Road Traffic Offences

At Contestor Legal, our expert motoring law team provide dedicated legal support to defend against road traffic offences, offering tailored strategies to protect your driving record and rights. Whether facing charges for speeding, careless driving, or more serious offences like dangerous driving, our team guides you through the legal process to achieve the best possible outcome.

Understanding Road Traffic Offences

Road traffic offences in the UK range from minor infractions, such as speeding or running a red light, to serious charges like dangerous driving or driving under the influence. These offences can result in fines, penalty points, driving bans, or even imprisonment, depending on their severity. Issued under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and other regulations, these cases are typically handled by the police, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), or the courts. Our team help you understand the specifics of your charge and build a robust defence.

Common Road Traffic Offences

We provide expert defence for a wide range of road traffic offences, including:

- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit, often detected by cameras or police radar.

- Careless or Inconsiderate Driving: Driving without due care, such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes.

- Dangerous Driving: Driving far below the standard expected, posing a significant risk to others.

- Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

- Driving Without Insurance or Licence: Operating a vehicle without valid insurance or a proper driving licence.

- Mobile Phone Use: Using a handheld device while driving.

- Failure to Stop or Report an Accident: Not stopping at the scene of an accident or failing to report it to the police.

Our team assesses the details of your case to identify the best defence strategy, whether challenging the evidence or negotiating reduced penalties.

Grounds for Contesting Road Traffic Offences

You may have valid grounds to challenge a road traffic offence if:
- Inaccurate Evidence: The evidence, such as speed camera data or breathalyser results, is flawed or improperly obtained.
- Procedural Errors: The police or prosecution failed to follow correct procedures, such as issuing a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days for certain offences like speeding.
- Mistaken Identity: You were not the driver at the time of the offence.
- Mitigating Circumstances: Exceptional circumstances, such as a medical emergency, justify your actions.
- Faulty Equipment: Speed cameras, traffic lights, or other devices were malfunctioning.
- Unclear Signage: Road signs or speed limits were unclear or missing, leading to unintentional violations.

Our team will review evidence, such as CCTV footage, witness statements, or calibration records, to build a strong defence tailored to your case.

The Legal Process

1.Contesting a road traffic offence involves several stages, and our team provides comprehensive support throughout:

2. Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP): For certain offences (e.g., speeding or careless driving), you should receive an NIP within 14 days of the incident, unless it was issued at the scene. We review the NIP for errors that could invalidate the charge.

3. Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN): For less serious offences, you may be offered an FPN with a fine and/or penalty points. You can accept it, pay the fine, and avoid court, or contest it. We advise on whether to challenge the FPN based on your case’s merits.

4. Court Summons: If you contest the FPN or the offence is serious (e.g., dangerous driving), you’ll receive a court summons. Our solicitors prepare your defence, represent you in court (e.g., Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court for serious cases), and argue to reduce penalties or dismiss the case.

4. Mitigation and Appeals: If convicted, we can present mitigating factors to minimise penalties, such as avoiding a driving ban. If the outcome is unfair, we can guide you through the appeals process to challenge the conviction or sentence.

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Road Traffic Offences

Understanding Road Traffic Offences

Common Road Traffic Offences

Grounds for Contesting Road Traffic Offences

The Legal Process

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