The UK’s Most Common Driving Offences

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious issue for road safety in the UK, often leading to accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Impaired drivers can have compromised judgement, coordination, and reaction times, making it difficult for them to respond effectively to unexpected situations on the road.

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the legal alcohol limit for breath is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres, while in Scotland, the limit is 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in severe consequences such as hefty fines, imprisonment, penalties, and a driving ban.  We can discuss these with you and also consider the likely success of any defence you may have.

Speeding is a serious issue on UK roads, with many drivers failing to adhere to the posted speed limits.

The speed limits in the UK are set based on the type of road and the type of vehicle being driven, with stricter limits in place for areas such as residential zones and school zones.

For minor offences, you may be offered a speed awareness course instead of penalty points. Alternatively, you may receive a fixed penalty notice with a fine and penalty points on your licence. The fine amount depends on how much you exceeded the speed limit, ranging from £100 up to £2,500 for significantly high speeds.

If you accrue 12 points or more you will face a driving disqualification of at least 6 months unless you are able to advance an argument showing if disqualified you would suffer exceptional hardship, we can help you with this.

It’s important to remember that using a mobile phone while driving is not only dangerous, but also against the law. When you’re on your phone, your focus is taken away from the road, your reaction time is slower, and the risk of accidents increases.

The consequences of using a mobile phone while driving are severe. Not only will you face a hefty fine of £200 and receive 6 penalty points on your licence, but if you accumulate six points within two years of passing your test, you risk losing your licence altogether. You may also face a court ban from driving and a maximum fine of £1,000.

Additionally, having points on your driver’s licence could result in higher insurance premiums.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, all drivers must have third-party insurance as a legal obligation. This insurance covers liability for injuries and damages to others’ property. Driving without insurance is against the law and can result in legal consequences and fines.

Driving without insurance can result in a £300 fine and 6 penalty points on your licence and you could even be taken to court, facing an unlimited fine and potentially being disqualified from driving. The police may also seize and, sometimes, destroy the uninsured vehicle.

The court can impose a driving disqualification as a penalty for specific offences, like dangerous driving, driving under the influence, or accumulating too many penalty points. If disqualified, a driver is not allowed to operate any motor vehicle on public roads or in a public place.

Driving with a disqualification is considered a serious offence because it shows a complete lack of respect for a penalty imposed by the court. Being caught driving while disqualified can lead to fines, confiscation of your vehicle, and additional legal repercussions like a criminal record or potential imprisonment, in fact the sentencing guidelines for driving whilst disqualified suggest that if you are driving shortly after the disqualification is imposed the court should start by considering sending you to prison even if you have no previous convictions.

It can also complicate matters with your insurance since driving without a valid licence voids your current coverage, leading to additional charges for driving uninsured.

Careless driving, also referred to as driving without proper care and attention, involves behaviours that do not meet the basic standards of a cautious driver. This includes tailgating, improper signalling, and driving at a speed unsuitable for the current conditions.

If you are caught driving carelessly you may receive a fixed penalty notice and 3 penalty points on your driver’s licence. In more severe instances, you could face prosecution in court, resulting in increased fines, additional penalty points, or even a driving ban.

Dangerous driving occurs when a driver’s behaviour significantly differs from the expected standard of a competent and cautious driver, posing a potential risk to themselves and others. This may involve actions such as speeding excessively, driving while intoxicated, disregarding traffic signals, and making unsafe overtaking manoeuvres.

Dangerous driving convictions may lead to a prison term, it will result in a driving ban, based on the seriousness of the offence and the court’s decision. Being convicted of dangerous driving will result in a criminal record and could significantly increase your insurance costs or hinder your ability to get insurance in the future.

Facing legal issues can be daunting, but you don’t need to handle it by yourself. If you are dealing with charges related to driving offences such as but not limited to careless driving, driving uninsured, or dangerous driving, our experienced driving offence solicitors at GSB are here to provide you the professional legal support and representation you need. Get in touch with us today for a free 15 minute consultation.

Footnotes: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/criminal-justice-system-statistics-quarterly-december-2023/criminal-justice-statistics-quarterly-december-2023-html#motoring