Many drivers commit driving offences frequently without even realising. Driving over the speed limit being a perfect example. There are of course then the motoring offences that are committed intentionally.
Most driving offences come with a fine and penalty points that are placed onto the offender’s driving licence in which up to 12 are permitted. Exceeding 12 penalty points requires that you surrender your licence until points expire and fall back to 12 or under. The punishment of a driving offence is related to the type of offence and to the individual’s circumstances.
A driving offence can result from a few penalty points on a driving licence, a fine and penalty points, community service or even possible jail. A custodial sentence is often the result of repeat offenders or an offence that has a significant danger and recklessness associated with it.
Although some driving offences carry a fixed penalty, others are down to the discretion of the judge if the case goes to court. This section explains the various driving offences along with the fixed penalty charges or the likely penalty imposed by a judge.
Driving without a licence
Driving without a licence offence often results in a fixed penalty, it can however result in being charged for driving without car insurance. Detailed is the potential penalties, fines and ramifications of driving without a licence.
Driving without insurance
This section details the driving offence of having no insurance, the possibility of getting caught driving without insurance, the potential risks involved and the penalties imposed by the police and court.
Driving without road tax
Driving without tax or parking a vehicle on a public road untaxed is a minor offence usually dealt with by a Fixed Penalty Notice. Such offences can potentially escalate into the disposal of a keeper’s car and even imprisonment.
Driving without an MOT
Driving without an MOT isn’t usually the most serious of driving offences if caught although this depends on the circumstances and condition of the vehicle. Also explained is What is an MOT test? along with MOT checklist and preparation checklist, plus When do I need an MOT? detailing the legalities of an MOT and how to check the status of any vehicles MOT.
Running a red light
Running a red light penalty code, fines and licence points. How to avoid running a red light, plus information on red light cameras and mitigating circumstances on this driving offence. See red light camera for the most frequent reasons that drivers get fines and penalty points.
Careless driving penalties and fines
Penalties and fines for careless driving offence explained. Potential careless driving fines, possible driving ban, licence penalty points and conviction codes.
Dangerous driving penalty
Dangerous driving is considered one of the most severe driving offences resulting in a mandatory driving ban, significant fines and the possibility of a prison sentence.
Car horn laws
Use of car horn, laws, when it’s legal or illegal in the UK, using the car horn at night and possible fines.
Tailgating
What is tailgating, is it dangerous, why do people tailgate, how to deal with tailgaters, plus the dangers, laws, fines and penalty points associated with tailgating.
Minimum speed limit signs and the dangers of driving too slowly
Although there are few UK roads that utilise minimum speed limit signs, motorists can still find themselves committing a driving offence by driving unnecessarily slow and so becoming a hazard.
Driving whilst using a mobile phone
A guide to the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving, how dangerous is texting when driving, the laws and penalties imposed with this driving offence. Also, how dangerous is it to actually use a mobile phone at a petrol station.
Smoking whilst driving
Smoking whilst driving law, is it illegal in the UK, plus the dangers associated with smoking and driving.
Is It Illegal to Not Indicate?
For those drivers that either forget or can’t be bothered to indicate, is it illegal and what are the potential penalties?
Driving without a door mirror
An explanation of the legalities of driving with a wing / door mirror missing and if it is an offence. Which mirrors legally must be in place when driving and the possible penalties that may be incurred for a missing mirror or by using a car that isn’t roadworthy.
Is it illegal to sleep in your car
Sleeping in your car, is it illegal? Is it against the law to sleep whilst drunk in your car? Also advice on driving while tired and driving fatigue statistics.
Driving Licence Penalty Points Explained
Penalty points are a driver’s worst nightmare, particularly when they accumulate to an extent that results in a ban. This section covers the most frequently asked questions about penalty points.
Making a U-Turn
Many of us make U-Turns simply without thinking to turn the car around. Making a U-Turn in the wrong are may see you issued with penalty points and a fine.
Driving offences and car insurance
The effects of a driving offence is often hit hardest on car insurance. What can seem a relatively minor offence can significantly increase the cost of a car insurance policy. If you have been convicted of a driving offence, it is important to contact your insurance provider and update them on the situation. This will of course immediately increase the amount you need to pay, but if you fail to tell them and continue to use your vehicle on public roads, the chances are that if you’re involved in an accident, your insurance will be void and the company may refuse to pay out.
Driving penalty notices
There are various types of penalty notices that an offender can receive, either at the roadside where the offence was committed, or through the post. The most common type being a Fixed Penalty Notice which often has penalty points associated with the offence, or a non-endorsable penalty notice which has none. The registered owner of a vehicle may also receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution through the post or a verbal warning that prosecution is being considered at the scene of the offence.