Top 10 Driving Offences in the UK and How a Solicitor Can Help You Fight Them

Being accused of a driving offence can be stressful, confusing, and in some cases life-changing. Penalties can range from points on your licence and fines to disqualification or even prison for the most serious offences. What many drivers don’t realise is that you often have legal options – and early advice from a specialist driving offence solicitor can make a real difference to the outcome.

Below, we break down the 10 most common driving offences in the UK, what they mean, and how a solicitor can help protect your licence, livelihood, and future.

1. Drink Driving

Driving over the legal alcohol limit is one of the most serious motoring offences. Penalties can include:

• A minimum 12-month driving ban

• Unlimited fine

• Possible prison sentence

How a solicitor can help:

A solicitor can examine whether the breath, blood, or urine samples were taken correctly, whether police followed proper procedure, and whether there are any technical or evidential issues that could weaken the prosecution’s case.

2. Drug Driving

Drug driving covers both illegal drugs and certain prescription medications. Many drivers are unaware that prescribed drugs can still lead to prosecution.

How a solicitor can help:

Your solicitor can assess whether testing procedures were lawful and accurate, and whether a medical defence may apply if you were taking medication as prescribed.

3. Using a Mobile Phone While Driving

This offence carries:

• 6 penalty points

• A £200 fine

• Potential disqualification for new drivers

How a solicitor can help:

In some cases, the evidence may not clearly show “use” of a phone. A solicitor can challenge how the offence was recorded and whether it meets the legal definition.

4. Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common offences and can result in:

• Points on your licence

• Fines

• Driving bans for higher speeds

How a solicitor can help:

A solicitor can review the accuracy of speed detection equipment, signage, and whether the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) was issued correctly and on time.

5. Careless or Inconsiderate Driving

This covers driving that falls below the expected standard of a competent driver, such as tailgating or poor lane discipline.

How a solicitor can help:

These cases often rely on witness accounts. A solicitor can challenge the evidence, argue mitigation, or seek to reduce the charge to avoid points or disqualification.

6. Dangerous Driving

Dangerous driving is far more serious and can carry:

• A minimum 12-month ban

• Extended retest

• Up to 2 years in prison

How a solicitor can help:

Specialist legal representation is vital. A solicitor can scrutinise the prosecution’s case, challenge whether the driving meets the legal threshold for “dangerous,” and present mitigation where appropriate.

7. Driving Without Insurance

Even if unintentional, this offence can lead to:

• 6–8 penalty points

• Fines

• Vehicle seizure

How a solicitor can help:

Your solicitor may be able to argue special reasons (for example, being misled about insurance cover), which can sometimes reduce penalties or avoid points.

8. Failing to Stop After an Accident

Drivers are legally required to stop and exchange details after an accident. Failing to do so is a criminal offence.

How a solicitor can help:

A solicitor can advise on whether the prosecution can prove you were aware of the accident and whether your actions meet the legal criteria for the offence.

9. Driving While Disqualified

This is treated very seriously by the courts and may result in:

• Further disqualification

• Heavy fines

• Possible imprisonment

How a solicitor can help:

Legal advice is crucial. A solicitor can explore any misunderstandings about the ban, procedural errors, or mitigating circumstances to help limit the damage.

10. Totting Up (12 or More Points)

If you accumulate 12 or more points within three years, you face an automatic driving ban.

How a solicitor can help:

A solicitor may argue “exceptional hardship” – for example, the impact a ban would have on your family or employment – which can sometimes prevent or reduce a ban.

Why Early Legal Advice Matters

Driving offences can escalate quickly, especially if you already have points on your licence. Getting advice as early as possible allows your solicitor to:

• Review the evidence

• Identify procedural errors

• Advise on plea options

• Build a strong defence or mitigation strategy

In many cases, early intervention can be the difference between keeping and losing your licence.

Need Help With a Driving Offence?

If you’re facing a driving offence charge, don’t leave your future to chance. Speaking to a solicitor who regularly deals with motoring offences can give you clarity, confidence, and the best possible chance of a positive outcome.

Andersons Solicitors provide expert legal advice and representation for a wide range of driving offences, including drink driving, drug driving, speeding, and dangerous driving.

👉 Contact our team today for confidential advice and support.