Driving without due care and attention - from Specialist Motoring Solicitors

Caught Driving without due care?

Even the most careful and experienced of drivers can from time to time suffer a momentary lapse in concentration which affects their driving. If you suffer a lapse in concentration it may be that you find yourself facing a prosecution for driving without due care and attention, otherwise known as careless driving.

You are guilty of the offence if the standard of your driving falls below what would be expected of a “careful and competent driver“.

Examples of the types of driving which may amount to careless driving include:

• Emerging from a side road into the path of another vehicle
• Driving inappropriately close to a vehicle in front
• Hitting a stationary vehicle from behind
• Overtaking on the inside
• Reading a map

What is the sentence for driving without due care and attention?

• Fine of up to £5,000
• 3 – 9 penalty points or discretionary disqualification

What are the defences to driving without due care and attention?

The defences to this offence fall into three categories

1. The incident did not happen
2. It was not me, it is a case of mistaken identity
3. The standard of my driving did not fall below the standard of a “careful and competent driver”

source: http://www.motordefencelawyers.co.uk/motoring-offences/driving-without-due-care/