Careless Driving

Award winning

Please join us in congratulating our Managing Partner and Family Solicitor Elspeth Thomson on winning the ‘Access to Justice Award’ at the Resolution Awards 2024. This award celebrates members who have committed their expertise to give the most vulnerable individuals access to justice in family law.

How can we help?

Careless driving or driving without due care and attention is an offence that can lead to fines and driving disqualification. Our specialist motoring solicitors are experts in road traffic or driving offences and can help with your careless driving or driving without due care and attention case.

Our expert careless driving solicitors understand the importance of your driving licence – whether you wish to challenge the careless driving charge, reduce the level of punishment or avoid disqualification, contact us for further advice.

Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act

Careless and inconsiderate driving is an offence under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act. The definition of the legislation reads:

“If a person drives a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place, he is guilty of an offence.”

In a careless driving case, each situation is different, and the Court will assess and make a judgement on whether you were driving reasonably. Note that this is different from dangerous driving.

Careless driving investigation

If you are suspected of careless driving, you may be asked to attend an Interview Under Caution by the police. If you are asked to answer questions by the police, you are entitled to FREE legal advice. Our specialist careless driving solicitors are available 24 hours a day at short notice.

If you are charged, receive a Postal Requisition or a Single Justice Procedure Notice, you should seek expert legal advice immediately. This will ensure that you are prepared when it comes to your court date.

Penalty for driving without due care and attention

In the event of a careless driving conviction, you can face disqualification or 3 to 9 penalty points on your driving licence. In addition to this, you may face a fine and the financial implications of going to Court.

Totting up and exceptional hardship

If you receive 12 or more penalty points within three years, you should be disqualified under the Totting Up system. However, you can avoid disqualification if you prove you would suffer “exceptional hardship”. Our specialist careless driving solicitors will prepare you for this court hearing and provide expert representation.

Outright disqualification

If your driving borders on dangerous your case can be viewed more seriously, the court can consider an outright disqualification. Our specialist solicitors can help you avoid this.

Careless driving solicitors

Our motoring solicitors have many years’ experience and are best ranked in the North East. We are based in Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields, and offer representation for careless driving cases throughout the North East.

Our Fees

In accordance with rules published by the SRA, as of December 2018, all firms offering this type of work must publish details of prices and personnel undertaking the work. Please see our dedicated fees page for more information.