What happens if I don't pay my TV licence?
The "Detector Van" Myth vs Reality
Every year, pensioners and single mothers are disproportionately prosecuted for TV licence evasion. Why? Because they open the door and sign the form.
The reality of TV Licensing is very different from the scary adverts:
"Detector Vans" are largely a myth/psychological deterrent.
Warrants to enter homes are incredibly rare (approx 100 per year vs 24 million homes).
Evidence almost exclusively comes from your own confession on the doorstep.
Key Legal Facts for 2026:
It IS a criminal offence (Communications Act 2003).
It is NOT a "recordable" offence (it won't show up on a standard DBS check).
You DO NOT have to let them in without a warrant.
You DO NOT have to speak to them.
This guide explains the Single Justice Procedure (SJP)—the "secret court" system used to prosecute 99% of cases—and how to handle it.
Related Situations: If you have received an SJP notice for a different offence (like speeding or car tax), see our SJP Offence Decoder. If you are worried about bailiffs coming for a fine, read how bailiffs operate.
1 The Typical Timeline
If you take no action, this is the standard statutory process. Timescales are approximate but typical for 2026.
The Threat-O-Grams
You receive increasingly scary letters with red headings like 'Official Investigation Opened'. These are automated generic letters sent to every unlicensed address.
The Investigation Officer
A salesperson ('Enforcement Officer') may visit. They are incentivised by commission to catch evaders. They have NO special legal powers. If you ignore them, they usually leave.
The 'Caution' (TVL 178)
If you speak to them and admit watching TV, they will read you a caution and ask you to sign a 'Record of Interview'. This IS your confession and the primary evidence for court.
Single Justice Procedure Notice
You receive a 'SJPN' in the post. This is a charge sheet. You must plead Guilty or Not Guilty by post/online. A magistrate decides the case in an office, not a courtroom.
Notice of Fine
If convicted (or you plead guilty), you receive a fine notice. Typically £150-£300 plus £120 costs and a Victim Surcharge.
2 Free Calculators & Checks
Unsure if you need one? This 30-second checking tool gives you a definitive legal answer.
Do I actually need one?
Do you watch or record TV on any channel as it's being broadcast?
This includes BBC, ITV, C4, Sky, Virgin, Freeview, etc.
Roleplay a doorstep visit. Learn exactly what your rights are when they knock.
Officer at the Door Simulator
Someone is at the door
It's an Enforcement Officer from 'TV Licensing'. They want to come in and 'check your equipment'.
THE QUESTION
Do I have to open the door?
The Answer:
NO. You have no legal obligation to open the door to them. They have the same rights as any member of the public.
Pro Tip
They cannot force entry without a search warrant (which is extremely rare and requires police presence).
Calculate the real cost of a fine (including the often-forgotten Victim Surcharge and Prosecution Costs) versus just paying the £169.50.
Fine vs Licence Calculator
Estimated Costs
It's NOT worth the risk
You would pay £139 MORE than just buying the licence, plus you get a criminal conviction.
Received a court letter (SJP)? Use this step-by-step helper to fill out the forms correctly and minimise your fine.
Single Justice Procedure Helper
1. Understand the 'SJP' Notice
You have likely received a 'Single Justice Procedure Notice'. This is not a court summons date. It is a notice that a magistrate will decide your case in private based on your written response.
Do not ignore this letter. You must respond within 21 days.
See the exact steps from the first letter to the court fine.
Timeline Danger Check
The Law: When do you actually need one?
Many people pay out of fear when they don't legally need to.
You MUST have a licence if you:
watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel.
watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service (such as ITVX, Channel 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now, Sky Go, etc.).
download or watch any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer.
You DO NOT need a licence if you only:
Watch on-demand/catch-up programmes on services OTHER than BBC iPlayer (e.g. Netflix, Disney+, ITVX Catch-up).
Watch DVDs or Blu-rays.
Watch YouTube videos (that aren't live broadcasts).
The Single Justice Procedure (SJP)
TV Licensing cases are churned through the courts using the Single Justice Procedure.
- It's not a trial: Dealing with 1,000 cases a day, a single magistrate sits in a room with a legal advisor and stamps "Guilty" on mostly paperwork.
- The 'Means Form' is critical: If you plead guilty, you receive a fine. This fine is based on your "Relevant Weekly Income". If you do not return the MC100 Means Form, they assume a default high income ($440/week) and fine you accordingly (approx £220).
- Low Income: If you are on benefits, ensuring the court knows this can reduce the fine to "Band A" or lower, potentially saving hundreds of pounds.
Debt Collectors vs Bailiffs
If you receive a fine and don't pay it, the court will issue a Further Steps Notice, and eventually a Distress Warrant for bailiffs.
However, BEFORE court, TV Licensing uses "Debt Collectors" (like Akinika).
- Debt Collectors: Have NO powers. They are just letter writers. You can ignore them.
- Bailiffs (Enforcement Agents): Only come AFTER a court fine is unpaid. They HAVE powers to take goods (with a warrant).
Golden Rule: Do not confuse a TV Licensing "Enforcement Officer" (salesperson) with a "Court Bailiff". The former has no power; the latter does.
Summary of Options
Ignore Everything
If you never open the door and never speak to them, they typically cannot gather the evidence needed to prosecute. They rely on your cooperation.
Declare 'No Licence Needed'
If you genuinely don't watch live TV or iPlayer, tell them online. It stops the letters for 2 years (though they may still visit to 'check').
Plead Guilty Early
If you get an SJP notice, pleading guilty immediately reduces the fine by 33%. Filling out the means form can significantly lower the fine if you are on low income.
Withdraw Right of Access (WOIRA)
You can legally write to TV Licensing stating they have no right to approach your property. Note: They claim this doesn't apply to them, but it complicates their visit.
Common Questions
Can they detect my TV with a van?
Technically, maybe. Legally? It's never used. There has not been a single prosecution using 'Detector Van' evidence in modern history. It is widely considered a psychological myth to scare people into paying. The only evidence they use is your signature on the interview form.
Do I have to open the door?
No. You have no legal obligation to open your door to a TV Licensing officer, just as you don't for a double-glazing salesman. Without a warrant (which needs police presence), they cannot enter.
Will I get a criminal record?
Yes, but it is non-recordable. This means it does not get logged on the Police National Computer (PNC) and will not show up on a standard DBS check for jobs. It is equivalent to a speeding fine conviction.
Can I go to prison?
No, not for the offence itself. You can only go to prison if you willfully refuse to pay the court fine imposed by the magistrate, and even then, it is a last resort after bailiffs have failed.
Official Sources & References
Related Situations
Other guides accurately explaining what happens next in fines & penalties .
What happens if I ignore a County Court claim form?
Ignoring a court claim is the fastest way to get a CCJ. You lose the right to defend yourself and the creditor can use bailiffs or take money from your wages immediately.
What happens if I'm taken to court for debt?
A Court Claim (CCJ) is serious, but you have 14 days to respond. Ignoring it guarantees you lose.
What happens if I receive a Single Justice Procedure notice?
SJP notices are used for 'minor' offences like TV licence evasion or speeding. One magistrate can convict you in private without you being in court.