The Most Common Traffic Offences and Fines for UK Motorists

Around 250,000 motorists are banned from driving each year in the UK. It takes 12 penalty points within three years to receive a driving ban but some common traffic offences can mean an instant driving disqualification.

Your Licence and Driving Disqualifications

Imagine spending hundreds of pounds on driving lessons, passing the test and then receiving a disqualification because of one mistake. This scenario happens to many drivers, especially first time drivers, when they commit common traffic offences. Most driving offences will come with set penalty points but for some offences the courts do have discretionary powers to ban a driver. First time drivers have less leeway under the rules of the New Drivers Act where a licence can be revoked if six points are amassed within two years of passing the test. The driving offences listed below may be common but they result in heavy fines, penalty points and even an instant driving disqualification.

The Most Common UK Driving Offence

Speeding is the most common way for a driver to commit a driving offence. The courts do have discretionary powers when it comes to speeding and there are a number of different fines and penalties that are applicable. The severity of the offence will determine the severity of the punishment and it is not uncommon for drivers to receive an instant disqualification. Penalty points for speeding will be between three and six points with fines reaching a maximum £2,500. A driver exceeding the speed limit by 50% may find themselves with an instant disqualification.

Drink Driving Still a Common Offence

Although it ranks as a serious criminal driving offence there are still over 3000 drink driving related traffic accidents each year in the UK. Additionally, around 100,000 UK drivers fail a drink driving breath test each year when stopped by the police. The seriousness of this offence brings some of the highest fines and penalties. This can include unlimited fines, with a usual fine of around £5000 and a three year driving disqualification. Depending on the severity of the offence prison sentences ranging from three months to 14 years can be applied.

Common Driving Distractions Leading to Penalties

Using a mobile phone and eating behind the wheel are two common distractions that can lead to penalty points and fines. Driving whilst using a mobile phone is an offence that can lead to a maximum fine of £1000 and three penalty points will also be applied. A £60 fine and three points can be applied simply for holding a mobile phone whilst in charge of a vehicle. Other distractions such as eating and even applying make-up whilst driving have led to successful prosecutions. These distractions may seem minor but they can lead to the serious offence of careless or even dangerous driving.

Accidents and Failing to Stop and Report

Another common offence in the UK is failure to stop after an accident. A common example would be a driver who causes a minor accident such as scratching another vehicle with their own vehicle and then drives on. Failing to stop after such a simple accident could actually result in the driver receiving an instant driving ban. Failing to stop and failing to report are classed as two separate offences and drivers can be prosecuted for both even if they did not cause the accident. Fines can reach up to £2,500 with between five and ten penalty points applied to a licence.

No Car Insurance is a Big Risk

Around two million motorists drive every year in the UK without the proper insurance. Police spot checks are common and 300,000 people are caught driving without insurance each year thanks to these checks. Driving without insurance is viewed as a serious offence and fines can reach up to £5,000. Driving bans are not uncommon for this offence and six to eight penalty points can also be applied to a licence. Being convicted of driving without insurance will also mean that the driver’s future insurance premiums are at an increased level as insurers will see convicted drivers as a risk.

Although these are some of the most common driving offences there are many more that come with risks to a driver’s licence and finances. Being prosecuted of a driving offence can be an expensive business. Retaining the services of a lawyer to ensure the best defence, fines and increased insurance premiums can reach into the thousands of pounds mark. Losing a licence can also lead to loss of employment and result in financial hardship for the convicted driver. Common driving offences can occur in a matter of seconds but can take years to recover from.