Other driving offences

Driving whilst disqualified

It is an offence for a person who is disqualified from driving or from obtaining a licence to drive on a road, or to obtain a licence, whilst disqualified. The matter can only be dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court and carries up to 6 months’ imprisonment and 6 points or a discretionary disqualification.

Failure to provide a specimen for analysis

It is an offence to fail, without reasonable excuse, to provide a specimen when required in the course of an investigation into whether a person has driven, attempted to drive or been in charge of a vehicle whilst over the prescribed limit. When driving or attempting to drive, the offence carries up to 6 months’ imprisonment and an obligatory disqualification for a minimum of 12 months; when in charge, up to 3 months’ imprisonment and 10 points or a discretionary disqualification.

Being unfit to drive through drink or drugs

It is an offence to drive, attempt to drive or be in charge of a vehicle when unfit through drink or drugs. When driving or attempting to drive, it carries up to 6 months’ imprisonment and an obligatory disqualification for a minimum of 12 months; when in charge, up to 3 months’ imprisonment and 10 points or a discretionary disqualification.

Causing death by driving: unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured drivers

This can be dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court depending on the seriousness of the offence and plea, and carries a maximum of 6 months’ imprisonment in the Magistrates’ Court or 2 years in the Crown Court.

Anything else

We deal with all road traffic offences — please contact us for advice about any offence not covered here.