Did you know that according to the DVLA, more than 100,000 drivers have faced convictions in the UK? And who knows, the next one might be you, as even a seemingly minor traffic violation can impact your life for years. So what to do and how to save yourself from such situations?
For starters, we suggest reading this detailed blog on motor offence convictions and their long-term consequences in detail. Thus, from penalty points to increased insurance rates and further limitations, we will cover it all.
Intro To Motor Offence Conviction
A motoring offence conviction occurs when you break a driving law and are charged for it. This conviction further involves a ban, fine and points added to your driver's licence, or a prison sentence.
Common offences include speeding, driving under the influence (DUI), or driving without a valid licence. The severity of the penalty depends on the offence. Minor offences charge fines and add penalty points to your licence, whereas serious offences can lead to court appearances and further criminal convictions.
Major Motor Convictions & Consequences
In this section, here’s a detailed guide on the consequences of driving convictions in the UK;
Accident Offences
Accident offence convictions include refusing to stop after an accident (AC10) or failing to report an accident within 24 hours (AC20), resulting in 5-10 penalty points and endorsements on your licence for 4 years. Accumulating over 12 points within 3 years leads to a driving ban.An AC30 endorsement for undefined accident offences remains for 4 years, with 4-9 penalty points. Exceeding 12 points in 3 years results in a driving ban.
Disqualification Offences
Convictions for driving while disqualified (BA10) lead to a 4-year endorsement and 6 penalty points. Causing serious injury while disqualified (BA60) results in harsher penalties and difficulty obtaining car insurance. Causing death (BA40) is extremely serious and impacts both penalties and insurance. Attempting to drive while disqualified (BA30) results in a 4-year endorsement and 6 penalty points. Accumulating over 12 points in 3 years leads to a driving ban.
Careless Driving
Convictions for driving without due care (CD10) or reasonable consideration (CD20, CD30) lead to 3-9 penalty points for 4 years. Additionally, causing death through careless driving while unfit through drink (CD40), drugs (CD50, CD60), or failing to supply a specimen (CD70) results in 3-11 points for 11 years. Causing death through careless or inconsiderate driving (CD80) or while unlicensed, uninsured, or disqualified (CD90) also leads to 3-11 points.
Reckless/Dangerous Driving
Convictions for dangerous driving (DD40) or causing severe injury (DD10) lead to 3-11 penalty points for 4 years. Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving (DD60) and causing death by dangerous driving (DD80) also result in 3-11 points. Similarly, harming someone deliberately or through furious driving (DD90) has similar penalties.
Speeding
Convictions for speeding in goods vehicles (SP10), exceeding the speed limit in vehicles (SP20), on public roads (SP30), motorways (SP50), or in passenger vehicles (SP40) result in 3-6 penalty points for 4 years. Accumulating over 12 points in 3 years results in a driving ban.
Drink/Drug Driving
Convictions for driving or attempting to drive with drug levels above the limit (DG10) or while unfit through drink (DR10, DR20) lead to 3-11 penalty points for 11 years. Being in charge of a vehicle with a drug level above the limit (DG40) results in 10 points for 4 years. Killing someone by careless driving with drug levels above the limit (DG60) or while over the drink limit (DR10) also leads to severe penalties. Failure to provide a specimen (DR30, DR60, DR61) results in similar penalties, with endorsements lasting 4-11 years.
Car Insurance & Licence
Convictions for using an uninsured vehicle (IN10) result in 3-11 penalty points for 11 years. Driving without a valid licence (LC20, LC30, LC40, LC50) leads to 3-6 points for 4 years. Accumulating over 12 points in 3 years results in a driving ban.
While penalty points, disqualification, and imprisonment are already labelled as one of the long-term consequences of motor offence convictions, the additional consequences include;
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Insurance & Employment
Since motor offence convictions highly impact insurance premiums, finding affordable coverage can become difficult and quite expensive. Many employers also conduct licence checks, and a history of driving offences can affect job prospects, especially in roles requiring driving.
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Driving Bans
Secondly, a driving ban restricts mobility and can affect personal and professional life. Further, repeat offences can lead to longer bans and, in some cases, the need to retake driving tests or attend rehabilitation courses.
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Social & Financial Impact
Such motor offence convictions can harm personal reputation and relationships, and the stigma associated with dangerous or careless driving offences can be long-lasting.
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Financial Strain
Fines, increased insurance costs, and potential job loss contribute to significant financial strain. Legal fees and the cost of attending mandatory courses add more to the plate.
(FAQs) About Motor Offences Convictions in the UK
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How Long After A Motoring Offence Can You Be Charged In The UK?
The police have 6 months from the conviction date to charge you with a fixed penalty notice. Other than this, they have 14 days to file a notice of intended prosecution (NIP) to the registered owner of the vehicle involved.
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How Long Does A Driving Conviction Stay On Your Record In The UK?
It usually depends on the severity of your case. Most convictions remain for 4 years from the date of conviction. However, more serious offences, such as causing death by careless driving, stay on your record for 11 years.
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Is A Driving Offence A Criminal Offence In The UK?
Yes, committing a motoring offence and being convicted means the offence will be recorded on your criminal record. This applies to all types of court sentences, including fines, which are common for motoring convictions.
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Can You Get A UK Visa With A Drink Driving Conviction?
Individuals seeking to enter the UK will generally be refused entry if they have a previous conviction for a criminal offence punishable by at least 12 months imprisonment.
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Can I Remove A Conviction From My Record?
Convictions can be filtered from criminal record checks if certain criteria are met: more than 11 years have passed since the conviction, the crime did not result in a prison sentence, and no further offences have been committed since then.
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What Is The Statute Of Limitations On Driving Offences In The UK?
Most driving offences in England are summary offences, which are less serious and handled by the Magistrates' Court. The general time limit for prosecuting summary offences is 6 months from the alleged offence date.
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What Are Spent Driving Convictions In The UK?
A conviction is considered spent after a certain period. For instance, in the case of fines with endorsements, they are spent after 5 years (if over 18) or 2 years and 6 months (if under 18). Next, driving bans with endorsements are spent 5 years after issuance if the ban is less than 5 years (if over 18) or on the end date if the ban is more than 5 years. For those under 18, it is spent 2 years and 6 months for bans under that length, or on the end date if longer.
Faced A Motor Offence Conviction? Hear Us Out!
We understand how overwhelming and stressful getting a motor offence conviction can be, and the long-term consequences don’t make anything easy either. So, if you’re facing a similar driving conviction and looking forward to hiring professional legal help, don’t hesitate to contact Hadi Law. With over 30 years of experience in the field, our experienced motor offence solicitors provide expert guidance and find the best outcome in court. Book a consultation today!
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