Careless driving solicitors Nottingham

Driving without due care and attention

Careless Driving, or driving without due care and attention, is judged primarily upon the standard of your driving. If your driving is “far below” the expected then it would be classed as Dangerous Driving and if it is “below”, this can be construed as Careless Driving. Careless Driving is primarily a matter of fact and degree.

In simple terms, for Careless Driving to be made out, the prosecution have to show that a motorist has departed from the standard of a reasonable, competent and prudent driver in all the circumstances of the particular case. The same standard of care is expected from a leaner driver as it is from an experienced driver.

The penalties for Careless Driving are:
Up to a £2,500 fine; and
mandatory 3 to 9 penalty points or
discretionary disqualification

Some Examples of what constitutes Careless Driving	Range of penalty
Momentary lapse of concentrating or misjudgement at low speed	3-4 penalty points
Loss of control due to speed mishandling or insufficient attention to road conditions or carelessly turning right across oncoming traffic	5-6 penalty points
Overtaking manoeuvre at speed resulting in collision of vehicles or driving bordering on the dangerous	Possible disqualification or 7-9 penalty points

The number of convictions for careless driving (and/or Dangerous) has fallen by 77 per cent from 125,000 in 1985 to 29,000 in 2006 and this experience suggests that police are likely to make extensive use of the new fixed penalty for Careless Driving. However, if you receive and NIP or summons and face prosecution for Careless Driving we shall be happy to advise you with regard to your options, or if you require legal representation, call now and speak to one of our solicitors on Freephone 0800 0463066. We have offices in Nottingham but offer a Nationwide Service.

If you require more information or help regarding careless driving call us now on Freephone 0800 046 3066, learn more from our transport law blog or continuing reading through our road traffic law website.