What is careless driving?
Careless driving can be a very serious motoring offence and depending on the seriousness of the offence you can face some substantial consequences. Careless driving is usually seen as driving below the minimum standard of safe driving, being a potential hazard to yourself and other road users. Careless driving can be usually associated with dangerous driving, however careless driving has less severe consequences. Careless driving can fall under many categories, such as using your phone whilst driving or ignoring road signs.
Behaviours that are usually seen as careless driving could include:
- Tailgating
- Using a handheld mobile phone
- Overtaking on the wrong side
- Sudden braking
- Not being considerate of other drivers
- Eating or drinking whilst driving
- Driving too fast
- Ignoring road signs
What are the charges?
The charges of careless driving depend on the severity of the crime, you can face 3-9 points on your licence, an unlimited fine and depending on how serious the offence is you can even find yourself disqualified from driving. Disqualification from driving can be a big inconvenience if it is something you do daily, especially for work. Solicitors On Your Side can use their extensive expertise to help you explore your options to come out with the best possible outcome for your case.
Other consequences of careless driving
Careless driving can come with some pretty hefty penalties, and more serious offences can result in a criminal record. A criminal record doesn’t look good when looking for a future job, employers may check your criminal record, which can minimise your chances of getting a job in the future. Careless Driving can also affect your car insurance premiums, possibly making them significantly higher, adding unnecessary costs to your daily life.
What should I do if I’ve been charged with careless driving?
If you have been charged with careless driving we highly recommend that you contact Solicitors on Your Side, our solicitors can help you explore your options so that you come out with the best possible outcome in the quickest and stress-free way. Careless driving is a very subjective judgment of behaviour, you could have been charged with careless driving by a police officer when you were acting in a way that was essential during an unusual road situation. Our experienced solicitors can find a range of defences to help with your case, such as: driving as a necessity because of an emergency. Our solicitors will make sure that you are informed about any options to help your case, making sure that your voice is heard if you have to go to court, as we believe that everyone deserves the correct representation throughout their case.
Alternate options to penalties
Depending on the severity of the offence, you may be able to attend a driving improvement course instead of getting penalty points and fines. These courses are designed to help remind drivers of how to drive correctly and safely, to ensure that all road users such as cars, motorcycles and vans are kept safe on the road. These courses usually last half a day to a day and usually cost £70-£150, which can be a lot lower than some penalties.
Have you been charged with a motoring offence?
If you have been charged with a motoring offence, contact On Your side now to help you lower your motoring offence penalties. We understand that these situations can be very time consuming and stressful but at On Your Side, we will try to make the process as quick as possible.
Get in touch with us
Get in touch with us now if you have been charged with a motoring offence, remember that there are always better options out there!
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