James May Settles Out of Court Over Motorcycle Insurance Charge
Former Top Gear host James May appeared at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, March 26, 2026, regarding a charge related to the insurance of his classic motorcycle, before reaching an out-of-court settlement.
Details of the Case
James May, 63, was prosecuted by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) over an allegation concerning his 50-year-old orange Suzuki GT750 motorcycle. The charge stated that on July 17, 2025, Mr. May kept a vehicle that did not meet insurance requirements. According to LBC, the case was settled outside of court, and Mr. May did not appear before magistrates.
Court Appearance and Background
Mr. May arrived at the court by motorcycle, wearing an orange shirt and coat. He is known for his role as a presenter on Top Gear from 2003 to 2015, alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond. The trio later continued their work together on The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime Video, concluding in 2024. The Daily Mail reported on his arrival at court.
Recent Activities and Ventures
Following the conclusion of The Grand Tour, May has been involved in various projects. He described 2025 as a busy year, including speaking engagements at history festivals, two novel TV series, and live shows in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Inkl.com details his recent endeavors. He too co-owns The Royal Oak pub in Wiltshire and has been involved in a gin brand, though he noted these ventures have not yet proven profitable.
DVLA Response
The DVLA has been contacted for further information regarding the case, but no further details have been released at this time.