# Auriga Advocates > Your Road Traffic Defence Lawyers --- ## Pages - [Benzoylecgonine](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/benzoylecgonine/): Curious to know more about the impact Benzoylecgonine can have on your driving? We've detailed everything you need to know in this guide. - [Amphetamine](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/amphetamine/): Discover the impact that Amphetamines can have on your driving in this insightful guide. We've detailed everything you need to know, including the legal limit. - [Dangerous driving solicitors in Lancashire](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving-solicitors-in-lancashire/): If you’re currently facing allegations of dangerous driving in Lancashire, contact our team at Auriga Advocates today for assistance and advice. - [Dangerous driving solicitors in Cheshire](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving-solicitors-in-cheshire/): At Auriga Advocates, we offer understanding and expert advice. For dangerous driving solicitors in Cheshire, contact Auriga Advocates today. - [Dangerous driving solicitors in York](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving-solicitors-in-york/): With more than 35 years’ experience, our team at Auriga Advocates can provide you with the best possible legal guidance for a dangerous driving charge in York. - [Dangerous driving solicitors in London](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving-solicitors-london/): If you’re facing a dangerous driving charge in London, Auriga Advocates can help you navigate the legal process. Connect with our team today. - [Dangerous driving solicitors in Birmingham](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving-solicitors-in-birmingham/): If you need an experienced team of dangerous driving solicitors in Birmingham, we can assist. Speak to Auriga Advocates today for expert legal advice. - [Dangerous driving solicitors in Leicester](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving-solicitors-in-leicester/): With over 35 years of experience as dangerous driving solicitors in Leicester, we at Auriga Advocates provide a personalised legal service. - [Dangerous driving solicitors in Leeds](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving-solicitors-in-leeds/): For assistance from dangerous driving solicitors in Leeds, contact our team at Auriga Advocates today. We offer legal support you can rely on. - [Driving Whilst Unfit Through Alcohol or Drugs](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/driving-whilst-unfit-through-alcohol-or-drugs/): Driving Whilst Unfit Through Alcohol or Drugs Under S4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to... - [Videos](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/videos/): Watch videos that could help you with questions you may have about a driving offence and also learn about the courses provide. - [Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/causing-serious-injury-by-careless-driving/): Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving Causing serious injury by dangerous driving carries severe penalties do not leave your case... - [Videos to help Drivers and the Law](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/videos-to-help-drivers-and-the-law/): Future Trends Top 10 Driving Offences Proactive Fleet Management Compliance and Legislations Court Video Exceptional Hardship Video - [Testimonials](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/testimonials/): Our customers have provided feedback and have allowed us to use their experience to help others in road traffic offences. Call for FREE our legal team today. - [Traffic light Offences](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/traffic-light-offences/): If you need to know more or feel that you have been wrongly charged, you can call for FREE for your initial advice. - [We Help You Represent Yourself](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/we-help-you-represent-yourself/): If you are looking for help to represent yourself on a road traffic offence and require some guidance. You can call for FREE initial advice on 08000 55 66 31 - [Taxi Firm and Driver Subscription](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/taxi-firm-and-driver-subscription/): Taxi Firm and Driver Subscription  With over a quarter of a million vehicles in operation carrying all manner of passengers... - [Taxi Related Offences](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/taxi-related-offences/): A conviction could put your taxi licence in jeopardy and make you subject to the Council disciplinary process which could result in revocation of your licence. - [Taxi Licences](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/taxi-licences/): Are you facing prosecution or revocation in relation to your taxi licence Speak to one of our specialists now to provide free initial advice - [Taxi Touting](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/taxi-touting/): If you are being prosecuted for taxi touting and need specialist legal advice, we are able to help you. Call for FREE today. - [Speeding Calculator](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/speeding-calculator/): Use our speeding calculator to help calculate what you may be facing, Alternatively, for FREE advice and help Call 08000 55 66 31 - [Taxi Fees / Charges](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/taxi-fees-charges/): If you are being prosecuted for taxi touting or taxi related offences and need specialist legal advice, we are able to help you. Call for FREE today. - [Speeding](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/speeding-5/): Speeding  Auriga advocates are specialists in speeding offences you can call us now for free initial advice. 08000 55 66... - [Special Reasons To Protect Your Licence](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/special-reasons-to-protect-your-licence/): If you want to avoid fines or penalties and need to know your legal stance, you need to speak with one of our solicitors for FREE initial advice. - [Speed Awareness Course](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/speed-awareness-course/): Received a notice of intended prosecution and are looking to avoid points or penalties, Call for FREE on the best course of action and advice. - [Racing](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/road-racing/): Facing a road racing offence? We are well experienced in dealing with road racing cases and can give advice on how best to help defend you licence. - [Police Station Interviews](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/police-station-interviews/): Prior to you interview, you are able to obtain free legal advice to help you in your case. Call FREE today - [Our Fees](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/our-fees/): The most complete service at a lot less than other Solicitors. We are here to provide the best course of action for you the Driver. Call 08000 55 66 31 - [News](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/news/): News for drink driving offences, drug driving offences, dangerous driving, speeding tickets, penalty points totting up and all UK traffic and motoring offences - [NIP Checker](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/nip-checker/): A notice of intended prosecution can be a daunting prospect. Talks to one of our solicitors to guide you through what happens and how we can help. - [No Insurance](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/no-insurance/): If you are unsure of your legal stance and need clarification to your case and next steps. We can offer FREE initial advice. - [Not In Proper Control of your Vehicle](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/not-in-proper-control/): Been charged by the police for an offence that you feel is incorrect and need legal advice. You can call for free and speak to one of our solicitors. - [New Driver](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/new-driver/): Had your licence for less than 2 years and facing a driving offence, drug driving, careless driving. We have a payment plan to help the young driver. - [Mobile Phone Offences](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/mobile-phone-offence/): If you have been caught driving whilst using or holding a mobile phone. We can offer advice to ensure that you have not been unfairly charged. Call for FREE - [Home](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/): A driving or motoring offence doesn’t have to ruin your life. For motoring legal advice you can trust, speak to the experts at Auriga Advocates today. - [Fixed Penalty Tickets](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/fixed-penalty-tickets/): What should I do if I have been issued a fixed penalty ticket, Can I challenge this If I feel I have been hard done by. For Free Advice Call 08000 55 66 31 - [Failure To Produce Driving Documents](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/failure-to-produce-driving-documents-3/): Failing to produce driving documents as instructed by the police carries a fine and points. If you are looking for help and guidance. Call for Free Advice - [Failure To Provide Driver Information](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/failure-to-provide-driver-information/): Have you had a S127 notice? You need to provide this to the police within 28 days. If you need legal advice call the motoring experts today on 08000 55 66 31 - [Failure To Stop And Report](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/failure-to-stop-and-report/): Failure to Stop and Report  If you are involved in an accident you are required to stop and exchange details... - [DVLA Revocation of Driving Licence](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dvla-revocation-of-driving-licence/): If you are looking to get your licence reinstated and feel you have been hard done by. Call for FREE initial advice and help - [Exceptional Hardship Totting up Ban](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/exceptional-hardship-totting-up/): We are expertise in handling totting up ban cases in the UK. Consult our solicitors for exceptional hardship or totting up ban-related cases. - [Failing To Provide A Roadside Breath Test / Specimen](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/failing-to-provide-a-roadside-breath-test-specimen-of-for-analysis-at-the-station/): We are here to help you and will provide assistance and advice to help your driving charge and the best approach. All initial advice is FREE. - [Due Care Calculator](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/due-care-calculator/): Use our due care calculator to help calculate what you may be facing, Alternatively, for FREE advice and help call 08000 55 66 31 - [Drug Driving Solicitors](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/drug-driving-solicitors/): Faced with the prospect of a fine and ban and feel that you have been wrongly charged. We can provide Free advice of what action to take for the best outcome. - [Drunk/drug in charge](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/drunk-drug-in-charge/): If you have been charged by the police whilst not driving your car, then speak to our experts to get legal advice for FREE - [Driving Whilst Disqualified](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/driving-whilst-disqualified/): If you are concerned that this may lead to a prison sentence. You need specialist advice to review your case and advise on the best course of action. - [Driving Without A Licence](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/driving-without-a-licence/): Driving Without a Licence Driving without a licence or otherwise in accordance with a licence is a summary only offence... - [Driver Improvement Course](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/driver-improvement-course/): Are you looking for help to write a letter of representation to the police to help with your case for a driver improvement course? We can help. - [Drink Driving Solicitors](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/drink-driving/): We are experts in handling drink driving cases. Seek help from our experienced drink driving solicitors in the UK. Contact our specialists! - [Drink Drive Calculator](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/drink-drive-calculator/): Use our drink drive calculator to help calculate what you may be facing, Alternatively, for FREE advice and help Call 08000 55 66 31 - [Defective Vehicle / Dangerous Condition](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/defective-vehicle-dangerous-condition/): Our Specialist Solicitors can advise and help drivers who have been convicted of driving a defective or dangerous vehicle. We can provide Free Initial advice - [Death By Dangerous Driving](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/death-by-dangerous-driving/): We are specialist motor solicitors in the UK and have 30+ years of experience in dealing with the police and CPS on complex driving matters. Call 08000 55 66 31 - [Dangerous Driving](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving/): Facing a dangerous driving offence? The team at Auriga Advocates is well experienced in dealing with dangerous driving cases in the UK. Reach our team now. - [Death by Careless Driving Excess Alcohol/Drugs](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/death-by-careless-driving-with-excess-alcohol-drugs/): If you have been charged with Careless Driving whilst under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs, you need specialist advice to help you Call 08000 55 66 31 - [Death by Careless Driving Solicitors](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/death-by-careless-driving/): We are able to provide help and support for Drivers who have been charged with Death by Careless Driving. Free confidential advice on 08000 55 66 31 - [Cookie Policy (UK)](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/cookie-policy-uk/): - [Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/causing-serious-injury-by-dangerous-driving/): You will need specialist advice and help in your case, we only deal with motoring law and are specialists in our field. Call for FREE initial advice - [Convicted In Your Absence](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/convicted-in-your-absence/): Helping drivers in the UK if you have been convicted in court whilst not attending and appealing against to reduce sentence. Speak to one of our solicitors - [Contact us](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/contact-us/): Speak directly to our specialist's solicitors to discuss your driving offence for FREE with no-obligation help. Contact us 08000 55 66 31 - [Careless Driving Without Due Care](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/careless-driving-page/): Being charged with careless driving? Speak directly to a solicitor or visit our website for help and advice on how we can help your case. - [Appeals](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/appeals-5/): If you want to appeal your motoring conviction and felt you have been hard done by. Call for Free Advice to review you options on 08000 55 66 31 - [Attending Court](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/court/): Attending Court Court Auriga Advocates are specialists in dealing with motoring offences which are going through the court system and... - [About Us](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/about-us/): About Auriga Advocates: With over 60 years of experience in road traffic law and registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority in the UK - [Driving Licence Offence Codes And Endorsements](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/driving-licence-offence-codes-and-endorsements/): Curious to know more about the different driving licence offence codes and endorsements? We've detailed everything you need to know into this handy guide. --- ## Posts - [Merseyside commercial director receives overturned driving ban](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/05/12/merseyside-commercial-director-receives-overturned-driving-ban/): A man who had lost his driving licence after being caught driving without a seatbelt has won his appeal and... - [Operation Snap receives increased funding](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/05/12/operation-snap-receives-increased-funding/): West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, has allocated a further £165,000 funding to expand Operation Snap, a scheme... - [Dangerous driver pleads guilty after colliding with stationary cars](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/05/09/dangerous-driver-pleads-guilty-after-colliding-with-stationary-cars/): A man from Milford Haven, Wales, has pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention after colliding with two... - [Police officer pleads not guilty to causing death of mother of three](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/05/06/police-officer-pleads-not-guilty-to-causing-death-of-mother-of-three/): A police officer from Greater Manchester is awaiting trial for two dangerous driving offences after pleading not guilty and being... - [Motorway accident sees parent driver charged with dangerous driving offence](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/30/motorway-accident-sees-parent-driver-charged-with-dangerous-driving-offence/): On Easter Sunday this year, a 14-year-old boy from Morecambe lost his life in a tragic road accident on the... - [Stockton woman charged with careless driving](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/27/stockton-woman-charged-with-careless-driving/): A 30-year-old woman from Stockton-on-Tees has been charged with causing serious injury by careless driving after causing serious injuries to... - [Motorcyclist jailed for 14 years after fatal collision](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/24/motorcyclist-jailed-for-14-years-after-fatal-collision/): A 61-year-old in Waltham Abbey has been jailed for causing death by dangerous driving. Christopher Allen had pleaded not guilty,... - [Dangerous driver jailed after injuring bailiff](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/21/dangerous-driver-jailed-after-injuring-bailiff/): A man from Aldershot has been handed a 3½-year custodial sentence after being found guilty of causing serious injury by... - [Family of 9-year-old killed by careless driver express dismay at sentence](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/18/family-of-9-year-old-killed-by-careless-driver-express-dismay-at-sentence/): The family of a child killed by a reckless driver have described their son’s killer’s sentence as “pathetic”. Ronan Wilson,... - [Rail minister admits using mobile phone while driving](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/15/rail-minister-admits-using-mobile-phone-while-driving/): Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy has contacted police and admitted to driving while using a mobile phone. The incident occurred... - [Driver jailed for causing serious injuries to teenage girl](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/12/driver-jailed-for-causing-serious-injuries-to-teenage-girl/): A 21-year-old man has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after his car collided with another vehicle on the A256 near... - [Harrogate driver pleads guilty to driving while using a mobile phone](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/09/harrogate-driver-pleads-guilty-to-driving-while-using-a-mobile-phone/): A man from Harrogate, North Yorkshire has pleaded guilty to driving while using a mobile phone. Anthony Lamble, 62, of... - [Van driver jailed for causing death by dangerous driving](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/06/van-driver-jailed-for-causing-death-by-dangerous-driving/): A man whose dangerous driving on a stretch of the M40 caused the death of a woman in her 50s... - [Seaside car meet results in substantial police action](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/03/seaside-car-meet-results-in-substantial-police-action/): A recent car meet in Southend-on-Sea attracted a flurry of penalty and legal action from Essex Police and Southend-on-Sea City... - [Aylesbury Crown Court jails driver for four years](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/31/aylesbury-crown-court-jails-driver-for-four-years/): A man from High Wycombe was recently given a four-year jail sentence for dangerous driving. Anthony Small, 52, was jailed... - [Cumbria woman jailed for causing death by drink driving](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/27/cumbria-woman-jailed-for-causing-death-by-drink-driving/): Jade Devine of Flimby, Cumbria has been given a substantial jail sentence after killing two pedestrians while driving under the... - [What are the most common defences for drink driving?](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/24/what-are-the-most-common-defences-for-drink-driving/): Even after one small alcoholic drink, it can be very difficult to know whether you are within the legal limits... - [What are ‘special reasons’ and how do they work for driving offences?](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/21/what-are-special-reasons-and-how-do-they-work-for-driving-offences/): If you have been stopped, breathalysed and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, you are committing a... - [Chester man pleads not guilty to drink driving](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/18/chester-man-pleads-not-guilty-to-drink-driving/): Nahidur Rahman, of Park Walk, Chester, has pleaded not guilty to one count of drink driving. It is alleged that... - [What is the Vision Zero Strategy, and how will it save lives?](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/15/what-is-the-vision-zero-strategy-and-how-will-it-save-lives/): The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is working with local partners in the implementation of its ambitious road safety initiative, called... - [New updates in driving laws](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/12/new-updates-in-driving-laws/): It is important to keep up to date with the latest changes in driving rules, and this blog will explore... - [Man charged with causing death of rugby coach](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/09/man-charged-with-causing-death-of-rugby-coach/): A man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after popular rugby league coach Cliff Tamou suffered fatal... - [Retired police officer cleared of dangerous driving offence](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/06/retired-police-officer-cleared-of-dangerous-driving-offence/): Tim Bradshaw, a former police officer in Bognor Regis, was recently cleared of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The... - [Telford motorist jailed for dangerous driving](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/04/telford-motorist-jailed-for-dangerous-driving/): A man in his 20s from Telford has been jailed for dangerous driving after being caught driving more than two... - [Latest police data highlights drink driving problems](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/02/28/latest-police-data-highlights-drink-driving-problems/): The latest police data on drink driving offences has been made available to the public following a Freedom of Information... - [Should You Represent Yourself in the Magistrates Court on a Motoring Matter](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2024/01/08/should-you-represent-yourself-in-the-magistrates-court-on-a-motoring-matter/): With the cost of living crisis showing now signs of improvement if you are facing a road traffic prosecution the... - [#No Excuse - Do not drink or drug drive this Xmas - Save lives!](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2023/12/13/no-excuse-do-not-drink-or-drug-drive-this-xmas-save-lives/): The police Xmas drink and drug driving campaigns for December 2023 have started with shocking results. The national operation Limit... - [The importance of keeping your blood sample taken by the police.](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2023/03/14/the-importance-of-keeping-your-blood-sample-taken-by-the-police/): If you are arrested by the police on suspicion of drug driving you will be asked to provide a specimen... - [Drive Safely This Winter](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/12/14/drive-safely-this-winter/): This is the time of year when drivers face harsh driving conditions and need to take extra precautions or face... - [TOP TEN TIPS TO AVOID DRUG DRIVING](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/12/05/top-ten-tips-to-avoid-drug-driving/): Drug use at pandemic levels and drug driving is one of the offences which is on the rise being set... - [Speed Limits are NOT targets!](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/10/19/speed-limits-are-not-targets/): Police forces crack down on drivers speeding with their October Project Edward campaign. For 24 hours from 7. 00am Wednesday... - [The impact for Taxi Drivers/operators driving vehicle with defects](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/08/24/the-impact-for-taxi-drivers-operators-driving-vehicle-with-defects/): Yorkshire police launched a taxi operation called “Operation Edge” last weekend with a view of enforcing safety and licensing of... - [20mph Speed Limits will be imposed in built up areas in Wales but not everyone is impressed!](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/08/16/20mph-speed-limits-will-be-imposed-in-built-up-areas-in-wales-but-not-everyone-is-impressed/): From next year speed limits in built-up areas in Wales will be reduced to 20mph from 30mph in efforts to... - [Drug driving is on the rise following the pandemic Fleet World warns fleet managers.](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/08/15/drug-driving-is-on-the-rise-following-the-pandemic-fleet-world-warns-fleet-managers/): According to the Association of Fleet Professionals ( AFP) drug driving is becoming an increasing issue for fleets after the... - [Have you or your employee had a near miss accident?](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/08/05/have-you-or-your-employee-had-a-near-miss-accident/): Fleetworld1 reported in a recent article that Nextbase for National Dash cam Day 72% of drivers have had near-miss road... - [EU introduces speed limiters on all new cars - are we next?](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/08/05/eu-introduces-speed-limiters-on-all-new-cars-are-we-next/): European Union legislation has this month prescribed the mandatory fitting of speed limiters to all new vehicles sold in Europe.... - [Concerns over the use of mobile phones whilst driving vans and other work vehicles!](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/07/29/concerns-over-the-use-of-mobile-phones-whilst-driving-vans-and-other-work-vehicles/): The Department of Transport (DfT) 1 prepare an annual report based on roadside survey carried out in Autumn 2021. It... - [Drug drive cases dropped as Labs fail to produce blood analysis](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/07/08/drug-drive-cases-dropped-as-labs-fail-to-produce-blood-analysis/): The BBC reported 1 that in Scotland nearly 400 drug driving cases were abandoned due to lab delays. Driving above... - [Is a life Sentence for causing death by dangerous driving appropriate?](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/06/29/is-a-life-sentence-for-causing-death-by-dangerous-driving-appropriate/): Govt introduces life sentence for causing death by dangerous driving and death by careless driving whilst under the influence of... - [New Offence of Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving - What does that mean for drivers and fleet managers?](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/06/27/new-offence-of-causing-serious-injury-by-careless-driving-what-does-that-mean-for-drivers-and-fleet-managers/): The long awaiting offence of Causing Serious injury by careless driving will be coming into force tomorrow 28th June 2022.... - [Summer is here, and the flip flops are out!](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/06/23/summer-is-here-and-the-flip-flops-are-out/): In the summer there is nothing better than putting the woolley socks and boots into the depths of our wardrobe... - [The Most Neglected Fleet - grey fleet](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/06/23/the-most-neglected-fleet-grey-fleet/): Grey fleet are privately owned vehicles used by employees whilst “at work” and the country’s grey fleet is at record... - [Get Ready Drivers – Mobile phone laws are changing!](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/02/02/get-ready-drivers-mobile-phone-laws-are-changing/): The law on the use of mobile phone is changing on the 25th March 2022. Current Law At the moment... - [Addiction storyline highlights problem](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/06/14/line-of-dutys-painkiller-addiction-storyline-shines-a-light-on-a-wider-problem/): Many of us were glued to our TV screens for the most recent series of ‘Line of Duty’ with around... - [Potential fines – is the answer driving naked?](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/06/14/potential-fines-for-driving-in-summer-clothing-is-the-answer-driving-naked/): There’s a lot of nonsense talked about the risk of fines for driving in summer footwear like sandals or flip-flops... - [Bank Holiday Opening - 31 May 2021](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/05/21/bank-holiday-opening/): Our offices will be closed but we offer our FREE Advice services over the weekend and bank holidays. If you... - [What is Careless Driving?](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/05/21/careless-driving-solicitors/): Careless Driving and or driving without reasonable consideration amounts to the standard of driving has fallen below that of a... - [Why it pays to support company drivers if they commit road traffic offences](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/05/13/why-it-pays-to-support-company-drivers-if-they-commit-road-traffic-offences/): Many businesses with company vehicles think it's their driving employees who are responsible for managing any road traffic offences they... - [Drug Driving: Awareness is the only protection on a unfair playing field](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/04/30/drug-driving-awareness/): In my view, the law relating to drug driving is fundamentally unfair when compared with the equivalent legislation around drink... - [Exceptional Hardship](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/04/15/exceptionalhardship/): If driving is your livelihood or you are career and you need to be able to drive to and from... - [Legal Compliance and Legislation](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/04/15/legislation/): Andrea Clegg - Senior Solicitor - [Is your business fit for the EV Transition](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/03/31/is-your-business-fit-for-the-ev-transition/): Interested to know if your business is fit for the EV Transition? Find out more on Auriga Advocates today. - [Expert advice for avoiding a totting up ban](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/03/31/top-tips-for-avoiding-a-totting-up-ban-particularly-for-new-drivers/): For any, but particularly new drivers, traffic offences can mean points on their licence – and an accumulation of 12... - [How can company drivers be more responsible...](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/03/31/how-can-company-drivers-be-more-responsible-2/): Any company or organisation can have the best employment and safety policies in the world, but will employees follow them?... - [Future Trends in Fleet Management](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/03/21/futuretrends/): Andrea talks with Rob about future trends - [Attending Court on a Driving Offence](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/03/03/attendingcourt/): If you are looking for help or want us to represent you in court, Call us or complete the call... - [Disqualification can impact livelihoods....](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/02/23/drink-driving-legal-limit-reduction/): Disqualification can impact livelihoods and wreck family relationships – but how else can we reduce drink driving? There can’t be... - [Proactive Fleet Management and Road Traffic Law](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/02/22/proactive-fleet-management-and-road-traffic-law/): Andrea Clegg - Senior Solicitor - [Top 10 Driving Offences in the UK](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/02/14/top-10-driving-offences-in-the-uk/): Andrea Clegg - Senior Solicitor highlights the top 10 driving offences in the UK. With 26 years working for the... - [Silk FM Radio - Law and Order](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/01/21/silk-fm-radio-law-and-order/): Andrea Clegg - Senior Solicitor talking to Silk FM about Road Traffic Law and Drivers in Cheshire to have a... - [Silk FM Radio - Are you Paying Attention](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/01/21/silk-fm-radio-paying-attention/): Andrea Clegg - Senior Solicitor talking to Silk FM about Road Traffic Law and Drivers in Cheshire to have a... - [Silk FM Radio](https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/01/21/silk-fm-radio/): Andrea Clegg - Senior Solicitor talking to Silk FM about Road Traffic Law and Drivers in Cheshire to have a... --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages ### Benzoylecgonine > Curious to know more about the impact Benzoylecgonine can have on your driving? We've detailed everything you need to know in this guide. - Published: 2025-04-29 - Modified: 2025-04-30 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/benzoylecgonine/ Benzoylecgonine Drug Legal Limit Benzoylecgonine 50ug% Benzoylecgonine Benzoylecgonine (BZE) is the metabolite of cocaine. It is what your liver produces after using cocaine. BZE is specific to cocaine so the presence of BZE in your blood shows cocaine use. The legal limit is 50ug/L blood and is at “zero tolerance” level, recommended level by the Wolff report 2023 was 500ug/L blood. How BZE works in your body. BZE is an inactive metabolite as such it does not affect you. However, the presence of BZE could indicate that the user is transitioning to the drug-induced exhaustion phase which is expected after the cocaine use. The effect on the driver is sedation in the “come down” period in the hours after cocaine use. (Wolff report 2013) How long BZE is detectable Your body starts to metabolise the cocaine and produce BZE about 15 - 30 minutes after cocaine administration. A dose of 100mg cocaine (snorted) the half-life of BZE was reported to be 4-6 hours and the window of detection up to approximately 30 hours and for at least 5 days in chronic user (Wolff report 2013) When cocaine and BZE are detected together the level of BZE was usually higher than the cocaine level. BZE alone tends to be lower. When found together it is indicative of use within the last 12 hours. BZE alone tends to indicate cocaine use in the past few days.   BZE and Driving Cocaine is a very fast acting drug and the Wolff report stated... --- ### Amphetamine > Discover the impact that Amphetamines can have on your driving in this insightful guide. We've detailed everything you need to know, including the legal limit. - Published: 2025-04-29 - Modified: 2025-04-30 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/amphetamine/ Amphetamine Drug Legal Limit Amphetamine 10ug% Amphetamine Amphetamine (Benzedrine) otherwise known as “speed” “whizz” “A” or Methamphetamine often called crystal, ice, glass or meth are produced legally and illegally worldwide. There are significant public health risks from the illegal production. How Amphetamine works in your body It acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system. When absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract they will have an effect within 20 mins of ingestion or immediate effect if injected. The effects last for 4 – 6 hours. It has a half-life of 10 -30 hours. Amphetamine can be taken in thr form of tablets, capsules or pale coloured powder. Methamphetamine is usually taken in the form of powder or crystalline substance but can also be found in tablet form How cocaine works in your body Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant with blocks the reuptake of dopamine and noradrenaline and serotonin. It is metabolised to benzoylecgonine (BZE) which is also tested for under the drug driving legislation but also ecgonine methyl ester both are produced in the liver. The effects of cocaine are short acting but will depend on the dosage. Acute Intoxication Fairly low doses 15 – 30mg/ 24 hours will result in: Rapid breathing Increased heart rate Loss of appetite Dilation of pupils Slight tremors Higher doses will result in Dryness of the mouth Raised body temperatures Increased heart rate and irregular heart rhythms Excessive sweating Poor coordination/dizziness These symptoms can last for over 12 hours. Often users will... --- ### Dangerous driving solicitors in Lancashire > If you’re currently facing allegations of dangerous driving in Lancashire, contact our team at Auriga Advocates today for assistance and advice. - Published: 2025-04-17 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving-solicitors-in-lancashire/ Dangerous driving solicitors in Lancashire Many roads in Lancashire have high accident rates like the A581, which has been recognised as one of the most dangerous roads in the county. In the UK dangerous driving is among the most serious types of motoring offences. As such, it carries severe penalties, making it critical that drivers accused, summoned, charged or placed under investigation find legal representation immediately dangerous driving solicitors in Lancashire. Categorising dangerous driving in Lancashire The term “dangerous driving” refers to instances when a motorist’s driving standard drops well below that accepted by a reasonable person. It covers a wide range of driving offences. These include dangerous driving itself like speeding or racing, but also causing death or injury due to inconsiderate or aggressive driving or while under the influence of drugs or drink. What are the penalties for dangerous driving? Dangerous driving cases can be complex. As there are many different offences and levels of severity, penalties issued vary greatly. Motorists may be served a driving ban with a minimum duration of 12 months, receive points on their licence, face unlimited fines or a prison sentence. In cases where dangerous driving results in death, the maximum two-year prison sentence can be extended considerably. Build a dangerous driving defence in Lancashire today At Auriga Advocates, our team has extensive experience defending against dangerous driving charges with offices in the region. With more than 35 years in the field of road traffic law, we will do our utmost to build... --- ### Dangerous driving solicitors in Cheshire > At Auriga Advocates, we offer understanding and expert advice. For dangerous driving solicitors in Cheshire, contact Auriga Advocates today. - Published: 2025-04-17 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving-solicitors-in-cheshire/ Dangerous driving solicitors Cheshire With its winding rural roads and busy sections of the M6 and M62, drivers in Cheshire experience different challenges. Regardless of road type, when motorists are charged with dangerous driving in the county, enlisting the aid of driving offence solicitors in Cheshire is vital. Dangerous driving solicitors in Cheshire put the motorist first and offer understanding and expert advice. With an understanding that facing the risk of being disqualified from driving, paying heavy fines, attending court hearings and in worst cases completing prison sentences is daunting motor law solicitors provide strong legal support. What is dangerous driving? Dangerous driving is an umbrella term that covers many different scenarios. Reckless driving like running red lights at busy interchanges or racing and speeding on country lanes in Cheshire is deemed dangerous, but so is being neglectful of health and safety and driving a vehicle when aware it isn’t mechanically sound. Driving when unwell, injured or sleepy is considered dangerous, as is driving while unreasonably distracted, for instance when using a map or talking on the phone. What is the penalty for dangerous driving? As circumstances that fall into the dangerous driving category are extremely varied, penalties are equally so. Overall dangerous driving is classed among the most severe traffic offences and cases are tried at Crown Court when lives are put at risk on the road. Motorists can be disqualified from driving for up to 24 months and must take an extended retest, however, more serious charges can... --- ### Dangerous driving solicitors in York > With more than 35 years’ experience, our team at Auriga Advocates can provide you with the best possible legal guidance for a dangerous driving charge in York. - Published: 2025-04-15 - Modified: 2025-04-15 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving-solicitors-in-york/ H1 HEADER From Rosedale Chimney Bank to the A1079, there are roads in York where traffic incidents often occur. In some cases, motorists face dangerous driving charges in York, when they are seen to have acted inappropriately on the road by others whether it’s due to being neglectful or driving without care for the lives of others. Dangerous driving defence solicitors work with motorists accused offering expert advice and guiding them at every step of the legal process. Our team of dedicated dangerous driving solicitors are respected for their experience defending clients who face the most serious motoring offences. What is dangerous driving? Dangerous driving is among the most serious types of motoring offences. This is because it can result in another road user becoming injured, and in some cases, can prove fatal. The term “dangerous driving” applies when a motorist’s standard of driving falls well below that of competent and careful drivers and is viewed as dangerous by a reasonable person. Examples of dangerous driving include competitive driving or racing on UK roads and driving at extreme speed. Carrying out distracting tasks that impair a driver’s view of the road like reading a map or newspaper or checking a mobile phone are also considered dangerous driving. When motorists know their vehicle has a serious mechanical fault like unreliable brakes and shouldn’t be driven, it can also result in a dangerous driving allegation. Driving offence solicitors in York can advise on dangerous driving cases and help build a strong defence.... --- ### Dangerous driving solicitors in London > If you’re facing a dangerous driving charge in London, Auriga Advocates can help you navigate the legal process. Connect with our team today. - Published: 2025-04-15 - Modified: 2025-04-15 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving-solicitors-london/ Dangerous driving solicitors in London Dangerous driving is counted among the most serious road traffic offences. It can carry a suspended prison sentence or a prison sentence, along with a driving disqualification and a heavy fine. However, less severe dangerous driving offences can carry a community order and a fine. Regardless of severity, motorists accused in the capital, should immediately seek council from dangerous driving solicitors in London. Dangerous driving convictions Legal support is crucial for London motorists as dangerous driving convictions can encompass a wide array of circumstances that all carry different sentences. For instance, there are single offences involving driving without due care and attention, at excessive speeds or while disqualified, but also more complicated incidents that involve vehicles incurring damage and other road users or pedestrians being injured. Charges for dangerous driving can also result from using a vehicle on UK roads when aware it is not mechanically fit to drive, ignoring traffic signals and lights at busy junctions and driving while unfit, for instance, when sleepy or injured. What happens if a motorist already has committed driving offences? When a driver accused of dangerous driving has already committed road traffic offences in the past, the penalty they face for dangerous driving when convicted is usually heavier. When are driving offences tried at Crown Court? In the most severe cases that involve dangerous driving resulting in death, an offence could be tried at Crown Court, resulting in a prison sentence of up to two years. However, any... --- ### Dangerous driving solicitors in Birmingham > If you need an experienced team of dangerous driving solicitors in Birmingham, we can assist. Speak to Auriga Advocates today for expert legal advice. - Published: 2025-03-28 - Modified: 2025-03-28 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving-solicitors-in-birmingham/ Dangerous driving solicitors in Birmingham Like most of the UK’s major cities, Birmingham has its own share of motor accidents. If you’re involved in a collision or accused of dangerous driving, it can be extremely stressful. With strict penalties levelled at drivers judged dangerous, it is crucial that you take legal advice immediately to protect yourself. Experts in road traffic offences, at Auriga Advocates we can provide practical guidance with your best interests in mind. Understanding dangerous driving consequences Dangerous drivers can face unlimited fines and driving bans. These driving offences carry a maximum penalty of two years in prison, and retaking driving tests is mandatory. The consequences of dangerous driving are impacted on a case-by-case basis. For instance, if someone else is harmed drivers face harsher penalties. Death due to dangerous driving can result in a life sentence. Were you dangerous driving in Birmingham? To understand if an allegation of dangerous driving will hold up in court, you must understand the term. Examples include racing, driving aggressively, driving a vehicle that is mechanically unfit for the road, driving when incapacitated (injured, sleepy, blurred vision), driving while avoidably distracted and ignoring traffic signals and signs. Birmingham dangerous driving experts on your side If you need an experienced team of road traffic law experts in your corner, we can assist. With an exceptional track record for dealing with dangerous driving cases, we provide a rapid response and initial advice free of charge. Call us at Auriga Advocates today for advice on... --- ### Dangerous driving solicitors in Leicester > With over 35 years of experience as dangerous driving solicitors in Leicester, we at Auriga Advocates provide a personalised legal service. - Published: 2025-03-28 - Modified: 2025-03-28 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving-solicitors-in-leicester/ Dangerous driving solicitors in Leicester Leicester is the biggest city in the East Midlands. Located midway between Leeds and London on the M1, it also experiences heavy traffic on Narborough Road and Soar Valley Way. If you’re facing allegations of dangerous driving in Leicester, our expert team are on hand. At Auriga Advocates, we are road traffic law specialists and understand the stress and anxiety of a driving offence case. Defining dangerous driving To prove you were dangerous driving in court, a prosecutor must show that your standard of driving fell way below that expected of a capable driver. If it would be clear to a competent motorist on the road that your driving put both yourself and others at risk, your actions are deemed “dangerous driving”. What are the legal consequences of dangerous driving? In most cases, the maximum penalty for dangerous driving is up to two years imprisonment with a 12-month minimum driving ban. Additionally, an extended retest is compulsory. However, in the event that dangerous driving results in the death of another person, the driver can face a life sentence. Due to the severe legal consequences of dangerous driving, enlisting an experience solicitor is essential. Dangerous driving legal experts in LeicesterWith more than 35 years assisting clients with dangerous driving offences, we provide a personalised service. Designed to reduce the worry of facing allegations of dangerous driving, our expert team will be on your side at every step of the legal process. For legal advice on dangerous... --- ### Dangerous driving solicitors in Leeds > For assistance from dangerous driving solicitors in Leeds, contact our team at Auriga Advocates today. We offer legal support you can rely on. - Published: 2025-03-17 - Modified: 2025-03-18 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving-solicitors-in-leeds/ Dangerous driving solicitors in Leeds The largest settlement in Yorkshire, the city of Leeds has many busy roads from Albion Street to the Inner and Outer Ring Roads. If you’re accused of a motoring offence in Leeds, we can help. At Auriga Advocates we put drivers first offering expert advice and legal assistance that meets your needs. What is dangerous driving? You can face allegations of dangerous driving if your driving standard drops below the practices of a competent and careful driver and is viewed as dangerous. Common instances of dangerous driving include competitive driving on public roads, driving at speeds beyond legal limits, driving while being distracted by a smartphone and driving your vehicle when you’re aware it has a dangerous mechanical fault. What are the legal consequences of dangerous driving? Dangerous driving is a considered a serious motoring offence. This is because it can result in the injury of others and can even prove fatal. Strict laws govern dangerous driving, and penalties are selected on a scale that includes mandatory disqualification with an extended re-test, unlimited fines and a term of up to 14 years if a driver causes death of another. As a result, it’s critical if you face an allegation of dangerous driving that you call a qualified solicitor. Experts in dangerous driving offences in Leeds Specialists in dangerous driving, our team is led by an experienced solicitor who served as a fatal road traffic specialist and traffic offence prosecutor. Our flexible service offers more support... --- ### Driving Whilst Unfit Through Alcohol or Drugs - Published: 2024-03-21 - Modified: 2024-10-15 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/driving-whilst-unfit-through-alcohol-or-drugs/ Driving Whilst Unfit Through Alcohol or Drugs Under S4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to “drive or attempt to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place whilst unfit to drive through drink or drugs” The offence carries a Level 5 fine which is unlimited up to 6 months imprisonment and a disqualification for at least 12 months. The penalty is exactly the same as driving with excess alcohol or drugs. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What do the prosecution have to prove for driving whilst unfit? The offence of driving whilst unfit is very difficult to prove because the prosecution have to prove so many elements:- That you were driving That you were unfit to drive That the cause of your lack of fitness to drive was as a result of drink or drugs. What do the prosecution mean by the term “driving”? The term driving is given its ordinary meaning but in its broadest sense. The test is that the driver is “in a substantial sense controlling the movement and direction of the car”. The following circumstances have been held to be driving:- Pushing and steering Pushing a motorcycle whilst sat astride it. Engine running driver sat in the drivers sear although not moving Being towed whilst in driver’s seat. Steering the vehicle even if not in the driver’s seat. The law differs in Scotland where standing alongside a car... --- ### Videos > Watch videos that could help you with questions you may have about a driving offence and also learn about the courses provide. - Published: 2024-03-18 - Modified: 2024-03-18 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/videos/ --- ### Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving - Published: 2024-03-18 - Modified: 2024-03-21 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/causing-serious-injury-by-careless-driving/ Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving Causing serious injury by dangerous driving carries severe penalties do not leave your case to chance or in the hands of non-experts call one of our specialist dangerous driving solicitors for free initial advice. It is an offence to cause serious injury by dangerous driving under S1A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 It was introduced as a result of road safety campaign groups and victims and their representatives who have called for the gap in sentences between the current 2 year maximum for dangerous driving and the 14 year imprisonment maximum (now life imprisonment since 28th June 2022) for causing death by dangerous driving to be addressed. Parliament has responded by introducing this offence with the 5 year penalty. It also carries a mandatory two year minimum disqualification with an extended re-test. The offence is an either way offence which can be heard in either the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court carrying a level 5 fine and/or 6 months custody in the magistrates court with a mandatory disqualification period of at least 2 years (unless special reasons are found not to disqualify) and endorsement. An extended retest is also mandatory There are no sentencing guidelines for this offence but since the 28th June 2022 there is a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving which carries up to 2 years imprisonment and a mandatory disqualification. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What... --- ### Videos to help Drivers and the Law - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-10-15 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/videos-to-help-drivers-and-the-law/ Future Trends Top 10 Driving Offences Proactive Fleet Management Compliance and Legislations Court Video Exceptional Hardship Video --- ### Testimonials > Our customers have provided feedback and have allowed us to use their experience to help others in road traffic offences. Call for FREE our legal team today. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-12 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/testimonials/ --- ### Traffic light Offences > If you need to know more or feel that you have been wrongly charged, you can call for FREE for your initial advice. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-12 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/traffic-light-offences/ Traffic Light Offences  It is an offence to fail to comply with certain traffic signs which indicate a prohibition, requirement or restriction. These can include No Entry, Give Way, Keep Left and Traffic Lights. The penalty is up to £1,000 and 3 penalty points Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 Will I just get a fixed penalty ticket if I run a red light? You may receive a fixed penalty notice which would result in a £100 fine and 3 points should you accept it. However, if the lights have been on red for a few seconds it is likely that the matter will be taken to court. If this happens it is often still possible to get an equivalent of the fixed penalty level in fine and costs if you write to the court to mitigate your sentence. If I ignore my fixed penalty what will happen? If you do not respond to the fixed penalty notice, are unable to surrender your driving licence for endorsement or indicate that you are not guilty the matter will be processed for the case to go to a court hearing. A court case will increase costs and penalties in the vast majority of cases. It is important that you take some action within the time limit indicated on the fixed penalty ticket or it could be a very unnecessary expense. You should have a minimum of 21 days to respond, the guidelines indicate that... --- ### We Help You Represent Yourself > If you are looking for help to represent yourself on a road traffic offence and require some guidance. You can call for FREE initial advice on 08000 55 66 31 - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-11-22 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/we-help-you-represent-yourself/ We Help You Represent Yourself Auriga Advocates can help you represent yourself We understand that there are some cases where it is not cost effective to pay for our services and therefore you may wish to represent yourself either by writing letters of representation to the police, letters of a guilty plea and mitigation or even represent yourself at court at trial. There is a book that can help Andrea Clegg our CEO has written a book entitled “Defend your Licence” to assist people who want to know more about helping themselves when it is appropriate to do so. She helps motorists level the legal playing field so that they are not at such a disadvantage. The book is available from Amazon or any good book shop for £9. 99 or £6. 49 on kindle. The book will help you understand more about what you are facing and how to tackle it. It will give you the knowledge you need and the confidence to deal with the case in court in the most simple and straightforward cases. And if you are still unsure or do not feel confident enough to tackle your case yourself after reading the book you can still call one our specialist road traffic defence solicitors for free initial advice. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 There are videos you can watch We have developed a number of videos on key areas which we think will be of interest... --- ### Taxi Firm and Driver Subscription - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-26 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/taxi-firm-and-driver-subscription/ Taxi Firm and Driver Subscription  With over a quarter of a million vehicles in operation carrying all manner of passengers from vulnerable school children to government delegates, it is vital that there is a robust licencing system in place to check that both operators and drivers adhere to the rules and regulations.   Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 Why Choose Auriga Advocates? Few organisations are able to offer support and advice on not only the rules and regulations of taxi licencing but also the motoring laws which they have to follow. More often than not if a taxi driver/operator falls foul of the motoring offences their taxi/operator licence will be in jeopardy as well. So, its essential that operators and drivers alike have immediate access to expert advice. How does the Auriga Advocates taxi subscription scheme help? Taxi drivers are in short supply and recruitment is very difficult so retention of drivers is essential for a successful taxi company. We offer a safety net and lifeline. By subscribing to our taxi registration scheme you firm and drivers will get the following key benefits:- Your company and drivers will receive an Auriga Advocates direct dial icon to put on the home page of their phones This enables your drivers to contact Auriga for advice immediately without the need for finding an internet connection and googling for sources who may be able to help. They will have expert advice FREE a the press... --- ### Taxi Related Offences > A conviction could put your taxi licence in jeopardy and make you subject to the Council disciplinary process which could result in revocation of your licence. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-05-17 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/taxi-related-offences/ Taxi Related Offences  As a taxi driver you face potential prosecutions for a number of offences from operating without a licence, touting/plying for business and many other related motoring offences such as no insurance. A conviction for any of these offences could put your taxi licence in jeopardy and make you subject to the Council disciplinary process which could result in revocation of your licence. In addition offences which carry an endorsement of points could put you in breach of the council policy many of which have a limit of 6 points before you go before the licencing sub-committee for consideration of having your taxi licence revoked. Not only that but if you “totting up” 12 points or more on your driving licence then you face a minimum 6 month disqualification which would automatically cause your taxi licence to be revoked Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 No operators or PHL licence? If you operate as a taxi either without either an operator’s licence (which your employer could hold) or a private hire licence you will be committing an offence. You will also invalidate the licences if you do not comply with the conditions. For example, your operator’s licence and private hire licence will only entitle you to carry passengers who have pre-booked if you try to tout for business then you will be operating outside the remit of your licence and be operating without a licence. You would need a specific... --- ### Taxi Licences > Are you facing prosecution or revocation in relation to your taxi licence Speak to one of our specialists now to provide free initial advice - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2025-01-09 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/taxi-licences/ Taxi Licences  Taxi hire companies provide a much sought-after service here in the UK. The market currently has over a quarter of a million vehicles in operation carrying all manner of passengers from vulnerable school children to Government delegates. It is vital that there is a robust licencing system in place to check that operators adhere to the rules and regulations The licencing system has two key purposes:- Safety for drivers and passengers Fair competition in the local market So there are strict criteria that must be met in order for a person to operate and/or drive a taxi which includes registration of the operator/driver and vehicle. Operators and drivers can be charged with serious offences in relation to the operation of their taxi as well as having their taxi licence revoked. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What do I need to become a taxi driver? You will need an operators license to enable you to accept bookings for private hire vehicles. If you wish to work outside of London then you will have to apply to your local council If you are working under an existing operator then you will still have to register for a private hire licence. If you work inside London then you will need to apply to Transport for London Applying for a taxi license using TFL What do I need to submit with my application for my operators licence? An operator’s licence is usually granted... --- ### Taxi Touting > If you are being prosecuted for taxi touting and need specialist legal advice, we are able to help you. Call for FREE today. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-12 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/taxi-touting/ --- ### Speeding Calculator > Use our speeding calculator to help calculate what you may be facing, Alternatively, for FREE advice and help Call 08000 55 66 31 - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-12 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/speeding-calculator/ Speeding Calculator Use our speeding calculator to see what fine and points may be applicable for you. --- ### Taxi Fees / Charges > If you are being prosecuted for taxi touting or taxi related offences and need specialist legal advice, we are able to help you. Call for FREE today. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-11-22 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/taxi-fees-charges/ Taxi Fees / Charges  OUR PROMISE TO YOU We will endeavour at all times to fix our fees in advance. We will agree a fee with you in advance to provide you with certainty and peace of mind. We take the strain and worry out of the proceedings and under our fixed fee service you do not have to worry about mounting legal fees. Justice delayed is justice denied so do not delay instruct us now and secure justice FOR YOU. Fees are payable upon instruction. No work will commence on your case until payment is made. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 Office Consultations Whilst we tend to deal with most people via telephone conferences and email sometimes it is beneficial to hold an office consultation, some people prefer face to face consultations and that is fine. We are happy to see you to discuss your case in detail face to face. These tend to be about an hour but we do not tend to clock watch as we are always keen to ensure that we have all the necessary information we need and that you have all the advice you need to understand how we are dealing with your case. If you do not want an office consultation but want us to review the evidence we can do so and provide written advice. The starting fee for an office consultation is £500 + VAT. Written Representations to the CouncilAuriga works... --- ### Speeding - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-10-15 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/speeding-5/ Speeding  Auriga advocates are specialists in speeding offences you can call us now for free initial advice. 08000 55 66 31 Auriga Advocates are expert speeding solicitors and are usually contacted when drivers are accused of higher level speeding offences or when drivers are potentially facing a totting up ban because they have attracted too many speeding points. If you are one such driver you will be worried about being disqualified as it may result in a loss of employment and in consequence the loss of your home. You do not need to worry one of our specialist speeding solicitors is waiting to help you and put your mind at rest. Use our speeding calculator Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 If you feel adamant that you were not speeding you should contact us first often we can nip the case in the bud. One of our clients was sure that he was not speeding despite a fixed camera showing otherwise. We did some basic calculations and were able to show that the camera was faulty. When representations were made the police withdrew the summons without our client having to go to court. You do not have to accept the fixed penalty or summons. If you are caught speeding but were merely travelling 31 mph in a 30 mph limit, whilst it is unlikely you will be facing a speeding ban, you could be convicted and receive 3 points and a fine... --- ### Special Reasons To Protect Your Licence > If you want to avoid fines or penalties and need to know your legal stance, you need to speak with one of our solicitors for FREE initial advice. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/special-reasons-to-protect-your-licence/ Special Reasons To Protect Your Licence  Many of our clients when they first call us are unsure of their options and are extremely anxious about the outcome. . They are unaware of any legal defences that may be available and find it difficult to believe that it might be possible to defend offence they face by using loopholes. Most motoring offences carry a mandatory endorsement of points or a mandatory disqualification. Even if your livelihood depends on your licence you cannot plead mitigation to avoid these because the court has no option but to impose the points or the disqualification. If this applies to you, you will be really worried and anxious about losing your licence, perhaps your job and may be your home. Don’t worry there is a way of avoiding a disqualification and we can help you. Speak to one our specialist road traffic defence solicitors to find out if you can avoid yours If you have points and are likely to fall within the totting up procedure avoiding the endorsement of points can save your licence. If you do have points imposed you may have grounds to plead EXCEPTIONAL HARDSHIP, which is based on your personal circumstances. Special reason arguments are not based on personal circumstances or exceptional hardship but on the facts of the case. The rules involved are complicated and to establish whether you would have a valid reason you should seek expert legal advice which we can provide. Special reasons, if found, enable to... --- ### Speed Awareness Course > Received a notice of intended prosecution and are looking to avoid points or penalties, Call for FREE on the best course of action and advice. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/speed-awareness-course/ Speed Awareness Course  The National Speed Awareness Scheme is an innovative scheme that has been put in place by police forces across the UK to allow motorists caught speeding to complete a workshop rather than be issued with a fixed penalty ticket with three penalty points and a £100 fine. Each force appoints a member of the ANDISP (Association of National Driver Improvement Course Providers) to oversee and deliver the courses in their particular area. ANDISP has been established to make sure that such courses have a quality standard and are consistent in their teachings. The format and content of courses may vary from area to area but all have to meet stringent requirements so that they achieve their objective of ensuring the driver understands the dangers of speeding and does not speed in the future. The National Speed Awareness Scheme is offered to a number of offending motorists after they have been caught speeding. The decision over whether to offer the course to you, is at the discretion of each police force. You may be able to influence that decision by acting as soon as you receive your notice of intended prosecution. Speak to one our specialist speeding solicitors to find out how you could avoid prosecution and points. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 Would I be eligible for a course? Usually eligible drivers will be those who have exceeded the legal limit but not by a huge amount and... --- ### Racing > Facing a road racing offence? We are well experienced in dealing with road racing cases and can give advice on how best to help defend you licence. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-07-19 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/road-racing/ Racing With an excellent track record on motoring offences we can help you now if you call one of our specialist road traffic solicitors now for FREE initial advice. The allegation of speeding is difficult for the prosecution to prove and if you do not believe you were racing then you should contact us straight away whether you have been charged or not. The earlier you seek advice the better for your defence. Remember our initial advice is free. Andrea, our CEO was a road traffic specialist in her time with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) not only does she understand the CPS systems completely she has dealt with thousands of serious road traffic cases and is one of the top in her field of expertise. You are not alone. Here, at Auriga Advocates, we help you through the process each step of the way. You can discuss your options and alleviate your fears straight away by calling one of our specialist dangerous driving solicitors on 08000 55 66 31 for FREE initial advice. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What is the offence of racing? The definition of an offence of racing is found under S12 Road Traffic Act 1988 1) A person who promotes or takes part in a race or trial of speed between motor vehicles on a public way is guilty of an offence”  What is the sentence if I am found guilty of racing? The offence of... --- ### Police Station Interviews > Prior to you interview, you are able to obtain free legal advice to help you in your case. Call FREE today - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-26 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/police-station-interviews/ Police Station Interviews  If you have been asked to provide an interview at a police station you will be very anxious and nervous particularly if you are facing a serious offence which could lead to the loss of your licence or imprisonment. You may be frightened of saying or doing the wrong thing. Call one of the specialist solicitors before your interview and they will provide free initial advice. Most motoring offences will not require an interview such as speeding or failing to comply with a traffic sign but more serious offences such as driving without due care and attention, dangerous driving or offences involving a fatality often will. You will normally be invited to a police station or may have been bailed to attend the police station by the police. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 I thought there was a duty solicitor at police stations who would represent me free in an interview? You would be quite right. Everyone being interviewed at the police station has a right to be represented free by a duty solicitor. However, it is unlikely that the duty solicitor at the police station will be a specialist in motoring law. Often, they have little time to spend with you to take instructions prior to interview as they may have a number of interviewees to represent on the same day. An interview is a vital part of your case both for the prosecution if you say... --- ### Our Fees > The most complete service at a lot less than other Solicitors. We are here to provide the best course of action for you the Driver. Call 08000 55 66 31 - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/our-fees/ Our Promise To You Whilst our initial telephone advice is FREE as a private company you will be charged fees for all our other services. We will endeavour at all times to fix our fees in advance. We will agree a fee with you in advance to provide you with certainty and peace of mind. We take the strain and worry out of the proceedings and under our fixed fee service you do not have to worry about mounting legal fees. Justice delayed is justice denied so do not delay instruct us now and secure justice FOR YOU. Fees are payable upon instruction. No work will commence on your case until payment is made. Our Services Office Consultations Whilst we tend to deal with most people via telephone conferences and email sometimes it is beneficial to hold an office consultation, some people prefer face to face consultations and that is fine. We are happy to see you to discuss your case in detail face to face. These tend to be about an hour but we do not tend to clock watch as we are always keen to ensure that we have all the necessary information we need and that you have all the advice you need to understand how we are dealing with your case. If you do not want an office consultation but want us to review evidence we can do so and provide written advice. The starting fee for an office consultation is £600 + VAT. Written Representations... --- ### News > News for drink driving offences, drug driving offences, dangerous driving, speeding tickets, penalty points totting up and all UK traffic and motoring offences - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-12 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/news/ --- ### NIP Checker > A notice of intended prosecution can be a daunting prospect. Talks to one of our solicitors to guide you through what happens and how we can help. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-12 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/nip-checker/ NIP Checker The police MUST issue what is known as a Notice of Intended Prosecution if they intend to prosecute a motoring offence which was NOT involved in an accident. S1 Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 requires police to Warn the defendant at the time of the alleged offence of the possibility of prosecution for the offence Serve the defendant with a summons within 14 days of the offence. Serve the defendant with a notice of the possibility of a prosecution within 14 days of the offence either to the driver or the registered keeper of the vehicle. If the notices are not served in time or they are not correctly served you may avoid a conviction. Note that you DO NOT COUNT the day of the alleged offence, so if the alleged offence is committed on the 1st of the month the notice should be served by the 15th of the same month. --- ### No Insurance > If you are unsure of your legal stance and need clarification to your case and next steps. We can offer FREE initial advice. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-10-04 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/no-insurance/ No Insurance It is compulsory to have third party insurance when using a vehicle on a public road. It can be dealt with by way of a fixed penalty ticket £300 fine and 6 penalty points, but if dealt with by the court, they can impose a Band C fine, 6-8 penalty points and have the discretion to disqualify for 12 months. If you already have 6 points you will be “totting up” and face a minimum 6 months disqualification. If you are worried call one of our specialist road traffic defence solicitors now, they will put your mind at ease. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 I thought I was insured but my "direct debit" had stopped, is that a defence? It is compulsory to have third party insurance when using a vehicle on a public road. It can be dealt with by way of a fixed penalty ticket £300 fine and 6 penalty points, but if dealt with by the court, they can impose a Band C fine, 6-8 penalty points and have the discretion to disqualify for 12 months. If you already have 6 points you will be “totting up” and face a minimum 6 months disqualification. If you are worried call one of our specialist road traffic defence solicitors now, they will put your mind at ease. I have been charged with an offence of permitting no insurance? If you allow someone to use your vehicle it is... --- ### Not In Proper Control of your Vehicle > Been charged by the police for an offence that you feel is incorrect and need legal advice. You can call for free and speak to one of our solicitors. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-08-27 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/not-in-proper-control/ Not In Proper Control of your Vehicle  Auriga Advocates specialise in all motoring offences you can call one of our legal team for free initial advice on any offence including not being in proper control. If you are facing this offence you will be probably be wondering why, particularly if your driving was not affected by what you were doing. This offence is, in fact, the first limb of the Mobile Phone Offence section. It relates to a driver not being in a position which does not give proper control and includes not having a full view of the road and traffic ahead. It also includes; causing or permitting a driver not to be in proper control. The penalty for this offence is; Level 4 Fine £2,500 (if vehicle designed to carry more than 8 passengers ie mini buses etc) Level 3 for all others £1,000 and 3 points with a discretionary disqualification. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What amounts to not being in proper control? There is no definition of “proper control” and this is an area of much legal debate. The more general view is that a driver could only be deemed to not be in a position to be in proper control if there is some evidence of poor driving such as swerving or weaving, but this has yet to tested in the higher courts as most drivers are fearful of the costs. Examples of not being proper... --- ### New Driver > Had your licence for less than 2 years and facing a driving offence, drug driving, careless driving. We have a payment plan to help the young driver. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/new-driver/ New Driver If you have passed your test within the past two years you will be classed as a new driver. This means that you will have take care when driving and dealing with your vehicle. As a new driver you will be subject a “probationary period” for the two years following your test. If you accumulate 6 points the DVLA will revoke your driving licence and you will have to take a re-test to get it back which involves taking both the practical and the theory tests. Take care if you are working for extra money by delivering take-away food you will require business insurance to do so and if you are stopped you will have your vehicle seized and get 6 points so you would also get your licence revoked. If you are facing an offence which carries 6 points, don’t panic you should seek advice from before taking any action. We understand how daunting it can be if you face an offence which is going to cause your licence to be revoked and as a young driver the thought of the court process and dealing with the police/prosecution is nerve wrecking. Do not panic and do not worry a minute longer, call one of our specialist road traffic defence solicitors who will be able to give you the best advice so that you may be able to avoid a revocation and put your mind at rest. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000... --- ### Mobile Phone Offences > If you have been caught driving whilst using or holding a mobile phone. We can offer advice to ensure that you have not been unfairly charged. Call for FREE - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-08-27 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/mobile-phone-offence/ Using a Mobile Phone Whilst Driving Auriga advocates are specialist in mobile phone offences, you can call us now for free initial advice. It is an offence to use a handheld mobile phone whilst driving. The offence carries a fine of up to £1,000 and 6 penalty points. £2,500 if you are driving a bus, coach or HGV. It can be dealt with by way of a fixed penalty notice, which will be £200 fine and 6 penalty points. It is usually dealt with by way of a fixed penalty ticket which used to be £100 and 3 points but has recently been raised to £200 6 points due to the use of mobile phones being the cause of many serious accidents. The use of a mobile phone whilst driving where you have caused an accident could attract much more serious offences such as careless driving or dangerous driving offences. If you are being investigated due to such an accident you should speak to one of mobile offence specialist solicitors for advice for the best possible outcome. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 Do I have to accept the fixed penalty ticket? An FPN can only be issued if a motorist fulfils the following criteria:- The motorist holds a driving licence The motorist will not be subject to the “totting up” procedure ie 12 points or more on licence after adding the points for the offence The motorist must be able to... --- ### Home > A driving or motoring offence doesn’t have to ruin your life. For motoring legal advice you can trust, speak to the experts at Auriga Advocates today. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-11-21 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/ Auriga Advocates Road Traffic Law Specialists Call now to speak to a motoring legal expert 08000 55 66 31 Aurgia Advocates Looks After You, The Driver Our team has over 35 years of experience helping people like you receive the best possible legal service, so give us a call today if you need guidance. Contact us today Offences We Help With Drink Drive We specialise in helping you deal with the legal consequences of a drink driving charge, and our track record speaks for itself. Find out more Drug Drive If you’re at risk of losing your license to a drug driving charge, don’t panic. Call our specialist solicitors first to get the best advice possible. Find out more Dangerous Driving We understand the anxiety and stress of a dangerous driving case, so call one of our experts today for free initial advice. Find out more Careless Driving Careless Driving charges deserve the full attention of motoring defence solicitors, and that is exactly what we offer. Find out more Failure To Supply Drink/Drug In Charge Death By Dangerous Driving Death By Careless Driving Serious Injury By Dangerous Driving Serious Injury By Careless Driving Previous Next More Testimonials Represent yourself with our support There may be cases where it is more cost effective for you to represent yourself in court rather than pay for our services. Contact us today Defend Your Licence Auriga’s CEO, Andrea Clegg and author of “Defend Your Licence” has over 25 years’ experience in criminal law and... --- ### Fixed Penalty Tickets > What should I do if I have been issued a fixed penalty ticket, Can I challenge this If I feel I have been hard done by. For Free Advice Call 08000 55 66 31 - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-07-16 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/fixed-penalty-tickets/ Fixed Penalty Tickets  Fixed penalty tickets, known as fixed penalty notices (FPN), are a popular and quick way for the government to punish defendants and recoup fines. However, they can hold numerous pitfalls for the motorist. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What is the criteria to get a fixed penalty ticket? An FPN can only be issued if a motorist fulfils the following criteria:- The motorist holds a driving licence The motorist will not be subject to the “totting up” procedure ie 12 points or more on driving licence after adding the points for the offence. Exceptional Hardship Information The motorist must be able to surrender his licence for endorsement. If a motorist is unable to fulfil the criteria the officer will report the motorist for summons. You will not be offered a fixed penalty ticket if you may be disqualified for the offence, or fall within the “totting up” procedure. I've been caught speeding will I get offered a fixed penalty ticket? ACPO GUIDELINES FOR SPEEDS AT WHICH OFFICERS SHOULD ISSUE A FIXED PENALTY OR SUMMONS SPEED LIMIT SPEED FOR FPN SPEED FOR SUMMONS 20MPH 24MPH 35MPH 30MPH 35MPH 50MPH 40MPH 46MPH 56MPH 50MPH 57MPH 76MPH 60MPH 68MPH 86MPH 70MPH 79MPH 96MPH Note that these are guidelines only, and the issuing of a FPN is always at the discretion of an officer, assuming of course that you fulfil the criteria mentioned above. Can we ask for a fixed penalty ticket?... --- ### Failure To Produce Driving Documents > Failing to produce driving documents as instructed by the police carries a fine and points. If you are looking for help and guidance. Call for Free Advice - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-10-04 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/failure-to-produce-driving-documents-3/ Failure to Produce Driving Documents  A police officer may demand the production of driving documents which can include your driving licence, certificate of insurance and MOT certificate when he stops you. If you do not have the documentation with you for the officer to examine you will be issued with a form HO/RT 1 which will enable you to produce them within 7 days at a police station of your choice (subject to the police station being open for production of documents). If the HO/RT 1 requires production of your driving licence then this must be produced in person, if it is only the certificate of insurance and/or the MOT are required to be produced these can be produced by someone on your behalf. You must not produce any documents which are not in your name or which have been altered in anyway as this is an offence which carries imprisonment to a maximum of 2 years and an unlimited fine. Failing to produce documents carries a Level 3 Fine £1,000 and no endorsement. If you have failed to produce the documents because you do not have them, you could be prosecuted for the substantive offences such as Driving without insurance Driving without an MOT Driving without a driving licence Usually, if you are charged with not having the document or insurance the prosecution will drop the failure to produce charge if you are pleading guilty to the substantive offence. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates.... --- ### Failure To Provide Driver Information > Have you had a S127 notice? You need to provide this to the police within 28 days. If you need legal advice call the motoring experts today on 08000 55 66 31 - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-10-04 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/failure-to-provide-driver-information/ Failure to Provide Driver Information  When the police have not stopped you or they do not know the identity of the driver perhaps because it is an offence recorded on camera they will issue what is known as a S172 Notice which is a request sent to the registered keeper to supply information about the driver. You will have 28 days to provide the information. If you have a S172 notice call us now free of charge because we can provide advice which may help you avoid a prosecution. Failure to reply is an offence. It is a harsh penalty and often much more serious than the offence which has been recorded/committed. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What is the penalty for failing to provide driver information? It carries a penalty of a level 5 fine which is unlimited and 6 penalty points whilst a minor motoring offence would only carry 3 points. If you are in doubt as to what you should put on the form call one of our specialist road traffic defence solicitors now for free advice. What happens after an offence has been caught on camera? If you are the registered keeper of the vehicle alleged to have committed a motoring offence but were not stopped by a police officer at the time of commission of the alleged offence, then you should receive the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days of the alleged offence. NIP... --- ### Failure To Stop And Report - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-10-04 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/failure-to-stop-and-report/ Failure to Stop and Report  If you are involved in an accident you are required to stop and exchange details with any interested party this will usually be the driver of the other vehicle but could be the owner of any property damaged or person injured to driver of the other vehicle It is an offence under S170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The penalty is up to 6 months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine which is unlimited for offences, 5 – 10 points or a discretionary disqualification. We understand how concerned you will be about the outcome and impact on your life. Let us alleviate your concerns speak to one our specialist road traffic solicitors for free advice they will be able to discuss your options and give you a realistic view on the sentence you are likely to receive. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 I intent to plead guilty do I need representation? You should seek advice before pleading guilty if you call one of our specialist solicitors they will be able to advise you free of charge as to whether you guilty plea is the right plea to make. If after the advice you still wish to plead guilty it is important to have a specialist representative at the court hearing to ensure that the Court imposes the lowest penalty possible especially if you are at risk of a custodial sentence. I did stop so why have... --- ### DVLA Revocation of Driving Licence > If you are looking to get your licence reinstated and feel you have been hard done by. Call for FREE initial advice and help - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-03-21 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dvla-revocation-of-driving-licence/ DVLA Revocation of Driving Licence  Auriga Advocates are specialist motoring solicitors who can help you if you have had your driving licence revoked by the DVLA. We understand the anxiety and unfairness felt if you have had your licence revoked by the DVLA. It feels as though you are being punished when you have done nothing wrong. Speak to one of our specialist DLVA revocation solicitors who will be able to advise on how we may help you to get your licence reinstated. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 My licence has expired because I am 70 years of age what should I do? Most UK driving licences expire automatically when the driver reaches the age of 70. It is quite easy to renew your licence. The process is free and most people can complete it online here. You will need to renew your licence every 3 years. You will need to meet all of these criteria to use the online service: your British licence has expired – or it’s going to expire within 90 days you’re a resident of Great Britain (there’s a different service in Northern Ireland) you meet the minimum eyesight requirement you aren’t prevented from driving for any reason If your doctor has told you not to drive then you will need to tell DVLA. See the medical revocation section below if this happens. Why has my licence been revoked due to medical reasons? In order to use... --- ### Exceptional Hardship Totting up Ban > We are expertise in handling totting up ban cases in the UK. Consult our solicitors for exceptional hardship or totting up ban-related cases. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-07-19 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/exceptional-hardship-totting-up/ Exceptional Hardship Totting up Ban  Keep your licence with 12 points With an excellent track record on our exceptional hardship cases we can help you now if you call one of our specialist exceptional hardship solicitors for free initial advice. In the UK if you accumulate 12 points or more on your licence you will fall within what is known as the “totting up” rules which state that you will receive a minimum ban of 6 months unless you can persuade the court that you should not be banned. Facing a 6-month ban is bad enough but if you have been disqualified under the “totting up” provision research shows that your insurance premiums could increase by 200% and it may be extremely difficult to get insured at all. If you have 9 points on your licence and face more points which will bring you to the dreaded 12 points call one of our specialist solicitors in exceptional hardship arguments for free advice as to whether you have an exceptional hardship argument Enrol onto any of our courses to represent yourself with our support. Enrol now What is exceptional hardship? There is no definition for exceptional hardship which can make it very difficult to argue. However, mere hardship is insufficient it has to be “exceptional”. It is not an easy argument because you do have to prove that the hardship you would suffer is not just ordinary but exceptional. Losing your job alone would not suffice. It is imperative that a... --- ### Failing To Provide A Roadside Breath Test / Specimen > We are here to help you and will provide assistance and advice to help your driving charge and the best approach. All initial advice is FREE. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/failing-to-provide-a-roadside-breath-test-specimen-of-for-analysis-at-the-station/ Failing To Provide a Roadside Breath Test/Specimen  Auriga Advocates are specialist solicitors in offences of failing to provide in drink/drug related offences. You will be wondering if you have a defence! Well, we are here to help you defend your licence, so put your mind at rest by speaking to one of our specialist drink/drug drive solicitors. If you are suspected of having driven whilst under the influence of drink or drugs you will be asked to provide a roadside sample, which will indicate if you are exceeding the limit. If the reading is positive you will be arrested and taken to the police station for further tests. However, since the 10th April 2015 the police do not have to request a preliminary test for excess alcohol offences and can, if they have the correct devices move onto an evidential test, the results of which can be relied on in court. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What is the penalty for failing to provide a roadside test? The penalty for failing to provide a roadside breath test is a £1,000 fine, 4 penalty points or a discretionary disqualification.   What advice would you give if you are stopped by the police and asked to provide a roadside test? Some people think that if they do not provide at the roadside the police will not know if they are over the limit and therefore will “get away” with it. That is not... --- ### Due Care Calculator > Use our due care calculator to help calculate what you may be facing, Alternatively, for FREE advice and help call 08000 55 66 31 - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-12 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/due-care-calculator/ Due Care Calculator Use our due care calculator to see what fine and points may be applicable for you. --- ### Drug Driving Solicitors > Faced with the prospect of a fine and ban and feel that you have been wrongly charged. We can provide Free advice of what action to take for the best outcome. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2025-04-09 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/drug-driving-solicitors/ Drug Driving Solicitors Drug Driving Solicitors If you are facing a drug driving charge you will be extremely worried about the consequences if you would lose your licence. If you want to know what happens if you get caught drug driving and the penalty for drug driving even if this is your first offence, you do not need to worry our specialist drug driving solicitors are here to help you every step of the way and even get your drug driving case dropped if there is a process not followed or a legal argument we can challenge. If you want to know what our drug driving solicitors costs, we are the most competitive in the UK and offer FREE initial advice. Please refer to our fees page. We offer a payment plan to help you spread the cost with the same one to one service. The only way the police could prosecute motorists for drug driving offences and drugs in your system up until the new legislation brought in on the 2nd March 2015 was for an offence of driving whilst unfit. The police had to prove impairment which they rarely could so it was seldom prosecuted. However, in March 2015, new legislation was brought in with prescribed limits for drugs, if you are over these limits then you will be prosecuted for driving over the prescribed limits for drugs in the same way as excess alcohol limits. We can advise what should you do if a doctor prescribes drugs... --- ### Drunk/drug in charge > If you have been charged by the police whilst not driving your car, then speak to our experts to get legal advice for FREE - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-07-18 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/drunk-drug-in-charge/ Drunk/drug in charge In Charge of A Vehicle With Excess Alcohol or Drugs Auriga Advocates are specialist solicitors in offences of being in charge of a vehicle with excess alcohol or drugs. If you are facing an offence when you were not driving your car, you will be wondering if you have a defence! Well, we are here to help you defend your licence. So put your mind at rest by speaking to one of our drink/drug drive specialist solicitors. If you have been approached by the police when you are not driving your car you will be confused and probably upset at having to provide a roadside sample for alcohol or drugs and if, positive a further specimen at the police station, after all you were not driving why should you be charged with anything? The answer is that it is an offence to be in charge of a vehicle with alcohol or drugs above the prescribed limit. This is to prevent drivers who, are not actually driving but may be inclined to try drive whilst they are above the limit, giving into temptation. However, if you are charged with an offence of being in charge all is not lost as there are specific statutory defences to this offence and even if convicted it will not necessarily result in a ban. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 Being charge of a vehicle with excess alcohol/excess drugs We have a lot of... --- ### Driving Whilst Disqualified > If you are concerned that this may lead to a prison sentence. You need specialist advice to review your case and advise on the best course of action. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-26 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/driving-whilst-disqualified/ Driving Whilst Disqualified  If you are charged with this offence you will be concerned about going to prison. Imprisonment is a highly likely sentence unless you can establish strong mitigating circumstances. We understand the anxiety you will be suffering and the worry you will have for you and your family at the thought of going to prison. Do not worry any longer discuss your case and concerns with one of our specialist disqualified driving solicitors who will be able to put your mind at ease. We are waiting to advise, help and support you. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What are the penalties for disqualified driving? The offence of driving whilst disqualified carries a maximum penalty of up to 6 months imprisonment and an unlimited fine. The Court may disqualify but if not it must endorse 6 points. However most offenders will face either a community order or custodial sentence depending on the circumstances I did not know I was disqualified is that a defence? The offence of driving whilst disqualified is a strict liability offence so if you are disqualified and driving you will be guilty of the offence, however, not knowing you were disqualified will provide some strong mitigation. You can check your driving record on the DVLA website if you think you have points or may be disqualified. Link to DVLA website: https://www. gov. uk/view-driving-licence It was an emergency so I had no choice but to drive is... --- ### Driving Without A Licence - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-24 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/driving-without-a-licence/ Driving Without a Licence Driving without a licence or otherwise in accordance with a licence is a summary only offence which carries a level 3 fine £1000. Driving not in accordance with a licence could be when you are a learner driver but are not supervised or not displaying your L plates. Driving without a licence or otherwise than in accordance with a licence has two categories of offence:-an endorsable offence and a non-endorsable offence Non-Endorsable Offence If you are entitled to hold a licence but have lost or misplaced or where your licence has been revoked or suspended and you did not know or would not have reason to believe that your licence had been revoked you will not get your licence endorsed but would still be liable to a fine of up to £1,000. Endorsable Offence If you are not entitled to hold a driving licence or are under age or not complying with the learner requirements of a licence your driving record will be endorsed with 3-6 penalty points, a maximum fine of £1,000 and there is a discretion to disqualify. If you have any questions about driving without a licence call one of our specialist solicitors free of charge, we will provide you with advice and steps as to what to do next even when we know you will not instruct us because the level of charge is low. However, you may find that you are acquiring 12 points which may make you liable to a... --- ### Driver Improvement Course > Are you looking for help to write a letter of representation to the police to help with your case for a driver improvement course? We can help. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-10-07 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/driver-improvement-course/ Driver Improvement Course  The concept of driver retraining was introduced by Dr P North as far back as 1988, but not adopted by the government until much later. Dr P North believed that there was little evidence to show that punishing offenders raised standards in motorists driving and that retraining was more likely to bring about improvement in their driving, particularly if the retraining concentrated on the shortcomings in their driving. Often if you have not yet been charged you can write a letter of representation to the police to influence their decision to offer you a driver awareness course? NDORS NDORS is provided by UK Road Offender Education (UKROEd), the trading arm of the Road Safety Trust. The Trust, which describes itself as an independent grant-giving Trust working hard to reduce the numbers of people killed or injured on our roads, gives financial support to road-safety initiatives in the UK. NDORS fees cover the costs of providing the courses, and the surplus is fed into the Trust’s grant fund. The sole purpose of the seven NDORS courses – all rigidly structured in terms of content and delivery – is to make UK roads safer through the education of road users It provides general guidance to police officers about what they should take into account: The circumstances of the incident, which will be things such as the time of day, presence of other motorists, risk of collision or injury to name but a few. Any other additional evidence which may be... --- ### Drink Driving Solicitors > We are experts in handling drink driving cases. Seek help from our experienced drink driving solicitors in the UK. Contact our specialists! - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-10-18 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/drink-driving/ Drink Driving Solicitors With an excellent track record on our drink driving cases we can help you now if you call one of our expert drink driving solicitors for FREE INITIAL ADVICE. There are a number of offences which relate to driving whilst under the influence of alcohol. These are:- Failing to provide a Roadside Breath TestFailing to provide a specimen at the police station/hospitalBeing in charge of a vehicle with Excess Alcohol If you are charged with any of these offences you will be devastated and fearful for the impact any penalty imposed would have on your family and work. We understand how you feel and the sooner you get expert advice which can put your mind at rest the better you will feel. You do not have to face this alone. What can Auriga Advocates do for you? Here at Auriga Advocates we pride ourselves in providing excellent advice in simple, clear and concise terms. We believe that our client should know their possible defences to a drink drive offence and what their chances of success are. We approach the prosecution evidence with a meticulous eye for detail, leaving no stone unturned for arguments with which we can challenge the prosecution case. There are a number of issues which we consider such as: Is the evidence against you enough i. e can they show you were driving Have the police followed the procedure at the station correctly? The procedure is complicated and easily breached particularly when the more... --- ### Drink Drive Calculator > Use our drink drive calculator to help calculate what you may be facing, Alternatively, for FREE advice and help Call 08000 55 66 31 - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-12 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/drink-drive-calculator/ Drink Drive Calculator Facing a drink driving charge? Please use the Drink Driving Ban Calculator below to see what you could receive for your drink driving offence. If you are facing a drink driving charge and you have mistakenly assumed that your only option is to plead guilty and accept the mandatory drink driving ban, then you are mistaken. It is very likely there will be a valid and lawful defence to the charge that our drink driving solicitors can help you with. We have successfully defended clients just like yourself who have been charged with drink driving. Please call us on Freephone 0800 470 2883 or contact us so that we can guide you through your options free of charge. *Please note that all answers are guidelines only, to get a completely accurate assesment of your case please get in touch. #main-calc,#calc-buttons,#result,#main-results { display:none; } // Original author: Johnny Hutton // Updated by: Nick Arkell jQuery(document). ready(function ($) { document. getElementById('button-set'). onclick = function { var question0 = document. getElementById('input0'). value; var question01 = document. getElementById('input0. 1'). value; var question02 = document. getElementById('input0. 2'). value; var total = parseInt(question0) + parseInt(question01) + parseInt(question02); var question0total = parseInt(question0); var question01total = parseInt(question01); var question02total = parseInt(question02); if (question0total > 0 && question01total == 0 && question02total == 0) { document. getElementById('input0. 1'). style. display = 'none'; document. getElementById('input0. 1-title'). style. display = 'none'; document. getElementById('input0. 2'). style. display = 'none'; document. getElementById('input0. 2-title'). style. display = 'none'; document. getElementById('main-calc'). style.... --- ### Defective Vehicle / Dangerous Condition > Our Specialist Solicitors can advise and help drivers who have been convicted of driving a defective or dangerous vehicle. We can provide Free Initial advice - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-12 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/defective-vehicle-dangerous-condition/ Defective Vehicle/Dangerous Condition These offences fall under the provisions of construction and use regulations which govern the use of different types of vehicles, weight, size, the use of trailers as well as driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition or with defects and a number of other provisions relating to the use of vehicles. This is a difficult area of law because regulations are numerous and varied. Offences apply to different types of vehicles and different types of vehicles are governed by specific regulations. The evidence is often highly technical and complicated so we would always advise that you should get legal advice as early as possible in your case. You can call one of specialist road traffic defence solicitors free of charge for some initial advice which will cover all your options, answer all your questions and put your mind at ease. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 Will I always be prosecuted? The prosecution of motorists for defective vehicles is less common than an offence of speeding or driving without due care and attention as the police will usually issue a defect rectification notice which enables you to repair the defect and provide notice of the repair to the police within 14 days Most drivers would repair the defect within this time period but often they fail to notify the police or fail to get the repair completed within the 14 days. However, if you can show the police or... --- ### Death By Dangerous Driving > We are specialist motor solicitors in the UK and have 30+ years of experience in dealing with the police and CPS on complex driving matters. Call 08000 55 66 31 - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/death-by-dangerous-driving/ Death by Dangerous Driving If you are facing a charge of Death by Dangerous Driving you will be extremely anxious about the consequences and going through court. With an excellent track record on our dangerous driving cases we can help you now if you call one of our specialist dangerous driving solicitors for free initial advice. The offence of causing death by dangerous driving is an extremely serious offence which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, an unlimited fine an obligatory disqualification for a minimum of 5 years and a compulsory extended re-test, so the stakes are high. It is an indictable only offence which means it can only be heard at the Crown Court. You should not leave this to chance and you need to get specialist advice as early as possible. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What amounts to death by dangerous driving? The prosecution have to prove that your driving was dangerous i. e. fell far below the standard of a competent and careful driver and that as a result of that driving you caused a death. This type of offence is often extremely complicated often involving many witnesses, expert evidence which could include medical experts as well as road traffic accident investigation experts. Auriga advocates will meticulously review the evidence against you and prepare your defence leaving no stone unturned. Andrea our managing director and principal solicitor was a fatal road traffic specialist for the CPS... --- ### Dangerous Driving > Facing a dangerous driving offence? The team at Auriga Advocates is well experienced in dealing with dangerous driving cases in the UK. Reach our team now. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-08-27 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/dangerous-driving/ Dangerous Driving With an excellent track record on our dangerous driving cases we can help you now if you call one of our specialist dangerous driving solicitors for free initial advice. Auriga advocates understand the anxiety and stress that you will feel as a motorist facing a dangerous driving offence. The maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment and a minimum 12 month ban with an extended retest would make any motorist fearful. It is an offence which can be dealt with either in the Magistrates court or the Crown Court and most motorists have not gone through the court procedure before and find the thought daunting. Andrea, our CEO was a fatal road traffic specialist in her time with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) not only does she understand the CPS systems completely she has dealt with thousands of serious road traffic cases and is one of the top in her field of expertise. You are not alone. Here, at Auriga Advocates, we help you through the process each step of the way. You can discuss your options and alleviate your fears straight away by by calling one of our specialist dangerous driving solicitors on 08000 55 66 31 for FREE initial advice. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 How will Auriga help me with my dangerous driving offence? - We can help to alleviate all the worry and anxiety that facing an offence of dangerous driving can cause by giving free... --- ### Death by Careless Driving Excess Alcohol/Drugs > If you have been charged with Careless Driving whilst under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs, you need specialist advice to help you Call 08000 55 66 31 - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/death-by-careless-driving-with-excess-alcohol-drugs/ Death by Careless Driving Excess Alcohol/Drugs Your allocated lawyer will be accessible at anytime to discuss your concerns and you will be supported every step of the way. This is an indictatable only offence carrying a penalty of a maximum of life imprisonment and a minimum disqualification of 5 years with an extended re-test. It can only be dealt with at the Crown Court. If a death has been caused in the incident you were involved in you will already feel distraught whether you believe you caused the fatality or not. If you are facing an offence of causing the death by careless driving with excess alcohol/drugs you will terrified of the consequences for you and your family as well. We can assist in relieving that anxiety and stress from the outset if you contact one of our specialist careless driving, drink and drug driving solicitors. They will discuss all your options with you and answer any questions you have about the facts, likely penalties, the procedure and your options. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What do the prosecution have to prove? They have to prove - You were the driver - You drove below that standard of a careful and competent driver - You were over the prescribed limit of drink or drugs - You caused the fatality. How would you prepare my case? Facing a trial can be extremely daunting but our specialist team of road traffic defence solicitors... --- ### Death by Careless Driving Solicitors > We are able to provide help and support for Drivers who have been charged with Death by Careless Driving. Free confidential advice on 08000 55 66 31 - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/death-by-careless-driving/ Death by Careless Driving Solicitors Death by Careless Driving If a death has been caused in the incident you were involved in you will already feel distraught whether you believe you caused the fatality or not. If you are facing an offence of causing the death by careless driving you will be terrified of the consequences for you and your family as well. We can assist in relieving that anxiety and stress from the outset if you contact one of our specialist careless driving lawyers. They will discuss all your options with you and answer any questions you have about the facts, likely penalties, the procedure and your options. Your allocated lawyer will be accessible at any time to discuss your concerns and you will be supported every step of the way. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What do the prosecution need to prove to secure a conviction for death by careless driving? The prosecution must prove that your driving fell below the standard of a careful and competent driver AND that as a result of that driving you caused a death. How would you prepare my case? Facing a trial can be extremely daunting but our specialist team of road traffic defence lawyers can support you by Reviewing the strength of the prosecution’s case against you Finding the weaknesses in the prosecution case Collating evidence in your defence Attacking the prosecution case relentlessly on your behalf Taking the pressure and... --- ### Cookie Policy (UK) - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-12 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/cookie-policy-uk/ --- ### Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving > You will need specialist advice and help in your case, we only deal with motoring law and are specialists in our field. Call for FREE initial advice - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-08-27 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/causing-serious-injury-by-dangerous-driving/ Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving Causing serious injury by dangerous driving carries severe penalties do not leave your case to chance or in the hands of non-experts call one of our specialist dangerous driving solicitors for free initial advice. It is an offence to cause serious injury by dangerous driving under S1A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 It was introduced as a result of road safety campaign groups and victims and their representatives who have called for the gap in sentences between the current 2 year maximum for dangerous driving and the 14 year imprisonment maximum (now life imprisonment since 28th June 2022) for causing death by dangerous driving to be addressed. Parliament has responded by introducing this offence with the 5 year penalty. It also carries a mandatory two year minimum disqualification with an extended re-test. The offence is an either way offence which can be heard in either the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court carrying a level 5 fine and/or 6 months custody in the magistrates court with a mandatory disqualification period of at least 2 years (unless special reasons are found not to disqualify) and endorsement. An extended retest is also mandatory There are no sentencing guidelines for this offence but since the 28th June 2022 there is a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving which carries up to 2 years imprisonment and a mandatory disqualification. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What... --- ### Convicted In Your Absence > Helping drivers in the UK if you have been convicted in court whilst not attending and appealing against to reduce sentence. Speak to one of our solicitors - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-11-22 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/convicted-in-your-absence/ Convicted In Your Absence If you have been convicted in your absence you will be concerned about the impact Speak to one of our specialist road traffic defence solicitors if you act quickly we can help you. If you have received a notice of a conviction and sentence from the magistrates for an offence you knew nothing about you will be quite rightly extremely concerned. Particularly, if you have been disqualified in your absence . Don’t worry a minute longer call one of our specialist solicitors who will be able to advise you on your next steps and if instructed, they will be able to help you every step of the way to get your case re-opened or appealed so that you can get your licence back or the sentence reduced or set aside completely. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What is a Statutory Declaration? A statutory declaration is a formal application to the court to have a case re-opened where you knew nothing about the prosecution. The most common example of this is where a person is stopped for a motoring offence and some months later they are summonsed to attend Court but they did not receive the Court summons. In this situation you would be completely unaware of the court proceedings until the conviction and sentence letter is received some days later. Reopening the case at the Magistrates' Court in the interests of justice The court have power to... --- ### Contact us > Speak directly to our specialist's solicitors to discuss your driving offence for FREE with no-obligation help. Contact us 08000 55 66 31 - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2025-04-02 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/contact-us/ Get in Touch The quickest and most effective way to get advice from one of our team of specialists is to give us a call as we are able to discuss your case in full and ensure we have all the relevant information upon which to provide the best possible advice. You can either call us on 01270 509496 or complete the form below and someone will get back to you at your convenience. Contact Numbers Freephone: 08000 55 66 31 Direct Line: 01270 509496 We would like to hear from you because we care what happens to you and know you will be extremely anxious about the pending offences. We know that we can make a difference. Andrea Clegg Senior Solicitor / Managing Director --- ### Careless Driving Without Due Care > Being charged with careless driving? Speak directly to a solicitor or visit our website for help and advice on how we can help your case. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-10-04 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/careless-driving-page/ Careless Driving Driving Without Due Care Careless Driving / Driving Without Due Care and Attention Offence With an excellent track record on our careless driving cases we can help you now if you call one of our specialist careless driving solicitors for free initial advice. Careless driving or driving without due care and attention or Driving without reasonable consideration carries a penalty of between 3 – 9 points and a fine of up to £2500. There is a discretionary disqualification for the most serious offences. Worried about the penalty or the expense of getting legal advice on your offence of driving with due care and attention offence? Why worry a minute longer, put your mind at rest and call one of our specialists careless driving solicitors for FREE initial advice! What amounts to careless driving/driving without reasonable consideration? That your standard of driving fell below that of a careful and competent driver OR That you did not show reasonable consideration for other drivers or pedestrians Examples are:- Driving into the back of a car at a roundabout/tailback on the motorway Reading a map whilst driving. Bumping into a parked vehicle. Drinking or eating whilst driving. Lighting a cigarette Being dazzled by the sun (link to highway code) Coming out of a side junction into the path of another vehicle; Scraping another car in a car park; A minor bump or shunt with another vehicle; Using a satellite navigation system or map whilst driving; Hogging the middle or outside lane on... --- ### Appeals > If you want to appeal your motoring conviction and felt you have been hard done by. Call for Free Advice to review you options on 08000 55 66 31 - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-11-22 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/appeals-5/ Appeals Auriga Advocates have an excellent track record on our appeal cases we can help you now if you call one of our specialist solicitors for free initial advice If you have been convicted in your absence or convicted after trial you will be frustrated and alarmed, particularly more so if you have been disqualified as part of the sentence OR you have pleaded guilty and feel that the sentence is too heavy. There is no need to panic but you have to act quickly as there are strict time limitations in which to appeal. You only have 21 days in which to lodge your appeal so prompt decisions and actions are required to ensure you do not miss vital deadlines. Your options are not straightforward so why delay call one of our expert solicitors to discuss the best option for you and put your mind at ease. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 Can I appeal a speeding ticket? If you have received a speeding ticket from an officer or the police process department you do not have to accept it. It is not technically an appeal as you are merely refusing to accept the penalty so your case will be processed through the court system and you will be sent a postal requisition or single justice procedure notice from the court. You will then be asked if you are pleading guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty the... --- ### Attending Court - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-11-22 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/court/ Attending Court Court Auriga Advocates are specialists in dealing with motoring offences which are going through the court system and can assist you through the entire process by taking away the stress of going to court on the offence you face. The system can be completely daunting and confusing. You may think that seems very unfair and unjust in the way your case is being dealt with and you would have a point. You may be both anxious and frightened if you have not been through the process before. You do not have to read any further just play our video on the top tips for court. It offers excellent advice particularly if you are representing yourself. Click HERE if you wish to read more information on “representing yourself”. Most motoring offences will be considered in the Magistrates Court with the exception of the most serious offences such as dangerous driving, serious injury cases or fatality cases which will start in the Magistrates Court before being sent to the Crown Court. Call us today Get genuine honest advice from Auriga Advocates. 08000 55 66 31 What is the Magistrates Court? The Magistrates court is the lowest of the criminal courts and where all offences start. They deal only with the more minor offences which carry no more than 6 months imprisonment. All offences start in the Magistrates Court but the more serious will be sent to the Crown court for sentence or trial. Who will make a decision on my... --- ### About Us > About Auriga Advocates: With over 60 years of experience in road traffic law and registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority in the UK - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2024-01-24 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/about-us/ About Us Auriga Advocates have over 60 years experience in road traffic law and registred with the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority No. 614279). There is very little that we do not know about the tricks of the trade. Andrea has over 20 years experience prosecuting road traffic offences and was for many years a fatal road traffic specialist. She understands the prosecution procedures and failings better than most defence solicitors and can use the insight to your advantage. We have a vast experience of running trials from both the defence and prosecution view point so are able to identify the weaknesses in evidence, our extensive knowledge of road traffic law enables us to identify the issues in your case. Auriga Core Values Auriga advocates care about motorists who are facing motoring offences. The criminal system is daunting for most people unfortunate enough to have to go through it. They often feel it is unfair and bias in favour of prosecution and they are justified in doing so. Too many firms are fee focused building fees by adding services or pricing fees extremely high and disproportionate to the service provided. Often motorists are charged for a service which is unnecessary and one they could easily do themselves. Andrea wants to level that criminal system playing field. She published her book “Defend Your Licence” in March 2016 to offer practical legal advice to motorists in simple clear concise terms which are easily understood. It provides more information than most websites and advises... --- ### Driving Licence Offence Codes And Endorsements > Curious to know more about the different driving licence offence codes and endorsements? We've detailed everything you need to know into this handy guide. - Published: 2020-05-04 - Modified: 2025-04-03 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/driving-licence-offence-codes-and-endorsements/ Driving Licence Codes and Endorsements If you have been convicted of an offence a record is put on your licence to show the offence and the level of endorsement or disqualification. The offences only appear on your licence by way of a code which represents an offence e. g. CD10 represents Driving without due care and attention. Driving Licence Codes and Penalty PointsEach endorsement has a special code and is given ‘penalty points’ on a scale from 1 to 11. You get more points for more serious offences. The table shows the offence codes that can be put on your driving licence. It also shows how many penalty points you can get for them. Some offences may also involve a disqualification. Offence codes and penalty points must stay on your driving licence for 4 or 11 years depending on the offence. Codes and Offences Penalty Points Number years on licence Accident Offences AC10 Failing to stop after an accident 5 – 10 4 AC20 Failing to give particulars or to report an accident within 24 hours 5 – 10 4 AC30 Undefined accident offences 4 – 9 4 Disqualified Driver BA10 Driving while disqualified by order of court 6 4 BA30 Attempting to drive while disqualified by order of court (no longer applied) 6 4 Careless Driving CD10 Driving without due care and attention 3 – 9 4 CD20 Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users 3 – 9 4 CD30 Driving without due care and attention or without... --- --- ## Posts ### Merseyside commercial director receives overturned driving ban - Published: 2025-05-12 - Modified: 2025-05-10 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/05/12/merseyside-commercial-director-receives-overturned-driving-ban/ A man who had lost his driving licence after being caught driving without a seatbelt has won his appeal and seen his privileges returned. Stephen Davies, 54, appeared in Mold Crown Court on April 17th to plead ‘exceptional hardship’, after receiving a driving ban in December. Davies had been seen driving in Prestatyn without a seatbelt, and was given a penalty point on his driving licence in relation to the incident. As Davies already had 11 points on his licence, the so-called totting up process triggered an automatic six-month driving ban. When a driving licence has 12 points added, and the driver faces a driving ban due to totting up, solicitors experienced in road traffic offences are well placed to advise on how to appeal the ban. The most common approach is to claim ‘exceptional hardship’, where a ban would severely and disproportionately affect the day-to-day life of the defendant; for example, causing job loss, home loss or affecting the ability to transport disabled relatives. Mr. Davies appeal was met with apparent scepticism by the prosecutor, Karl Scholz, who cast doubt on Davies’ claim that the ban would cause his job loss, given that he was a major shareholder in the company. Davies also claimed that he needed to transport his adult son, who suffers from a form of psychosis, to and from medical appointments. The judge, Simon Mills, shared Mr. Scholz’s scepticism about the possible job loss, but recognized that the driving ban could seriously affect the running of... --- ### Operation Snap receives increased funding - Published: 2025-05-12 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/05/12/operation-snap-receives-increased-funding/ West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, has allocated a further £165,000 funding to expand Operation Snap, a scheme adopted by West Midlands Police and other forces in a bid to clamp down on driving offences. The success of the scheme so far has seen a significant rise in prosecutions. In 2024, around 16,200 video clips were submitted to Operation Snap, with a remarkable prosecution rate of 85%. Mr. Foster has praised the scheme, saying: “Operation Snap is proving to be an incredibly effective tool in holding careless, dangerous and reckless drivers to account. " Under the scheme, motorists can submit dashcam footage showing potentially careless, dangerous or reckless driving, to an online platform. The video must be submitted within ten days of the alleged offence, and where possible, should show one minute before and one minute after the incident. The video should be unedited, no longer than ten minutes, and display the whole incident. Incidents involving collisions should not be uploaded, but reported to police in the usual way. Other information that must be submitted with the video clip includes the make, colour and registration of the vehicle, the time, date and location of the incident, and a statement from the person submitting the video describing their involvement. Full details can be found on the West Midlands Police website. Many of the videos submitted to Operation Snap show relatively minor driving offences. It is important, though, to remember that these can lead to penalty points being added to... --- ### Dangerous driver pleads guilty after colliding with stationary cars - Published: 2025-05-09 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/05/09/dangerous-driver-pleads-guilty-after-colliding-with-stationary-cars/ A man from Milford Haven, Wales, has pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention after colliding with two stationary vehicles while on the road. Ashley Bevans, 31, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention in Llanelli Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, April 23. The accident occurred on November 16, 2024 on the A4076 between Johnston and Steynton. An ambulance had been travelling from Milford Haven toward Johnston in response to an emergency call, when the driver of a Peugeot travelling in the same direction manoeuvred to allow the ambulance to pass by. Two cars travelling towards the ambulance also pulled aside, immediately after coming over the brow of a hill. Although the hill may have initially obstructed their view, they were nevertheless able to manoeuvre in good time, giving the ambulance ample room to pass. Bevans’ Audi A3 came up over the hill, behind the two stationary cars. He failed to stop, crashed into the back of the second car in the queue, then lost control of the vehicle and veered onto the other side of the road, where he collided with the Peugeot. The Peugeot’s driver suffered soft tissue and muscle injuries, and the other driver sustained whiplash. Bevans, who was also injured in the crash, had 8 penalty points added to his licence, and has been ordered to pay a £250 fine, a £350 supplement and £110 costs. While careless driving is a lesser offence than dangerous driving, penalties and sentences can still have serious... --- ### Police officer pleads not guilty to causing death of mother of three - Published: 2025-05-06 - Modified: 2025-05-02 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/05/06/police-officer-pleads-not-guilty-to-causing-death-of-mother-of-three/ A police officer from Greater Manchester is awaiting trial for two dangerous driving offences after pleading not guilty and being granted unconditional bail. Mark Burrows, from Reddish, Stockport, was excused from appearing in the dock at Chester Crown Court. He offered not guilty pleas to two charges: causing death by dangerous driving and the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving. It is not unusual in road traffic offences for both charges to be made in relation to the same accident. On this occasion, however, Burrows pleaded not guilty to both charges. At around 10:00 am on 23 December 2022, the Greater Manchester Police officer Burrows was pursuing an Audi A3 that police believed to have been stolen. Burrows, who was driving an unmarked police car during the pursuit, collided with a Peugeot 108 being driven by 53-year-old Heather Smedley. The accident occurred at Oldham Road and Otmoor Way in Oldham. Ms. Smedley, a mother of three, died at the scene. A trial date has been set for 27th April 2026. Until then, Burrows has been granted unconditional bail. In cases like this, it is essential to take advice from qualified dangerous driving solicitors. Depending on the circumstances of the case and the evidence held by the prosecution, it may be advisable to plead guilty only to the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving (driving without due care and attention), unless, of course, there is clear evidence that the standard of driving meets the dangerous threshold. --- ### Motorway accident sees parent driver charged with dangerous driving offence - Published: 2025-04-30 - Modified: 2025-04-29 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/30/motorway-accident-sees-parent-driver-charged-with-dangerous-driving-offence/ On Easter Sunday this year, a 14-year-old boy from Morecambe lost his life in a tragic road accident on the M6 motorway. At the time of the accident, Ryan Liam Morgan was travelling in the passenger seat of a Peugeot van driven by his father, 31-year-old Daniel Burba of Arnside Crescent, Morecambe. At around 12:15 pm, the van left the motorway between Junctions 34 and 33 southbound, crashing into a tree. Ryan died at the scene, while Burba was taken to hospital with serious injuries and later discharged. During the police investigation, it emerged that Burba had no valid driving licence and no insurance. He has now been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, and causing death while unlicenced and uninsured. Burba appeared at Lancaster Magistrate’s Court on April 28, but gave no indication of plea. The offence is indictable only, meaning it must be tried in a crown court. He will next appear at Preston Crown Court on May 27 for plea and trial preparation. When a driver faces a charge of causing death by dangerous driving, solicitors experienced in similar cases can give bespoke advice on how to plea, what mitigating factors to present to the court and guidance on possible sentences. Penalties for causing death by dangerous driving can be severe, with the maximum sentence being life imprisonment. It may be possible in some cases to plead to the lesser offence of causing death by careless driving, which attracts lower sentences. In any event, it is... --- ### Stockton woman charged with careless driving - Published: 2025-04-27 - Modified: 2025-04-25 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/27/stockton-woman-charged-with-careless-driving/ A 30-year-old woman from Stockton-on-Tees has been charged with causing serious injury by careless driving after causing serious injuries to another woman. 30-year-old Charlotte Woods appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court on April 6, 2025. It is alleged that on May 2, 2024, Woods was driving without due care and attention along the A171 at Moorsholm, Redcar. Ms. Woods, of Pipistrelle Court, Stockton, did not enter a plea at the hearing, and was released on unconditional bail. The case was adjourned until May 6. In the Road Traffic Act 1988, driving is defined as careless when it falls below the minimum standard expected of a competent and careful driver. Although it is a lesser offence than dangerous driving, it can have serious consequences, and in some circumstances can cause injury or even death. The maximum sentence for causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving is two years imprisonment, although this is of course reserved for the more serious cases. There is also a mandatory driving ban for 12 months, and in some cases, the driver would be required to take an extended retest before being allowed to resume driving. Repeated offences often lead to a minimum suspension from driving of two years When a driver is accused of careless driving, solicitors are able to give sound advice on possible defences and likely sentences. Any driver charged with driving without due care and attention should seek expert advice from experienced lawyers who can offer support and guidance throughout the sometimes-complex legal... --- ### Motorcyclist jailed for 14 years after fatal collision - Published: 2025-04-24 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/24/motorcyclist-jailed-for-14-years-after-fatal-collision/ A 61-year-old in Waltham Abbey has been jailed for causing death by dangerous driving. Christopher Allen had pleaded not guilty, but received a guilty verdict at a five-day trial at Chelmsford Crown Court. At the conclusion of the trial on April 2, 2025, Allen was sentenced to 14 years in jail and disqualified from driving for a total of 19 years. The accident occurred in April 2023, on Epping New Road in Loughton. Allen was riding his motorcycle when he collided with a pedestrian, 33-year-old Adeline Stuart-Watt. Ms. Stuart-Watt had just dismounted from her pedal bicycle and was crossing the road, having spent the afternoon cycling in Epping Forest. Investigations by Essex Police revealed that Allen had consumed significant amounts of alcohol shortly before the accident, and was driving at more than double the speed limit. Ms. Stuart-Watt, an academic and policy fellow at London School of Economics, was described by colleague Professor Elizabeth Robinson as “thoughtful, skilled, supportive, friendly, and collegiate. " Dangerous driving is described as falling “significantly below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver and is obviously dangerous. ” A driver may be charged with the lesser offence of careless driving if the prosecutor decides that the standard of driving was not so incompetent as to be classed as dangerous. In cases where someone is charged with dangerous driving, solicitors experienced in similar cases to this one can always give the best advice to anyone facing driving offence charges. --- ### Dangerous driver jailed after injuring bailiff - Published: 2025-04-21 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/21/dangerous-driver-jailed-after-injuring-bailiff/ A man from Aldershot has been handed a 3½-year custodial sentence after being found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop after a road accident. At around 5pm, on November 24, 2023, a bailiff was in the process of seizing the car of 41-year-old Russell Bishop. Bishop’s black Mercedes was outside his home address in Masterson Close. Bishop, on seeing that his car was about to be taken away, jumped on top of the bailiff’s recovery truck, and reversed the Mercedes off the back. He then drove over the bailiff, causing him serious leg injuries. He continued driving at speed, and hastily left the scene. Police later found Bishop’s car abandoned at West Hope’s Grant Road. He was subsequently arrested at his home address. The victim suffered a broken tibia and fibula, and required surgery at Frimley Park Hospital, where a metal rod was attached to his right ankle and right knee. Bishop denied the offences, but was found guilty at a trial held at Winchester Crown Court. On April 4, 2025, he was sentenced by the same court to 3½ years in prison and given a 5-year driving ban. In the Road Traffic Act 1988, dangerous driving is defined as driving that falls significantly below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver and is obviously dangerous. Quality guidance and support are essential for anyone facing a charge of dangerous driving; solicitors can give sound advice on possible defences and likely sentences. --- ### Family of 9-year-old killed by careless driver express dismay at sentence - Published: 2025-04-18 - Modified: 2025-04-16 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/18/family-of-9-year-old-killed-by-careless-driver-express-dismay-at-sentence/ The family of a child killed by a reckless driver have described their son’s killer’s sentence as “pathetic”. Ronan Wilson, 9, was killed while on holiday with his family in Donegal in 2023. The family, from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland, were staying in their camper van at Bundoran, a popular seaside town on the Donegal coast. On September 23, 2023, Ronan was struck by a car driven by 24-year-old Sergee Kelly from County Sligo. Kelly was driving at over 100kmph in a 50kmph zone. Had he been driving at the speed limit, police suggest he would have had 2 seconds to respond the boy’s presence on the road and make appropriate manoeuvres. Ronan was flung into the air by the impact, and died at the scene after suffering catastrophic brain injuries. Kelly, who had previous convictions for assault and careless driving, then spent the evening on an alcohol and drugs binge. Pleading guilty in the Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court, Kelly received a 5-year custodial sentence and a 20-year driving ban. In the Republic of Ireland, the maximum penalty for the offence of dangerous driving is 20,000 euros and or a ten-year custodial sentence. When giving a victim impact statement, the boy’s uncle described the jail term as “pathetic”. Causing death by dangerous driving is a serious offence and can attract heavy penalties in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland. In cases of dangerous driving, solicitors experienced in similar cases can provide sound advice about likely sentences and... --- ### Rail minister admits using mobile phone while driving - Published: 2025-04-15 - Modified: 2025-04-14 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/15/rail-minister-admits-using-mobile-phone-while-driving/ Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy has contacted police and admitted to driving while using a mobile phone. The incident occurred on Friday, March 28, when Hendy was driving a vintage bus at a charity event in London. Hendy, who owns the classic Routemaster bus, was driving the passenger-laden vehicle through London during rush hour, as part of efforts to raise money for the Railway Family Fundraiser. A passenger on the bus spotted Hendry using a mobile phone while driving, and reported him to the police three days later. The same passenger then contacted the charity to inform them that the police were aware of the incident. Hendy claims he used the phone to send a text to a friend regarding a prostate cancer test. He has stated he regrets the incident, describing it as an error of judgment. He is likely to accrue six points on his licence, and a fine. Using a hand-held device while driving is a common cause of accidents, and is unlawful even if the vehicle is stationary at traffic lights. Six points can cause serious inconvenience to a driver, especially if there are already points on the licence and totting-up is applied. Repeated offences of this nature can result in a driver having their license taken away. If you face restrictions to your driving due to totting-up, solicitors can advise you on the best way to proceed with the courts and police, and help you to mitigate the effects of any penalties. --- ### Driver jailed for causing serious injuries to teenage girl - Published: 2025-04-12 - Modified: 2025-04-09 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/12/driver-jailed-for-causing-serious-injuries-to-teenage-girl/ A 21-year-old man has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after his car collided with another vehicle on the A256 near Deal. Luke Humphries of Woodnesford was found to have almost double the legal limit of alcohol in his system, having drunk two pints of lager before getting behind the wheel of his VW Scirocco on January 6, 2024. Driving along Felderland Lane, Humphries reached the junction with the A256, ignored a ‘give way’ sign and, as he joined the main road, collided with the front passenger side of a Ford Fiesta. As the Fiesta spun into oncoming traffic on the opposite carriageway, its 16-year-old passenger was thrown out of the door with the seatbelt wrapped around her neck. Humphries left the scene, telling police he had nothing to do with the accident. After identifying him as the registered owner of the Scirocco, police attended his home address, where he claimed his car had been stolen by armed robbers, denying that he had been driving the vehicle at the time of the crash. Forensic evidence in the car, police bodycam footage and inconsistent timelines contradicted his account. In addition to his substantial custodial sentence, Humphries has been banned from driving for 3 years and 3 months. The legal alcohol limit for driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (or 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath). If you are found to be over the limit and are accused of dangerous driving, solicitors experienced in similar cases can... --- ### Harrogate driver pleads guilty to driving while using a mobile phone - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2025-04-09 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/09/harrogate-driver-pleads-guilty-to-driving-while-using-a-mobile-phone/ A man from Harrogate, North Yorkshire has pleaded guilty to driving while using a mobile phone. Anthony Lamble, 62, of Leadhall Lane, was imposed a fine of £123 with a £49 surcharge. However, the court did not endorse his licence with the usual six penalty points, nor require him to pay the prosecution costs. Lamble had been driving his vehicle along Princes Street in Harrogate on December 28th, 2023, when he observed another car. In his view as defendant, the car posed a significant danger to other road users and pedestrians. He then recorded the actions of the other driver on his mobile phone while continuing to drive his own vehicle. Taking into account Lamble’s explanation, the magistrates decided to impose a fine but not endorse his licence with penalty points. It is important to note that Lamble was still guilty of the offence, regardless of his explanation or motives. It is illegal under UK law to use a handheld phone while driving a vehicle, or even while waiting at traffic lights or supervising a learner driver. In Lamble’s case, his explanation mitigated the sentence imposed, following his guilty plea. If you are accused of dangerous driving, solicitors experienced in similar cases can give reliable advice and support, such as advising on possible mitigating factors that could reduce a sentence. It is important to get advice from someone who understands the law and the legal process and can help you achieve the best possible outcome of your case. --- ### Van driver jailed for causing death by dangerous driving - Published: 2025-04-06 - Modified: 2025-04-03 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/06/van-driver-jailed-for-causing-death-by-dangerous-driving/ A man whose dangerous driving on a stretch of the M40 caused the death of a woman in her 50s has been handed a jail sentence of seven years and eight months. The collision occurred on September 28, 2024, between Junction 11 for Banbury, Oxfordshire and 12 for Gaydon, Warwickshire. Akash Deep Singh was driving on the M40 near Banbury when his van collided with an SUV. The driver of the SUV was killed and her passenger seriously injured. Singh, 23, should not have been driving at the time of the accident, having previously been disqualified. He initially pleaded not guilty to the offence of causing death by dangerous driving, but changed his plea prior to the trial. He also pleaded guilty to causing death by driving whilst disqualified and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The Road Traffic Act 1988 defines dangerous driving as driving that falls well below the standard expected of a careful and competent driver. In these instances, it should be obvious to such a driver that their driving is unmistakably dangerous. The consequences of being found guilty in a serious road traffic offence can be life changing. If a driver is facing charges of causing death by dangerous driving, solicitors can give specialist advice and support. A solicitor may, for example, advise on when and whether to offer a guilty plea and indicate likely sentences, taking into account the circumstances of the case, any previous convictions and any other relevant factors. --- ### Seaside car meet results in substantial police action - Published: 2025-04-03 - Modified: 2025-03-31 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/04/03/seaside-car-meet-results-in-substantial-police-action/ A recent car meet in Southend-on-Sea attracted a flurry of penalty and legal action from Essex Police and Southend-on-Sea City Council. Dangerous driving, risky stunts such as burnouts and unlawful parking led the council and police to take decisive action. The Council’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) issued 37 Fixed Penalty Notices to drivers at the event. The police seized three cars, including a Sierra Cosworth that was found to have an engine from a stolen vehicle. One driver was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs. If convicted, drivers at the event could face a range of sentences reflecting the seriousness of the offences committed. Totting up occurs when a licence has 12 or more penalty points, usually resulting in a 6-month driving ban. If a driver faces a ban due to totting up, solicitors can advise on how to reduce the penalty, for example, by using the ‘special hardship’ argument. For the more serious offences, custodial sentences may be imposed. Taking into account the level of reckless activity occurring in a crowded area, and the danger posed to the public, the police took the unusual decision to enforce an 8-hour dispersal order. In April 2023, the city council introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to address the disruption, noise and dangers posed by some of the car meets. Councillor Martin Terry emphasized that the council does not wish to ban car meets altogether, and that the vast majority are trouble-free events. --- ### Aylesbury Crown Court jails driver for four years - Published: 2025-03-31 - Modified: 2025-04-01 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/31/aylesbury-crown-court-jails-driver-for-four-years/ A man from High Wycombe was recently given a four-year jail sentence for dangerous driving. Anthony Small, 52, was jailed for dangerous driving in late March 2025. Small had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving and one of perverting the course of justice. A two-year custodial sentence was given for each offence, to run consecutively, totalling four years. Small is also banned from driving for six years and must pass a driving test if he wishes to resume driving. On 20th January 2022, Small was driving his BMW X5 along Hatter’s Lane in High Wycombe, a residential area with a 30mph speed limit. As he approached the roundabout at Hicks Farm Rise, CCTV footage recorded him reaching speeds above 70mph. He was witnessed driving on the wrong side of the road and overtaking other vehicles in a dangerous manner. As he approached the junction of Totteridge Road, he crossed to the other carriageway and collided with an oncoming Nissan Juke, which was then shunted back into a Ford Transit Van. A mother and her six-year-old daughter were both injured in the collision. The court heard that the mother’s injuries were life-changing, requiring long-term therapy. Small left on foot before the police arrived at the scene, and when served with a Notice of Intended Prosecution, he claimed to have sold the vehicle two days prior to the accident. Small’s lies and failure to accept responsibility led to a lengthy police investigation and a charge of perverting the course... --- ### Cumbria woman jailed for causing death by drink driving - Published: 2025-03-27 - Modified: 2025-03-27 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/27/cumbria-woman-jailed-for-causing-death-by-drink-driving/ Jade Devine of Flimby, Cumbria has been given a substantial jail sentence after killing two pedestrians while driving under the influence of alcohol. Bethanie Clark and David Muir were both killed in the collision, which occurred on May 15th, 2022, on the A596 in Flimby, Cumbria. Devine, who pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink, was handed an eight-year custodial sentence. After release, she will face a four-year driving ban, and be required pass an extended driving test before being allowed to drive again. Devine, who lives in Flimby, had driven to Workington to purchase class-A drugs. On returning to her home village, she collided with Clark and Muir, who died at the scene. Following her arrest, the police conducted an alcohol test, which indicated that she was far above the legal limit. Investigators were also able to determine that she had been speeding prior to the collision. Police forces and courts are adopting a zero-tolerance approach toward drink driving as they attempt to improve the safety of our roads. The maximum sentence the court can impose for this offence is life imprisonment. While sentences can vary depending on how much blame can be assigned to the driver in each case, there is a growing trend toward longer sentences for this type of offence. When someone is accused of causing death by careless driving, solicitors will be able to advise on navigating the court process and likely sentences that could... --- ### What are the most common defences for drink driving? - Published: 2025-03-24 - Modified: 2025-03-20 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/24/what-are-the-most-common-defences-for-drink-driving/ Even after one small alcoholic drink, it can be very difficult to know whether you are within the legal limits prescribed by UK law. Different people process alcohol differently, and two people consuming the same drink may have distinctly different levels of alcohol in their blood an hour later. There is no hard and fast rule about how long you should wait after drinking alcohol. Following a night of drinking, you may well be still over the limit the next morning. If you do find yourself accused of drink driving, solicitors can help you with advice on possible defences or mitigating factors. Below are three of the more common defences that may be used when a defendant pleads not guilty to a drink driving charge: Identification This is where the police or other witnesses have wrongly identified you as the driver of the vehicle. The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that you were in control of the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Procedure The police must follow specific procedures, for example, they must give the person accused the statutory warning before taking a breath test or taking blood and urine samples. Failure to do this will mean the accused is not guilty. Driving on private land If you were driving on private, not public, land, this would be a valid defence. For example, you were manoeuvring your car in the drive of your home, but never went onto the public road. Whatever your line of defence, evidence... --- ### What are ‘special reasons’ and how do they work for driving offences? - Published: 2025-03-21 - Modified: 2025-03-20 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/21/what-are-special-reasons-and-how-do-they-work-for-driving-offences/ If you have been stopped, breathalysed and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, you are committing a drink driving offence. This can attract severe penalties that can have a massive impact on your life. In some circumstances, you can use what the law calls “special reasons” in mitigation. While these are not a defence, they can be a way of getting your sentence reduced or even wiped out altogether, although the threshold for special reasons is quite high. It is important to be aware, though, that these special reasons must be very compelling, as courts can take a very dim view of drink driving, given the number of serious accidents it can cause. Three of the most common reasons used are emergencies, spiked drinks and the short distance travelled with no intention to drive much further. If you are accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or dangerous driving, solicitors with relevant expertise can advise you on any special reasons that might apply to your case. When providing a special reason in your case, the courts are likely to question the circumstances around the offence in order to determine whether the nature of the offence could have been prevented. However, it is of ultimate importance that any arguments made featuring special reasons must be compelling, well prepared and credible. In any event, expert legal advice will be able to help you with your case and ensure you receive the best possible support. --- ### Chester man pleads not guilty to drink driving - Published: 2025-03-18 - Modified: 2025-03-18 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/18/chester-man-pleads-not-guilty-to-drink-driving/ Nahidur Rahman, of Park Walk, Chester, has pleaded not guilty to one count of drink driving. It is alleged that on 2nd February 2025, 27-year-old Rahman was driving a car in St. John Street while under the influence of alcohol. Police subsequently entered Rahman’s home and took a breath test, recording 86 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath. This is clearly well above the legal limit of 35 micrograms. Rahman claims that he has been misidentified as the driver of the vehicle. He also cannot recall being given the statutory warning before the breath test was performed. The police may be required to provide evidence, e. g. bodycam footage, that the warning was given and that all mandatory procedures were followed. Before a breath test is conducted on a person suspected of drink driving, the police are required to give the statutory warning, which states that the suspect can be prosecuted for not providing either of the two specimens required. If the police fail to do this, the suspect is not guilty regardless of the test result. The same rule applies when blood or urine samples are taken. The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that Rahman was driving the vehicle and that the statutory warning was given correctly. Rahman has been given unconditional bail until his trial at Chester Magistrate’s Court on June 11th. A conviction for driving while under the influence of alcohol can have serious consequences. If you find yourself accused of drink driving, solicitors experienced... --- ### What is the Vision Zero Strategy, and how will it save lives? - Published: 2025-03-15 - Modified: 2025-03-13 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/15/what-is-the-vision-zero-strategy-and-how-will-it-save-lives/ The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is working with local partners in the implementation of its ambitious road safety initiative, called the ‘Vision Zero Strategy’. The aim of the project is to eradicate all fatalities and serious injuries on the county’s roads by 2040. Five factors have been identified as key contributors to serious road collisions. These have been named the ‘fatal five’ and are made up of: driving while using a mobile phone; careless driving; drink and drug driving; driving while not wearing a seatbelt; and speeding. Tackling these five behaviours is seen as fundamental to reducing the number of deaths and injuries on the roads. The county's police force carries out daily enforcement to ensure that drivers are adhering to the law. From 2021 to 2025, West Yorkshire Police caught a total of 8,714 drivers using hand-held phones. It is an offence to use a hand-held phone, tablet or similar device while driving a vehicle or riding a motorbike, and offenders can face a £200 fine and six penalty points. Drivers who passed their test in the two years before the offence will lose their licence. The law applies even if you are stopped at traffic lights or queueing in stationary traffic. Although driving while using a hands-free phone is not in itself an offence, it can be a serious distraction, because it takes the driver’s full attention from the road. Mobile phone driving offences are on the increase, and there is a growing awareness of how this can... --- ### New updates in driving laws - Published: 2025-03-12 - Modified: 2025-03-12 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/12/new-updates-in-driving-laws/ It is important to keep up to date with the latest changes in driving rules, and this blog will explore some key updates. Ukrainian nationals driving in the UK There is good news for Ukrainian nationals driving in the UK with Ukrainian licences, as the 36-month time limit has been extended to up to 54 months. This will allow Ukrainian moped, motorcycle and car drivers to continue driving on UK roads on their current certificate without needing to acquire a UK licence. New number plates The new 25 number plates are being introduced this month. This could prompt a surge in the sales of cars carrying new plates, with possible discounts becoming available for cars carrying previous plates. A further new plate will be introduced in September. Employee fuel rates Some of HMRC’s advisory fuel rates are to be raised, advising employers on how much to reimburse employees for the cost of fuel. Petrol vehicles with engine capacities between 1. 4 and 2 litres will have the rates raised from 14p to 15p per mile. Diesel vehicles with engine capacities up to 1. 6 litres will also have their rates increased by 1p per mile. AI cameras The trial of AI (artificial intelligence) cameras will come to an end this month. These can detect whether car drivers are using a mobile phone or driving without wearing a seatbelt. With mobile phone driving offences becoming more common, these cameras could potentially save lives. AI cameras could be rolled out nationwide if... --- ### Man charged with causing death of rugby coach - Published: 2025-03-09 - Modified: 2025-03-07 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/09/man-charged-with-causing-death-of-rugby-coach/ A man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after popular rugby league coach Cliff Tamou suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a car on the M6. Tamou’s HGV had broken down between junctions 15 and 16 on the southbound lane. Upon stepping out of the lorry he was struck by a Toyota Avensis driven by a 22-year-old man from Dudley, who has since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Tamou, who was a father to six children and had five grandchildren, was originally from New Zealand. The 58-year-old had moved to the UK over 30 years ago and had settled in Wigan. He was well known in community rugby league circles, and much respected as both a referee and coach. Tributes have been paid by a number of local rugby teams. A spokesperson for the Salford Red Devils women’s squad, which counts Tamou’s daughter among its members, described him as an “avid supporter” of the team. When defendants are charged with causing death by dangerous driving, solicitors with experience in the field are often required to help them through the complex legal process. Sound legal advice helps defendants navigate the court system and receive the fairest outcome. In UK law, causing death by dangerous driving is a very serious offence. The minimum sentence is a five-year disqualification from driving, but most cases will attract a custodial sentence, and in some particularly serious cases, the defendant may face life imprisonment. --- ### Retired police officer cleared of dangerous driving offence - Published: 2025-03-06 - Modified: 2025-03-07 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/06/retired-police-officer-cleared-of-dangerous-driving-offence/ Tim Bradshaw, a former police officer in Bognor Regis, was recently cleared of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The jury at Portsmouth Crown Court also found Bradshaw not guilty of causing serious injury by driving without due care and attention. The incident in question occurred in Bognor Regis in November 2022. Bradshaw was on duty in a marked police car, when he spotted two men on an electric bicycle weaving in and out of cars and riding on the pavement in a manner deemed to be dangerous. Intending to stop them and prevent a potentially hazardous pursuit, Bradshaw told the jury he nudged the bike’s rear wheel with the front bumper of his car. This caused the rider, 17-year-old Mason McGarry, to lose the ability to control the bike, and both he and his pillion passenger, 22-year-old Dominic Mizzi, were knocked to the ground. Mizzi suffered minor injuries while McGarry suffered a broken tibia requiring surgery. Bradshaw maintained that his action was purely a tactical manoeuvre performed in the course of his duties as a police officer, and that such manoeuvres had previously been authorised by his superiors. The jury accepted that in the circumstances the officer’s driving was neither dangerous nor careless, but was a proportionate use of police tactics. When accused or charged with offences like this, many defendants require the services of careless driving solicitors in order to receive the best available legal support. --- ### Telford motorist jailed for dangerous driving - Published: 2025-03-04 - Modified: 2025-03-05 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/03/04/telford-motorist-jailed-for-dangerous-driving/ A man in his 20s from Telford has been jailed for dangerous driving after being caught driving more than two times the speed limit in a 30-mph zone. Joshua New, of Dawley, Telford, was arrested by police after he was spotted driving at 60-80 mph in a 30-mph zone. He was charged with one count of driving dangerously, one count of failing to stop for the police, two counts of driving without insurance and two counts of driving while disqualified. The following day, he pleaded guilty to all six charges at Kidderminster Magistrates Court. He was handed a sentence of 12 months custody and a 41-month driving ban, after which he will be required to retake his driving test should he wish to continue to drive on UK roads. Driving is classed as dangerous where the person’s standard of driving fell far below the standard expected of a competent driver, and whether it would be obvious to a competent driver that the person’s driving would be dangerous. There are, of course, many factors that must be taken into consideration when charges of careless or dangerous driving are brought upon a motorist. Breaking the speed limit does not necessarily attract a dangerous driving charge. In Joshua New’s case, however, the very high speeds the driver attained while trying to evade the police mean that his driving met the ‘dangerous’ threshold. If someone’s driving is considered a potential danger to road users and pedestrians, this will be reflected in the sentence. --- ### Latest police data highlights drink driving problems - Published: 2025-02-28 - Modified: 2025-02-28 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2025/02/28/latest-police-data-highlights-drink-driving-problems/ The latest police data on drink driving offences has been made available to the public following a Freedom of Information Request. The worrying statistics show that driving while under the influence of alcohol is still a serious issue on UK roads. Between December 2021 and November 2024, 100,578 offences were recorded in the UK, with over 33,000 of these occurring in the last year alone. The three regions with the most recorded offences were London, Northern Ireland and the West Midlands. The alcohol limit in Scotland is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, whereas in the rest of the UK the limit is 80 milligrams. In spite of the stricter limit, Scotland continues to have a significant problem with drink driving. The recent statistics may indicate that lowering the alcohol limit has not had enough of an impact on road safety. Cheshire Police recorded 3,160 arrests for drink driving in the same period, with 80% of these resulting in a charge. Chief Superintendent Jon Betts of Cheshire Police launched a campaign at the start of December last year to raise awareness of the dangers, saying: “We want people to see our campaign and think before they act... I want to reassure the public that our efforts to keeping the county safe continues and we will do all we can to prevent and disrupt crime occurring in Cheshire. ” Drivers who find themselves accused of driving offences under various circumstances may require the support of expert dangerous driving... --- ### Should You Represent Yourself in the Magistrates Court on a Motoring Matter - Published: 2024-01-08 - Modified: 2025-04-02 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2024/01/08/should-you-represent-yourself-in-the-magistrates-court-on-a-motoring-matter/ With the cost of living crisis showing now signs of improvement if you are facing a road traffic prosecution the costs of representation will loom large in considering whether to pay for representation, try for duty solicitor or legal OR represent yourself. Duty solicitor/ Legal Aid For minor motoring offences which do not carry imprisonment or disqualification you will get duty solicitor or legal aid. Even if you offence does carry imprisonment of disqualification you will have to be within financial limits which are currently £12475 - £22325 (if you have dependants). At the higher level you could be ordered to pay contributions which are often more than private fees. Most motoring offences to not carry a risk of imprisonment and as such few fall within the merits element of the assessment. Below is a link to the eligibility calculator. https://www. gov. uk/guidance/criminal-legal-aid-means-testing Duty solicitors will not represent you on a not guilty plea. They are listed for each courthouse to deal with early guilty pleas and prisoners. Your case would be one of many in most courts and you would have to wait your turn. Needless to say the amount of time that can be spent on your case is minimal and there will be no pre-court preparation. But it is free. We have seen cases where the duty solicitor is so busy that they have been unable to represent everyone who wanted them and those people have, at the last minute, had to represent themselves. Duty solicitor, is... --- ### #No Excuse - Do not drink or drug drive this Xmas - Save lives! - Published: 2023-12-13 - Modified: 2024-10-18 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2023/12/13/no-excuse-do-not-drink-or-drug-drive-this-xmas-save-lives/ The police Xmas drink and drug driving campaigns for December 2023 have started with shocking results. The national operation Limit along with local campaigns such as operation Holly or Shepherds are well on the way. Operations will run until 2. 1. 24. Every police area are running a campaign. So far the results are as follows: Merseyside 134 arrested Wales 25 arrests for the first week. Hampshire – 38 arrests including drug drivers. The festive season has only just begun. In Hampshire/Isle of Wight last year there were 57 fatal road traffic accident of which 18% had drugs or alcohol in their system. In 2022 1695 were killed and 28101 seriously injured on our roads. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal road traffic accident. Chief Police Officers are sending the message out loud and clear. Suffolk police have launched their #NoExcuse campaign and Chesire police urge drivers to make the right choice this Christmas. The Police commissioner for North Wales Andy Dunbobbin stated “However, it is still disappointing to see people taking this risk and possibly breaking the law while driving under the influence of drink and drugs. Road safety is an issue of huge importance to me and I want to see everyone get home safely over the Christmas period. If anyone is considering drink or drug driving I would urge them to think again. Not only would they be breaking the law, they... --- ### The importance of keeping your blood sample taken by the police. - Published: 2023-03-14 - Modified: 2025-04-02 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2023/03/14/the-importance-of-keeping-your-blood-sample-taken-by-the-police/ If you are arrested by the police on suspicion of drug driving you will be asked to provide a specimen of blood. The police will take one sample and divide that sample into two and you should be offered one of the samples but many drivers refuse because they do not know what to do with it or the importance of keeping it. Retaining your blood sample when offered by the police is an important step in protecting your rights and ensuring a fair legal process. Blood samples can provide crucial evidence in a criminal case and can be used to either prove or disprove your guilt. By retaining a blood sample, you can have it independently tested by a laboratory of your choosing. This can help to provide a more accurate picture of your blood alcohol or drug level at the time of their arrest. Independent testing can also help to identify any potential issues with the original sample or testing process. In some cases, an individual's blood sample may be the only physical evidence in their case. If the sample is not retained, you may be unable to challenge the results of the police's testing or to have your case reviewed. Retaining the sample can also help to protect against errors in the testing process, such as contamination or mislabelling of the prosecution sample, which could lead to incorrect results. Retaining a blood sample can give you peace of mind. By having your sample independently tested, you will... --- ### Drive Safely This Winter - Published: 2022-12-14 - Modified: 2024-01-26 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/12/14/drive-safely-this-winter/ This is the time of year when drivers face harsh driving conditions and need to take extra precautions or face potential dangerous situations and/or prosecutions. Here are some tips on how to avoid both Research shows that drivers are 20% more likely to be involved in an accident when driving in winter conditions so it is vital that you prepare you, your car and drive in accordance with the conditions. Check your screen wash is full and at the appropriate level of dilution, too much water will cause your washer system to freeze. Always clear all your windows of ice or snow – heat your vehicle from the inside and use either de-icer or a scraper DO NOT use boiling water Always wait until the windows have fully de-misted before driving off Clear snow off all windows and your car roof, bonnet and boot because lose snow can be blown off and either block your view or the driver’s around you. Carry an emergency kit in case of breakdown – HighVis jacket – shovel – charger – two rope and towing eye Carry spare clothing, blanket and drinks Increase your vehicle inspections to daily to check that the harsh weather has not caused any damage to windscreen blades or tyres which are easily damaged this time of year. As well as avoiding accidents and huge inconvenience you will avoid prosecutions for the following offences: Driving when not in proper control of your vehicle – this offence includes not being able... --- ### TOP TEN TIPS TO AVOID DRUG DRIVING - Published: 2022-12-05 - Modified: 2022-12-05 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/12/05/top-ten-tips-to-avoid-drug-driving/ Drug use at pandemic levels and drug driving is one of the offences which is on the rise being set to overtake driving with excess alcohol. With illicit drugs eg cannabis , cocaine being set at such low level drivers are easy targets for the police. Harsh Penalties The key thing drivers need to understand is the severity of the penalties – not least the mandatory disqualification for a minimum of 12 months. Fines are also high and there can be custodial sentences for repeat offenders or those severely impaired. Drug use is the most prolific in adult males aged 16 -40 years with cannabis and cocaine being the most prolific. This is reflected in drug driving charges which will usually be cannabis or cocaine primarily because this can be tested for at the roadside. Research shows that the police will tend to target this group particularly those of Asian or black ethnicity. To read more about drug driving generally read our blog https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers. co. uk/2022/07/08/drug-drive-cases-dropped-as-labs-fail-to-produce-blood-analysis/. However, in this article we wish to help drivers understand how they can reduce the likelihood of prosecution and if charged avoid a conviction. These are our top 10 tips: Learn about the effects and elimination rates of drugs. Education is key – see our training videos : https://drivebright. auriga-advocates. com/course/drug-driving-awareness-course For example cocaine is widely thought to be eliminated from your system within 6 -12 hours after use but few are aware of benzoylecgonine, the by-product which can stay in your system for... --- ### Speed Limits are NOT targets! - Published: 2022-10-19 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/10/19/speed-limits-are-not-targets/ Police forces crack down on drivers speeding with their October Project Edward campaign. For 24 hours from 7. 00am Wednesday 19th October police officers all over the UK will double down their efforts to encourage compliance by drivers with the speed limits. Although project Edward is a week of actions from the 17th October – 21st October 2022 covering many other areas: From the Project Edward website (post) Chief Constable Jo Shiner, NPCC roads policing portfolio holder stated “I am fully supportive of Project EDWARD and National Safe Speeds Day. I welcome the efforts by members of the Project EDWARD team to highlight the benefits for all road users of understanding and choosing speeds that are legal and safe because we know lower speeds mean fewer road deaths. ” Companies have a corporate and social responsibility to ensure that all their drivers are trained in speed awareness. Why should a company care whether their drivers speed surely their drivers will just be prosecuted? Speeding is the most common offence, it’s endemic. 2. There is casual link between speeding and fatal accidents with 1 person being killed per day due to drivers speeding too fast for the conditions or the speed limit. 2. The risk of death is 4 x more likely at an impact of 40mph than 30 mph. Just under 2 million drivers are prosecuted for speeding each year. The road is the most dangerous workplace and if a company has 5 or more employees it must have written records... --- ### The impact for Taxi Drivers/operators driving vehicle with defects - Published: 2022-08-24 - Modified: 2024-01-26 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/08/24/the-impact-for-taxi-drivers-operators-driving-vehicle-with-defects/ Yorkshire police launched a taxi operation called “Operation Edge” last weekend with a view of enforcing safety and licensing of taxis in York. The police worked with key partners including City of York council and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Several taxis were stopped on Saturday 13th August and a number had serious vehicle defects :- Defective tyres Defective brakes Faulty suspension The police issued prohibition notices which prevent any further use of the vehicle, fixed penalties, vehicle defect rectification notices or reported for prosecution. But what are the implications for taxi drivers/operators? Defective tyres/Defective Brake Police vehicle defect rectification notice Fixed penalty prosecution If you get a rectification notice you have 14 days from the date of the notice to prove to the police that you have rectified the defect. If not, you will either receive a fixed penalty or be prosecuted through the courts. If issued a fixed penalty will be £100 3 points per tyre, but if you multiple tyres it may better to reject penalties and take this to court to ensure that the points are combined so that only 3 points count on any one occasion. If you are prosecution the court can impose a Band B fine (100% of weekly income) and 3 points per offence. The penalty is higher for the employers. If the brakes or tyres are so bad then the police may consider charging you with either dangerous driving or driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition. (post) Faulty... --- ### 20mph Speed Limits will be imposed in built up areas in Wales but not everyone is impressed! - Published: 2022-08-16 - Modified: 2024-01-26 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/08/16/20mph-speed-limits-will-be-imposed-in-built-up-areas-in-wales-but-not-everyone-is-impressed/ From next year speed limits in built-up areas in Wales will be reduced to 20mph from 30mph in efforts to bring more safety to pedestrians. This is despite a Welsh council ditching the blanket 20mph limit in response to community backlash. How will this affect drivers? Will it provide more safety, or will it be more dangerous? Villagers in Monmouthshire, where the council has ditched the plan, complained that traffic was severely slowed down on main routes, and idling engines caused more carbon emissions to emit from the vehicles. Drivers have complained that unnecessary time is being added on to journeys, and that the 30mph roads in the area have seen very few accidents. Why, they ask, was there a need for a change in the first place? One driver complained that an elderly lady had had an accident at home and needed to get to the hospital but could not do so quickly because the speed restrictions. Lorries are struggling to get up steep hills at 20mph, and such a slow speed downhill is hard on the brakes. Risk-taking behaviour may increase due to the perception that 20mph is not a dangerous speed at which to be driving. A study by the RAC suggests that driving too slowly carries the same risks as speeding due to the higher incentive to make more dangerous manoeuvres. These concerns have culminated in a petition opposing the amendments which is currently at 40,000 signatures. However, advocates of the reduced speed claim that there... --- ### Drug driving is on the rise following the pandemic Fleet World warns fleet managers. - Published: 2022-08-15 - Modified: 2024-01-26 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/08/15/drug-driving-is-on-the-rise-following-the-pandemic-fleet-world-warns-fleet-managers/ According to the Association of Fleet Professionals ( AFP) drug driving is becoming an increasing issue for fleets after the pandemic. Their concern is not illicit drugs such as cannabis or cocaine but prescription and over the counter medication. Such medication may fall under the prescribed drugs listed for driving over the prescribed limit such as diazepam but many others do not but still present a danger. Chair Paul Hollick explained “The growing problem here is not with recreational drugs but those that have been prescribed by your doctor or even those that can be bought freely in any pharmacy and often supermarkets too. Ironically they can be found in service stations” “It’s an issue that seems to have become especially acute as a result of the pandemic. Drivers are buying or being prescribed medications to treat immediate or ongoing symptoms of COVID and, as a result, could be placing themselves and other road users in danger” The reality, however, is that there has been an increase in the number of drivers driving over the prescribed limit for illicit drugs as well and neither should be ignored. In 2020 there was an increase in drug drive convictions of 14% to 13,700 and police forces are reporting higher number of arrests. It is expected to take over drink drive convictions in the coming months. Mr Hollick mentions to Fleetworld that “there are substances not covered by drug-driving legislation and technically legal to take whilst driving but brining increased risk”. However, that... --- ### Have you or your employee had a near miss accident? - Published: 2022-08-05 - Modified: 2024-01-26 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/08/05/have-you-or-your-employee-had-a-near-miss-accident/ Fleetworld1 reported in a recent article that Nextbase for National Dash cam Day 72% of drivers have had near-miss road accidents but most have never reported illegal driving. Nextbase research found that motorists see an average of 14 separate instances each week. The most common offending being 67% speeding 60% failing to indicate 52% tailgating 52% dangerous driving More alarmingly 36% of incidents reported were near-misses which had a collision occurred would have resulted in serious if not fatal injury. However, 75% of the drivers did not report the incidents, primarily because it was too much hassle and they did not know how to report any incident to the police. The incidents reported above are all motoring offences which can result in fines, points and disqualification, and in the case of dangerous driving, imprisonment as well as a disqualification with an extended re-test. It is apparent that the risk of potential collisions and prosecutions is alarmingly high and as an employer that risk needs managing. An employer with more than 5 employees must have written risk assessments, policy and procedures in place. Incidents and accidents must be recorded and evidence in writing. If your vehicles have trackers and dashcams the incidents recorded will need addressing. The intervention and outcome will need recording. Even if you have less than 5 employees you still have a duty of care to your driver and members of the public. Nextbase are calling for the public to make us of its National Dash Cam Safety... --- ### EU introduces speed limiters on all new cars - are we next? - Published: 2022-08-05 - Modified: 2024-10-18 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/08/05/eu-introduces-speed-limiters-on-all-new-cars-are-we-next/ European Union legislation has this month prescribed the mandatory fitting of speed limiters to all new vehicles sold in Europe. This is as part of the bloc’s continent-wide plans to reduce road traffic accidents. The 2019/2144 regulation also mandates that all new cars that have already launched be fitted with an Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) by the 7th July 2024. The European Transport Safety Council announced that the technology will reduce road collisions by 30% and deaths by 20%. The EU also want to achieve almost no road deaths by the year 2050. Well, it is always good to aim high. The European Commission has also said that the speed limiters could, by 2038, prevent 140,000 serious road traffic injuries. What are speed limiters? These are safety devices that can be put in your vehicle so that you do not exceed a set speed. This limit is set by you the driver. This is different from cruise control, as speed limiters allow the driver to accelerate and decelerate as normal, provided the limit that the driver sets in not exceeded. They use GPS data and traffic sign recognition cameras to determine the maximum speed allowed in an area. The system then limits the engine’s power in accordance with the speed you have set. If you exceed the limit, the system will give you audio and visual warnings until you bring the speed of your vehicle to below the set speed limit. What are the downsides? There are concerns that some... --- ### Concerns over the use of mobile phones whilst driving vans and other work vehicles! - Published: 2022-07-29 - Modified: 2024-10-15 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/07/29/concerns-over-the-use-of-mobile-phones-whilst-driving-vans-and-other-work-vehicles/ The Department of Transport (DfT) 1 prepare an annual report based on roadside survey carried out in Autumn 2021. It showed that van drivers are twice as likely to use a hand-held device. The proportion of van drivers observed using a mobile phone whilst driving was double that of car drivers. Taxi and PHL drivers were much lower overall, with males and drivers between the ages of 17 – 29 being more likely to drive whilst using a phone than female or driver over the age of 60. More worrying is that fact that HGV drivers had the higher proportion of phone use whilst driving. Chart – Hand-held mobile phone use by vehicle type, GB 20211 Of course, these are those identified as using a phone within the remit of the survey. Self reported figures2 show that in 2019/20 46. 9% of drivers admitted phone use whilst driving an increase of almost 5 % on the previous year and 78% of those driving for work admitted phone use. Further research into mobile phone use by the DfT3 came to some interesting conclusions: Mobile phones are a growing presence in motorists journeys with motorists have an increasing dependence on them. Most drivers are aware that it is illegal but are unaware of the consequences Overall it found that tackling mobile phone use while driving was much more complex than greater enforcement measures or interventions to discourage. In fact 64% of those asked did not know the penalties and their in vehicle... --- ### Drug drive cases dropped as Labs fail to produce blood analysis - Published: 2022-07-08 - Modified: 2025-04-02 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/07/08/drug-drive-cases-dropped-as-labs-fail-to-produce-blood-analysis/ The BBC reported 1 that in Scotland nearly 400 drug driving cases were abandoned due to lab delays. Driving above the prescribed limit for drugs was introduced in March 2015. The police are able to do a roadside test for cannabis and cocaine but can also arrest if they suspect you are under the influence of drugs. You will then be taken to the police station where you would be asked to provide a blood test. Failure to provide one will result in an immediate prosecution. Your blood sample will be sent off for analysis to approved laboratories where they can test for 17 substances2 Fiona Douglas, Director of forensic services has stated “ demand for drug-driving toxicology analysis has far outstripped what was estimated when the new offence was introduced in Scotland in 2019” The same applies to the rest of UK since the offence was introduced in 2015. The issues in England and Wales arise due to a number of factors:- Unlike alcohol there is a zero tolerance which means that limits for illegal drugs are extremely low much lower than the levels recommended in the Woolf Report This means that there is a higher proportion of prosecutions as more people find themselves over the limit despite not being impaired. For example the limit for cannabis is 2. 0ug/L blood the recommended level by Woolf was 5. 0ug/L had the Government followed the scientific guidance the police there would be far fewer prosecutions. The same applies to cocaine... --- ### Is a life Sentence for causing death by dangerous driving appropriate? - Published: 2022-06-29 - Modified: 2022-06-29 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/06/29/is-a-life-sentence-for-causing-death-by-dangerous-driving-appropriate/ Govt introduces life sentence for causing death by dangerous driving and death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink/drugs? Having received royal assent in May this year, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (PCSC) from the 28th June 2022 , under S87, the maximum sentence for the offences of causing death by dangerous driving and death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink/drugs increases from 14 years imprisonment to life imprisonment. Where a life sentence is imposed, the defendant is given a number of years they must spend in prison after which they will be able to apply for parole. The previous maximum sentence for both offences is 14 years. We ask whether this is a welcome change, or whether drivers now face disproportionate penalties? Why has the new legislation come into force? There have been increasingly louder calls from organisations such as THINK1 and BRAKE2 for tougher penalties where death has been caused by dangerous driving or those who cause death whilst driving under the influence of drink or drugs. In 2015, 122 people were sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving. In 2019, that figure rose to 174. A 2016 consultation found that 70% of respondents agreed that the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving should be increased to life imprisonment3. The proposal for the change in law was first announced in 2017 as a result of this consultation, and forms part of the government’s pledge to consider the sentencing... --- ### New Offence of Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving - What does that mean for drivers and fleet managers? - Published: 2022-06-27 - Modified: 2022-06-27 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/06/27/new-offence-of-causing-serious-injury-by-careless-driving-what-does-that-mean-for-drivers-and-fleet-managers/ The long awaiting offence of Causing Serious injury by careless driving will be coming into force tomorrow 28th June 2022. The Govt provided a response to the consultation on driving offences and penalties relating to causing death or serious injury. 1 Of those consulted 90% thought that there should be an offence of causing serious injury by careless driving providing strong support for the enacting of an offence of causing serious injury by careless driving Since the introduction of the offence of Causing Serious injury by dangerous driving in 2012 there has been an enormous void in scope of legislation available to prosecutors when deciding what to charge. The current law where serious injury was caused only enabled prosecutors to charge "careless driving" carrying penalties of 3- 9 points and a fine (with a possible discretionary disqualification or “Causing serious injury by dangerous driving” which carried up to 5 years imprisonment and a minimum 2 years disqualification with an extended re-test. This has led to cases being either seriously undercharged, overcharged or not charged at all. Our experience suggests that prosecutors have favoured overcharging where the actual level of injury or bad driving does not warrant a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. As the penalty is high drivers have felt pressured to plead guilty even though the circumstances may not necessarily meet the criteria. The cost of losing in terms of lost fees and penalties is too high to risk. This has led to disproportionate sentences for... --- ### Summer is here, and the flip flops are out! - Published: 2022-06-23 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/06/23/summer-is-here-and-the-flip-flops-are-out/ In the summer there is nothing better than putting the woolley socks and boots into the depths of our wardrobe and stepping into our cool and breezy flip flops! But is it safe or will we find our selves in hot weather if we drive whilst wearing flip flops? There is no specific legislation that stops you from driving wearing flip flops but Rule 97 of the highway code states that drivers must have “footwear and clothing which does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”. Flip flop could slip off your feet, become wedged under the pedals or prevent you from braking quickly enough when required. If you were involved in an accident caused by the wearing of flipflops affecting your ability to control the vehicle you would guilty of an offence. Breaking the highway code in itself does not result in an offence per se but could lead to other offences. If stopped by the police without being involved in an accident you could face offences of Not being in proper control of your vehicle which carries a low fine and 3 points if summonsed for court or fixed penalty of £100 and 3 points https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers. co. uk/not-in-proper-control/ Driving without due care and attention which carries a fixed penalty of £100 and 3 points up to Band C fine (150% of weekly income) and 9 points or a discretionary disqualification. https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers. co. uk/careless-driving-page/ However, if you were involved in an accident caused by the wearing... --- ### The Most Neglected Fleet - grey fleet - Published: 2022-06-23 - Modified: 2022-06-23 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/06/23/the-most-neglected-fleet-grey-fleet/ Grey fleet are privately owned vehicles used by employees whilst “at work” and the country’s grey fleet is at record levels and accounts for 40% of all vehicles on the road. The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and the Energy Saving Trust (EST)prepared a ground breaking report*1 which provided a much clearer view of the scale and scope of grey fleet within UK businesses. They report that the findings are shocking and represent an urgent call to action for anyone involved with the UK work-related road transport. The former office of Government Commerce (OGC), now the Efficiency Reform Group (ERG), estimated that nearly 57% of “at work” mileage was covered by employees in their own vehicles. The BVRLA and EST study found that 11 billion miles per annum were driven by grey fleet in the private sector, which they found that equated to 3. 2 tonnes of C02, 7. 038 tonnes of NO and 234,989 kg of PM. The average grey fleet is older than company cars with an average age of 8. 2 years. They are significantly higher in terms of emissions when compared to rental, lease and vehicles in salary schemes. Grey Fleet is much larger than initially thought, particularly when employers have historically preferred cash allowances rather than a company car. BVRLA and EST state that use of grey fleet is endemic in both private and public sectors. Companies have preferred grey fleet mistakenly believing that they are more cost effective reduce administration and increase... --- ### Get Ready Drivers – Mobile phone laws are changing! - Published: 2022-02-02 - Modified: 2024-10-15 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2022/02/02/get-ready-drivers-mobile-phone-laws-are-changing/ The law on the use of mobile phone is changing on the 25th March 2022. Current Law At the moment it is an offence under S41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to drive a motor vehicle while using an hand-held mobile telephone or other hand held interactive communication device, or not causing or permitting the driving of a motor vehicle by another person using such a telephone or other device. It’s enactment made S110 Construction and Use Regulations as an offence. R110(6) defined a hand-held device as: “a mobile telephone or other device is to be treated as hand-held if it is, or must be, held at some point during the course of making or receiving a call or performing any other interactive communication function” Under R110(6)(c) An interactive communication function” includes the following: (i)sending or receiving oral or written messages; (ii)sending or receiving facsimile documents; (iii)sending or receiving still or moving images; and (iv)providing access to the internet This law has been under debate for many years. The onus has been on the prosecution to prove the “use” of the mobile phone within the terms of the legislation. This has been upheld recently in case law- DPP v Ramsey Barreto 2019. In essence the current law has not caught up to modern times and the technological advancements in relation to mobile phones. It does seem ridiculous that you can use your phone to record road accidents or type notes in your phone whilst driving but not read a... --- ### Addiction storyline highlights problem - Published: 2021-06-14 - Modified: 2021-06-14 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/06/14/line-of-dutys-painkiller-addiction-storyline-shines-a-light-on-a-wider-problem/ Many of us were glued to our TV screens for the most recent series of ‘Line of Duty’ with around 12 million viewers watching the final episode. As ever, the storyline of endemic police corruption went through the usual contorted twists and turns as we empathised with the lead characters who have been getting under our skin for 10 years. Over that time, we have got to know their individual back stories and personal challenges – and an emerging subplot for Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott, was his developing addiction for over-the-counter painkillers. His need for pain relief followed a severe back injury caused when he was thrown down some stairs back in season four. He was first confined to a wheelchair, but is now able to walk again – although he still has after effects including chronic pain. In the most recent series, we watched him popping pills, haunting pharmacies to buy drug supplies and also glimpsed his kitchen cabinet stacked with packs of ibuprofen /codeine. He is finally forced to confront his problem (the routine drug test which he has tried to avoid gets a red flag with occupational health) and ‘voluntarily’ returns his gun licence ... . although nothing is said about him continuing to drive. So, are there hazards to be aware of when taking prescription or over the counter drugs and driving? Well yes, there are dangers, and often they’re detailed in the small print on the paperwork that comes with the medications. There are many... --- ### Potential fines – is the answer driving naked? - Published: 2021-06-14 - Modified: 2025-04-02 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/06/14/potential-fines-for-driving-in-summer-clothing-is-the-answer-driving-naked/ There’s a lot of nonsense talked about the risk of fines for driving in summer footwear like sandals or flip-flops – to say nothing of long floaty summer dresses, baggy jeans and even sunglasses... I recently saw an article that was scaremongering about the wearing of such items and I wasn’t quite sure what they were trying to achieve – are the so-called ‘experts’ suggesting that the only way to avoid points and hefty fines is to drive naked? Wearing certain items of clothing is not an offence! It’s really just about common sense because what you do need to be careful about is wearing anything that can get tangled in your foot pedals – or sunglasses/headwear which means you can’t see clearly. Let’s look at some specifics: Footwear: shoes with a sole of more than 10mm deep are classed as ‘unsafe to drive in’ by the RAC but equally should not be too thin, potential danger but not actually illegal. No one seems to know quite where this arbitrary measurement came from and it certainly isn’t backed by any scientific evidence. The issue is really whether you can maintain control: will flip-flops slip off your feet (or the pedals) meaning you will lose control? The same applies with high heels or chunky soled boots – wearing them to drive is not an offence, the question is, ‘can you control the vehicle while wearing them? Sunglasses: if you cannot see the road ahead you are committing an offence under Section... --- ### Bank Holiday Opening - 31 May 2021 - Published: 2021-05-21 - Modified: 2024-01-26 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/05/21/bank-holiday-opening/ Our offices will be closed but we offer our FREE Advice services over the weekend and bank holidays. If you have received a charge for a Road Traffic Offence and need some advice, our solicitors will be available on our direct 08000 55 66 31 or you can request --- ### What is Careless Driving? - Published: 2021-05-21 - Modified: 2021-05-21 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/05/21/careless-driving-solicitors/ Careless Driving and or driving without reasonable consideration amounts to the standard of driving has fallen below that of a careful and competent driver or that you did not show reasonable consideration for other drivers or pedestrians. Examples of these could be one of the following. Driving into the back of a car at a roundabout/tailback on the motorway Reading a map whilst driving. Bumping into a parked vehicle. Drinking whilst driving. Eating whilst driving Lighting a cigarette Being dazzled by the sun Coming out of a side junction into the path of another vehicle. Scraping another car in a car park. A minor bump or shunt with another vehicle. Using a satellite navigation system or map whilst driving. Hogging the middle or outside lane on the motorway. Careless driving or driving without due care and attention or Driving without reasonable consideration carries a penalty of between 3 – 9 points and a fine of up to £2500. You could get a fixed penalty ticket. These are restricted to offences which are only observed by police officers and there are no victims, no collisions and no public complaint. It covers but is not restricted to the following types of driving. Lower level aggressive and inconsiderate driving where others are not unduly affected Driving too close to the vehicle in front Failing to give way at a junction causing no evasive action by another driver Overtaking and forcing into a queue of traffic Using the wrong lane on a roundabout Ignoring... --- ### Why it pays to support company drivers if they commit road traffic offences - Published: 2021-05-13 - Modified: 2024-01-26 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/05/13/why-it-pays-to-support-company-drivers-if-they-commit-road-traffic-offences/ Many businesses with company vehicles think it's their driving employees who are responsible for managing any road traffic offences they incur, and don't consider the impact an employee's conviction can have on the employed s operations — or their finances. Increased insurance premiums, the costs of covering absences from work for court appearances or even recruiting and training new drivers can all mount up to significant sums. Companies also have obligations in terms of duty of care to employees who are driving as part of their job, while Health and Saety regulations regard a company vehicle as an extension of the workplace. But perhaps most important of all, if a company driver does get a notice of prosecution, our early intervention may make the difference in levels of fine, avoiding disqualification or even jail time. It's just about really knowing the law — and it's not as black and white as people think. In any one year, drivers commit 240,000 road traffic offences while working. SPEEDING is the most common offence - figures from 2018 show there were 189,109 prosecutions across the UK that year, of which 4,206 drivers were subsequently disqualified. There were 168,964 prosecutions for having NO INSURANCE with 2,329 disqualified. Other disqualifications were as a result of: • FAILING TO PROVIDE DRIVER INFORMATION (240 out of 93,394 prosecutions) • DRINK DRIVING (32,280 of 34,534 prosecutions) • CARELESS DRIVING (773 out of 12,257 prosecutions) Over 5,000 drivers were disqualified for licence irregularities (including not having one) and there... --- ### Drug Driving: Awareness is the only protection on a unfair playing field - Published: 2021-04-30 - Modified: 2025-04-02 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/04/30/drug-driving-awareness/ In my view, the law relating to drug driving is fundamentally unfair when compared with the equivalent legislation around drink driving. The legal limits permitted on the amount of drugs taken are extremely low and actually don’t bear any relation to scientific opinion regarding what levels would result in ‘impairment’ in terms of ability to drive. The specially commissioned Wolff report, written in 2013 for the Government to base their legislation on was actually ignored -for example, its recommended level for cocaine of 80ug was reduced by the Government to 10ug. Link https://assets. publishing. service. gov. uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/167971/drug-driving-expert-panel-report. pdf But the law is the law – which means that it is even more vital that drivers are aware of the potential risks they could be running in terms of fines and potential driving bans if they use drugs, habitually, occasionally or as a one-off experiment. Duration of effects One key factor is that drugs can stay in the body for much longer than alcohol – and different drugs have different rates of elimination. For example, cocaine will usually leave your system after between 6-12 hours and cannabis (for an infrequent user) 4-6 hours, but there are so many variables including the quantity of the drug that’s consumed, the strength of the dose and the frequency of use. Heavy regular cannabis users are likely to be over the limit of 2ug/L blood most of the time. Cocaine users may be under the limit of 10ug/L for cocaine 12-24 hours after use but... --- ### Exceptional Hardship - Published: 2021-04-15 - Modified: 2024-10-18 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/04/15/exceptionalhardship/ If driving is your livelihood or you are career and you need to be able to drive to and from you place of work, we understand the need to try and keep your license and eliminate or reduce any lengthy ban. If you are charged with a driving offence, no solicitor can guarantee an outcome without reviewing the evidence and events leading. Auriga Advocates can assist drivers and provide honest advice on the best course of action for you with FREE initial advice. So, you can call our experts today or if you wish for a callback, you can complete the callback form. --- ### Legal Compliance and Legislation - Published: 2021-04-15 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/04/15/legislation/ Andrea Clegg - Senior Solicitor --- ### Is your business fit for the EV Transition > Interested to know if your business is fit for the EV Transition? Find out more on Auriga Advocates today. - Published: 2021-03-31 - Modified: 2024-10-18 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/03/31/is-your-business-fit-for-the-ev-transition/ The UK government has brought forward a plan to ban the sale of all new Petrol and Diesel cars from 2030. This new target to migrate to a more climate-friendly county and make the UK second only to Norway, which will implement a ban in 2025. The impact is seismic. As of 2020 new petrol and diesel cars account for 73% of new car sales. With larger fleets, this would only just mean two replacement cycles to make the change to EV and PHEV's (Plug-in Hybrid) which have a little more life until 2035. It's a tall order, but with the accelerated growth, development and production of EV's both cars and light commercial from manufacturing, there will be greater choice and variety of options to fleet management companies and businesses. Working with Electric Vehicles will be new to many. The overall cost of ownership is one aspect, but with the limited range and charging points at present, understanding the type of batteries and their kWh (kilowatt-hours), which is a measure of energy used in 1 hour of running, is another. Do you know the current performance and usage of the current vehicle? driving habits and how to make the best use of technology to allow them to move successfully to eliminate extra costs but could also reduce costs and driver welfare/safety. Understanding charge rates - Slow (standard), Fast or Rapid which most modern Ev's can charge from Zero to 80% in under an hour will have a bearing on the... --- ### Expert advice for avoiding a totting up ban - Published: 2021-03-31 - Modified: 2021-03-31 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/03/31/top-tips-for-avoiding-a-totting-up-ban-particularly-for-new-drivers/ For any, but particularly new drivers, traffic offences can mean points on their licence – and an accumulation of 12 points or more can lead to a minimum driving ban of 6 months unless they can establish grounds for ‘exceptional hardship’ as a mitigating circumstance. A minor speeding ticket may only attract three points, but drivers need to stay vigilant as these remain active on their licence for 3 years, meaning they could fall foul of what’s known as a ‘totting up’ ban, where they suddenly realise they have tipped over that 12-point threshold and are facing disqualification (that’s a minimum 6 months ban, or if it’s happened more than once - 12 months). And as well as speeding, there are literally hundreds of other offences which can result in points being given – ranging from not having appropriate insurance cover to speaking on a mobile phone while driving, failing to comply with traffic signs or traffic lights, having faulty tyres or lights, overloading... . the list goes on! Risks are particularly high for new drivers: if you have passed your test in the last two years, you only have to notch up 6 points and the DVLA will revoke your licence, meaning you will have to reapply for a provisional licence and take your test – both the theory and the practical – all over again. In some cases, drivers are not aware of these issues – and sometimes, they simply haven’t read the small print on insurance documents... --- ### How can company drivers be more responsible... - Published: 2021-03-31 - Modified: 2021-03-31 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/03/31/how-can-company-drivers-be-more-responsible-2/ Any company or organisation can have the best employment and safety policies in the world, but will employees follow them? It really depends on the culture, supported by effective communications and training, because people generally tend to follow policies in their working lives if they know about them, if they understand why they're are important and know how to apply them. This is particularly true for drivers, whether they use company vehicles or their own transport in the course of their work. We have heard of cases where employees didn't even realise that they had a legal duty to follow company guidance around their own safety - and that of others - when at the wheel... And not all employees realise that their duty of care covers time in the vehicle, because a car, van or lorry is effectively 'the workplace' for a driver on company business. The policies, procedures and related training needed can be wide-ranging, covering hours on the road, insurance provisions, compliance with motoring law and general good driving practice. One of the biggest problems can be that everyone thinks they're a 'good driver' - but who is making sure that's really true? Fleet Management, like that providing by us at Auriga Fleet with our partner ODO Drive, can provide a huge amount of support. As well as giving access to clear, legally compliant policies, we can offer a managed back-up system that business leaders can rely on, without having to spend their own time and resources... --- ### Future Trends in Fleet Management - Published: 2021-03-21 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/03/21/futuretrends/ Andrea talks with Rob about future trends --- ### Attending Court on a Driving Offence - Published: 2021-03-03 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/03/03/attendingcourt/ If you are looking for help or want us to represent you in court, Call us or complete the call back. --- ### Disqualification can impact livelihoods.... - Published: 2021-02-23 - Modified: 2024-10-15 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/02/23/drink-driving-legal-limit-reduction/ Disqualification can impact livelihoods and wreck family relationships – but how else can we reduce drink driving? There can’t be anyone who doesn’t want to see the incidence of Drink Driving reduced: risks associated with it are not only death or injury to drivers and innocent victims – but there can be all sorts of other ‘collateral damage’ for convicted perpetrators ... . and therefore, their families ... . losing jobs and livelihoods and potentially their homes or relationships. So, it’s no surprise that the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) is calling for drink driving laws to be overhauled, including a reduction in the legal limit. A new report – Drink Driving, Taking Stock, Moving Forward – published by the road safety group, shows the scale of the problem, with drink driving one of the biggest causes of road deaths (13%). In the report, 240 people have been killed each year where a driver was over the limit. I totally agree that it’s time for a review – but I believe that penalties only address part of the problem: sentencing needs to be progressive and part of a wider education strategy about drink driving. Perhaps for a first offence, even if someone had levels of alcohol that would normally lead to a ban, they should get a ‘qualified disqualification. ’ This is where someone convicted is allowed to drive only on a specific route to and from work: it’s clearly restrictive, but enables people to continue working so... --- ### Proactive Fleet Management and Road Traffic Law - Published: 2021-02-22 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/02/22/proactive-fleet-management-and-road-traffic-law/ Andrea Clegg - Senior Solicitor --- ### Top 10 Driving Offences in the UK - Published: 2021-02-14 - Modified: 2024-05-09 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/02/14/top-10-driving-offences-in-the-uk/ Andrea Clegg - Senior Solicitor highlights the top 10 driving offences in the UK. With 26 years working for the CPS and 8 years as the Managing Director of Auriga Advocates, one of the leading specialist firms in the UK, Andrea has a wealth of experience and advice for UK Drivers. If you are looking for help in your driving offence. You can call or complete the call-back form below. --- ### Silk FM Radio - Law and Order - Published: 2021-01-21 - Modified: 2021-01-21 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/01/21/silk-fm-radio-law-and-order/ Andrea Clegg - Senior Solicitor talking to Silk FM about Road Traffic Law and Drivers in Cheshire to have a better understanding of Road Traffic Law and the penalties that occur. Worried about your driving case and want a second opinion. --- ### Silk FM Radio - Are you Paying Attention - Published: 2021-01-21 - Modified: 2021-01-21 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/01/21/silk-fm-radio-paying-attention/ Andrea Clegg - Senior Solicitor talking to Silk FM about Road Traffic Law and Drivers in Cheshire to have a better understanding of Road Traffic Law and the penalties that occur. Worried about your driving case and want a second opinion. --- ### Silk FM Radio - Published: 2021-01-21 - Modified: 2021-01-21 - URL: https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/2021/01/21/silk-fm-radio/ Andrea Clegg - Senior Solicitor talking to Silk FM about Road Traffic Law and Drivers in Cheshire to have a better understanding of Road Traffic Law and the penalties that occur. Worried about your driving case and want a second opinion. --- ---