Driving Offences and Punishments

Even the most law-abiding citizens can find themselves in hot water for committing a driving offence. Lack of concentration out on the road can lead to big fines, penalty points, a loss of licence, or even imprisonment for severe offences.

Always stay focused, concentrate and be in full control when driving, because going over the speed limit or breaking any other road traffic offence could have a huge impact on both your life when you know the punishment or consequences that could follow.

In this article we look at some of the more common driving offences and the penalties for committing them.

Speeding
Speed limits will vary by area and the type of road, when driving above these limits you can expect a minimum fine of £100 fine and three penalty points added to your licence, this punishment usually applies only if you exceed the set limit by a considerable margin. If the offence is just a few miles above the limit, you may only be asked to attend a speed awareness course.

Police officers can send you to court if found to be driving at a speed 45% higher than the set limit. If you plead guilty, you will have to pay the standard fine and receive three penalty points. If you plead not guilty and the court finds that you are, the fine and penalty points will then be set by the court, they can even suspend your license in severe cases.

Driving licences are revoked for new drivers with over six traffic offences within the first two years of driving.

Dangerous Driving
Dangerous driving offences is a wide category, this can include driving on the motorway at high speed, undertaking, or any driving act or manoeuvre that is considered to be dangerous. In these cases, courts will decide the fines and penalty points depending on the seriousness and circumstances of the case in question, penalties could include unlimited fines and a lengthy driving ban.

When a dangerous driving offence causes an accident leading to a death, the driver responsible could receive up to 14 years imprisonment.

Driving Under the Influence
Drink driving can attract huge penalties, the consequences will depend on the offence and the magistrate who decides the case.

Taking charge of a vehicle while above the legal limit – This can attract three months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to £2500 and a ban from driving.

If found under the influence of alcohol and attempting to drive – Up to six months imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a one-year ban from driving, up to a three-years ban if found guilty twice within ten years.

Not complying with the order to provide samples for analysis – Up to six months imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a one-year driving ban.

Penalties are very severe in situations where a driver causes an accident and found to be under the influence – Up to 14 years imprisonment, permanent bans, unlimited fines, suspension from driving and taking an extended driving test before being allowed back on the road.

Driving Without Insurance
You must have a valid private or motor trade insurance policy in place from a licensed insurance broker or company to drive a new or used vehicle on the public highway, even when using trade plates for a test drive.

With ANPR technology, the police can check if you have insured your vehicle from the number plate. If found to be uninsured, you will receive six penalty points and may be required to pay up to a £300 fine on the spot, the police also have the power to seize the vehicle right there and then.

Using a Mobile Phone While Driving
Using a mobile phone when driving is an offence the police are really cracking down on as it’s been the cause of many motoring accidents over recent years. You can get 6 penalty points on your licence and a £200 on the spot fine if caught breaking this law.

Any driver that causes an accident whilst using their mobile phone could find themselves in court attracting a fine of up to £1000, and quite possibly a driving ban to go with it.

Driving Without a Valid MOT
Every vehicle owner must take their vehicle to a qualified motor trade garage mechanic for an annual MOT. Any motorist found to be driving a vehicle without an MOT could be fined up to £100 on the spot. The punishment might be higher if the vehicle failed an MOT and is found to be unroadworthy.

Sensible drivers don’t start out on a journey planning to break the law, all motorists with previous convictions will find it very difficult to get affordable insurance cover.

When calculating premiums, insurance brokers and companies require lots of personal information, including any driver convictions so they can check if you’re eligible for a policy, discounts, or any no claims bonus.

It is very unlikely you will receive any of these when trying to buy or renew an insurance policy if you have a poor driving history.