Dangerous Driving Solicitors in London
Specialist legal advice and representation for dangerous driving allegations in London
Facing a dangerous driving allegation in London?
Dangerous driving is one of the more serious road traffic offences and can result in a substantial driving disqualification, financial penalties and, in more serious cases, imprisonment.
Auriga Advocates provides specialist road traffic defence advice to motorists facing dangerous driving investigations and prosecutions in London.
Cases can involve detailed evidence including police accounts, witness statements, CCTV, dashcam footage, collision evidence, vehicle condition and expert analysis.
Obtaining specialist advice at an early stage can help ensure the evidence is properly examined and that you understand the options available to you.
What is dangerous driving?
Dangerous driving is committed where the standard of driving falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver, and it would be obvious to such a driver that driving in that way would be dangerous.
The allegation does not depend on somebody being injured. The prosecution will assess the standard of driving and the circumstances surrounding what happened.
Examples of conduct which may result in a dangerous driving allegation include:
- Driving at grossly excessive speed.
- Racing or competitive driving on public roads.
- Dangerous overtaking, undertaking or manoeuvres.
- Serious distraction while driving.
- Ignoring traffic signals, road signs or obvious hazards.
- Driving a vehicle known to have a dangerous mechanical defect.
- Driving while seriously affected by tiredness or another condition.
Whether driving is legally considered dangerous will depend upon the facts and evidence in the individual case.
What are the penalties for dangerous driving?
Dangerous driving carries a maximum sentence of two years' custody.
A conviction also carries an obligatory driving disqualification. The minimum period is generally 12 months, and the driver must pass an extended driving test before their licence can be restored.
| Offence | Maximum sentence |
|---|---|
| Dangerous driving | Up to 2 years' custody |
| Causing serious injury by dangerous driving | Up to 5 years' custody |
| Causing death by dangerous driving | Up to life imprisonment for offences committed after 28 June 2022 |
The actual sentence will depend on factors including the seriousness of the driving, the level of harm caused, previous convictions and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances.
What evidence can be used in a dangerous driving case?
Dangerous driving cases can depend heavily on the quality and interpretation of the evidence.
CCTV and dashcam footage
Video evidence may show the position of vehicles, speed, road conditions, manoeuvres and the wider circumstances of an incident.
Witness evidence
Other motorists, passengers, pedestrians or police officers may provide evidence about what they saw.
Collision evidence
Vehicle damage, road layout and collision reconstruction evidence may be relevant where an accident has occurred.
Expert evidence
Expert evidence can become important where issues such as speed, vehicle condition or collision dynamics are disputed.
Can a dangerous driving charge be defended?
Yes. The appropriate defence will depend on the facts and evidence.
One of the key issues may be whether the driving actually met the high legal threshold required for dangerous driving or whether the evidence supports a less serious offence, such as careless driving.
Depending on the case, relevant issues may include:
- Whether you were driving.
- Whether witness or police accounts are reliable.
- Whether CCTV or dashcam footage supports the allegation.
- Whether the standard of driving genuinely fell far below the required standard.
- Whether there was an emergency or unexpected event.
- Whether another road user contributed significantly to the incident.
- Whether a different or less serious offence is supported by the evidence.
We can examine the prosecution case and advise you on the issues which may be relevant to your defence.
Specialist dangerous driving representation
Auriga Advocates is led by Andrea Clegg and specialises in road traffic defence.
Andrea has experience dealing with serious motoring prosecutions and fatal road traffic cases, providing an understanding of the way serious driving allegations are investigated, prosecuted and defended.
Our approach is to review the evidence carefully, identify the important legal and factual issues and give you clear advice about your options.
If you are facing a dangerous driving prosecution in London, we can advise you whether you need full representation or specialist assistance at a particular stage of the case.
Dangerous Driving FAQs
Common questions about dangerous driving investigations and prosecutions in London.
Dangerous driving requires the standard of driving to fall far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver. Careless driving involves driving which falls below, rather than far below, that standard.
Yes. Dangerous driving carries a maximum sentence of two years' custody. Whether a custodial sentence is imposed will depend upon the circumstances and seriousness of the offence.
A dangerous driving conviction carries an obligatory driving disqualification. The minimum period is generally 12 months and the driver must pass an extended driving test before the licence can be restored.
For offences committed after 28 June 2022, causing death by dangerous driving carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
For offences committed before that date, the maximum sentence was 14 years' custody.
Causing serious injury by dangerous driving is a separate offence and carries a maximum sentence of five years' custody.
Relevant previous convictions can be taken into account when the court determines sentence. Their significance will depend on factors including the nature of the earlier offence and how long ago it occurred.
It is sensible to obtain advice as early as possible. CCTV, dashcam footage, witness information and other evidence may need to be identified or preserved quickly.
No. Auriga Advocates advises and represents motorists facing road traffic prosecutions across England and Wales. This page is specifically for people looking for dangerous driving legal advice in London.
Speak to a dangerous driving solicitor in London
If you are under investigation or have been charged with dangerous driving in London, speak to Auriga Advocates about your circumstances.
For more detailed information about dangerous driving offences, possible defences and legal representation, visit our main dangerous driving solicitors page .