Driving Offences: What They Are and How to Deal With Them

Have you been accused of a driving offence? It’s a good idea to understand exactly what you’ve been accused of if you wish to fight back. It’s also helpful to have a good solicitor with experience in this area.

What Are Driving Offences?

Driving offences are crimes committed while driving. The most common one in the UK is speeding. Going over the speed limit can give you three penalty points for your licence and a fine. Depending on how fast you’re going, you could end up in magistrates’ court.

Other driving offences include:

Driving while using your mobile phone. It’s illegal to use your phone for calling or texting, even while at a stop in traffic. You can use a hands-free device, but actually using the phone otherwise can lead to a large fine and even court, where you may be given a driving ban or a larger fine.

Careless driving. If the police determine that you are not taking proper care and paying attention while driving, they can fine you or send you to court, depending on the severity of the case. Swerving momentarily may seem minor, but it could result in a crash. A fatal crash could end in a prosecution for death by careless driving and a prison sentence, driving ban, or fine.

Dangerous driving. This differs from careless driving because it means you are purposefully driving in a manner that is not safe. Racing, aggressive driving, or overtaking on a curve, etc. can all be considered dangerous driving and this can result in up to 14 years in prison, bans, and a fine, depending on how severe the offence was.

Drink driving. Drink driving may result in a ban, fine, and or six months in prison. However, if you were involved in a vehicle crash while drinking and driving, the penalties are far more serious.

Drug driving . Drugs, both legal and illegal, can impair your driving skills and this is grounds for arrest and a one-year driving ban. You could also go to prison for up to six months and it will give you a criminal record.

Driving without insurance. You are required to have insurance on your vehicle and driving without this could mean your car is seized. You may also go to court and receive a driving ban, as well as a large fine.

Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. This offence is actually a broad name for a range of issues, such as an underage driver or someone driving without actually possessing a licence. It can result in points off your licence if you do have one, and a large fine.

Have you been charged with one of these offences? It’s time to get a good litigator. Contact Lefevre Litigation to find out how we can help you out.