Driving without a license or insurance in the UK could result in the loss of one's automobile under regulations that went into effect today.

Police intend to use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to enforce the seizure provision. The devices photograph passing vehicles and check the license plate against a database of insured drivers and licensed drivers. If no match is found, the motorist will be pulled over and forced to produce paperwork within seven days. After fourteen days, the government will take and destroy the vehicle.

In 2002, almost 290,000 motorists paid an average fine of £152 after being caught driving without insurance. The government refers to the new law as "the ultimate penalty."

The Home Office said: "It was already public knowledge. We don't have to announce this again. Motorists know the law. This is the toughest signal yet that being uninsured is unacceptable. Seizing and crushing cars is the ultimate penalty."