What to Do If You Receive a Postal Requisition
A postal requisition (also known as a single justice procedure notice) is a formal notice requiring you to respond to a criminal charge without attending court — or to opt for a full hearing. Understanding your options is critical.
Quick Answer
A postal requisition is an official court document requiring you to respond in writing within 21 days. You can plead guilty by post (for summary-only offences) or indicate a not guilty plea and request a full hearing. Do not ignore it — failure to respond results in the court proceeding in your absence and potentially convicting you without your knowledge.
Full Explanation
A postal requisition is a written charge and requisition issued by the Crown Prosecution Service or a public prosecutor under s.29 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003. It is used mainly for low-level summary offences — such as minor traffic offences, TV licence evasion, and some road traffic matters — and is heard under the Single Justice Procedure (SJP) introduced by the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015. A single magistrate can deal with written guilty pleas and impose fines without a hearing.
The notice will typically contain: the written charge (the allegation); a statement of facts; information about the offence and the maximum penalty; a Notice of Intended Prosecution (for road traffic offences); and a form for your response. You must respond within 21 days of the date of the notice.
You have three options: (1) plead guilty by post by completing the response form, in which case the magistrate will sentence you (usually to a fine) in your absence; (2) plead not guilty and request a full court hearing before a bench of magistrates; or (3) make a special or additional request (for example, to ask for the matter to be heard in open court even if pleading guilty, because you want the sentencing to be in public, or because you wish to make mitigation in person).
For most minor offences (e.g. speeding, failing to provide driver details) where you accept responsibility, pleading guilty by post is the simplest approach. However, for any offence that could result in a driving disqualification, a criminal record that affects employment, or significant financial penalty, you should obtain legal advice before responding. In particular, for driving offences where exceptional hardship or special reasons may apply, you must appear in court — you cannot raise these grounds by post.
Ignoring a postal requisition is a very common — and very serious — mistake. If you do not respond, the case will be listed before a single magistrate who will proceed in your absence, almost certainly on the basis of the prosecution's statement of facts, resulting in a conviction and financial penalty you did not expect and had no opportunity to contest.
Legal Basis
- §Criminal Justice Act 2003, section 29 (written charge and requisition)
- §Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, s.48 (Single Justice Procedure)
- §Criminal Procedure Rules 2020, Part 24 (trial and sentence in magistrates' court)
- §Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (special reasons, exceptional hardship — driving offences)
What To Do
Read the Notice Carefully and Note the Deadline
The notice will state the 21-day deadline for your response. Note this date immediately. Read the charge and statement of facts carefully to understand exactly what you are accused of.
Assess Whether the Allegation Is Accurate
Consider whether you admit the offence as alleged. If there are factual errors in the prosecution's account, or if you have a defence (for example, the vehicle was driven by another person, or you had permission), you should plead not guilty and request a hearing.
Take Legal Advice for Serious Offences
If the offence carries a potential driving disqualification, a criminal record relevant to your employment, or a financial penalty that you wish to challenge, seek legal advice before responding. A solicitor can advise whether special reasons or exceptional hardship arguments are available.
Complete and Return the Response Form
Complete the response form clearly, indicating your plea and any request for a hearing. For guilty pleas by post, include any mitigation (personal circumstances, early admission, financial situation). Return the form by the deadline by first class post — keep proof of postage.
Attend Court If Requesting a Hearing
If you request a full hearing, the court will write to you with a date. Attend on time with any documents supporting your case. You may represent yourself or instruct a solicitor. Legal aid may be available in some circumstances.
Important Deadlines
Important Warnings
Never ignore a postal requisition — proceeding in your absence is routine, and you will not be notified of the outcome by the court as a matter of course.
A conviction under the SJP appears on your criminal record in exactly the same way as a conviction after a full trial. For offences involving dishonesty or violence, this can have serious professional consequences.
Paying the fine on the notice before responding may be treated as a guilty plea in some circumstances — read all documents before making any payment.