Road Traffic Offences

There is a broad range of offences that come within the scope of a driving offence. If you are to be interviewed or have been charged with any type of road traffic offence, you will want to know whether you may need to go to court and what your options are. You should seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Some examples of road traffic offences are:

Dangerous driving

The offence of dangerous driving is committed when a person’s driving falls far below of what would be expected of a competent and careful driver and it would be obvious to that driver that driving in that way would be dangerous. Examples of dangerous driving include racing, going too fast, driving aggressively, ignoring traffic lights, road signs or warnings from passengers and engaging in a police chase.

Careless driving

The offence of careless driving is committed when a person’s driving falls below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver, this can include using a mobile telephone or controlling the radio or misjudging stopping distances resulting in incidents.

Drink or drug driving

An offence is committed if a person drives a vehicle where either the amount of alcohol in their breath, blood or urine is over the prescribed alcohol limit; or where the level of controlled drugs in their blood exceeds the prescribed limit.  A person can also be found unfit to drive through alcohol or drugs (legal or illegal).  It can also be a criminal offence to fail to provide a specimen for analysis when required to do so by the police.

A person convicted of a drink driving offence who is disqualified from driving for a period of 12 months or more may be offered the opportunity to participate in the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course which if completed can reduce the disqualification period by 25%.

Sentences

Sentences in relation to Road Traffic offences vary considerably depending on the type of offence faced. In many circumstances the court will be considering disqualification from driving and/or penalty points in addition to any sentence imposed within the relevant sentencing guidelines for that particular offence.

We are one of the largest and most well-respected criminal law practices in East Kent with a team of experienced and accredited solicitors. We have a network of experts and interpreters we can use to assist in the preparation of your case. We will explain your matter in clear and simple terms, provide you with advice and options, and ease your concerns wherever possible.

If you need assistance, email [email protected] or call us on 01303 246444 for expert criminal law advice.