for exemption from paying. We have an entire page on the subject on an N244 application here.
What happens if I do not file an N244 to seek a review?
Quite simply, the warrant will no longer be on hold and bailiff enforcement can recommence. It is important that you contact the enforcement company as soon as you receive the rejection letter. You may be able to avoid a personal visit being made and an enforcement fee of £235 being added to the debt.
Commentary from Bailiff Advice Online:
We have a great deal of experience with the Traffic Enforcement Centre and Out of Time witness statements and N244 Applications. If you consider that the reason given for the refusal is unfair or unjust, please contact us either by way of our Bailiff Advice Online Enquiry Form. Alternatively, you can contact our free helpline. Please refer to our Contact Page for further details. Our helpline is free and so to is our advice.