What is careless driving or driving without due care and attention?
Careless Driving
The prosecution must establish that the standard of your driving fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent driver or that your driving did not show reasonable consideration for other persons using the road.
Expert Motoring Offences Solicitors
At GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates, we understand that being charged with a motoring offence can be stressful, disruptive, and carry serious consequences. From speeding and driving without insurance to more serious allegations such as dangerous driving or driving under the influence, our specialist motoring offences team provides expert advice and representation at every stage of the process.
We guide our clients through police investigations, court proceedings, and potential licence or penalty issues, ensuring that all legal options are carefully considered. Our approach combines practical solutions with a strategic focus on protecting your driving record, liberty, and future.
Whether you are facing a single motoring charge or complex, multiple allegations, our solicitors act quickly to provide clear advice, robust representation, and support tailored to your circumstances.
Experienced Motoring Offences Lawyers
Our specialist motoring offences team has extensive experience representing clients facing a wide range of road traffic matters, from speeding, careless or dangerous driving, to more serious allegations such as driving under the influence or driving without insurance. We provide clear advice and representation at every stage, including police investigations, court proceedings, and licence-related matters.
We can help dramatically improve your chances of being found not guilty or avoiding disqualification. Email GT Stewart at roadtraffic@gtstewart.co.uk to speak with a member of our specialist motoring law team, or use our online enquiry form. We will respond at a time and date convenient to you, ensuring that you receive prompt, personalised advice tailored to your case.
Careless Driving
If you plead guilty or are found guilty of this offence, the court can impose between 3 and 9 penalty points or disqualify you. The court can also impose a fine of up to £2500 depending on the particulars of your case. If you are facing such an allegation, contact GT Stewart at roadtraffic@gtstewart.co.uk so that we can provide you with specialist legal advice and with our assistance stand the best possible chance of being found not guilty.
Examples of careless driving or driving without due care and attention
- Driving too close to another vehicle
- Driving through a red light
- Turning into the path of another vehicle
- Overtaking on the inside
- Speeding in excess of the legal limit
- Aggressive driving
This is not an exhaustive list but any one of the above features may be regarded as aggravating the offence and increase the sentence imposed by the court. Some factors which will decrease your sentence include:
- A clean criminal record
- No relevant previous motoring convictions
- Credit for an early guilty plea
Our Services
At GT Stewart Solicitors, our specialist motoring offences team provides clear, practical advice across the full range of road traffic matters. Whether you are facing a speeding allegation, a drink or drug driving charge, or a more serious offence such as dangerous driving, early legal advice can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case.
We understand that for many clients, their driving licence is essential for work, family responsibilities, and day-to-day life. Allegations can carry penalty points, fines, disqualification, or even imprisonment. Our experienced lawyers will assess the evidence, advise you on your options, and build a strong defence where appropriate.
Below you will find guidance on the most common motoring offences we deal with, together with practical information about the legal process and how we can help protect your licence and your livelihood.
Click below to read detailed advice on each motoring offence.
Parking Fines and Offences
Why Choose GT Stewart?
“We will do all the law permits to keep you on the road”
GT Stewart have a proven track record of success with defending driving offences and know exactly how to prepare an effective defence in order to give you the best chance of winning your case.
Speak to one of our Motoring Offences Solicitors
Our Tenacity Results in Success
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We represented a a law student who was charged with two counts of assaulting emergency workers.
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We represented a client in a successful appeal against sentence, following a referral by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). The Court of Appeal reduced our client’s sentence by 148 days, correcting a long-standing legal oversight. The CCRC referred the case, following our submissions that the lower Court erred in failing to deduct time in prison abroad pending extradition.
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Client Testimonials
"Hasan represented me in relation to a dangerous driving case involving extremely serious allegations. The incident involved driving at dangerous speeds with my vehicle door open, colliding with police and other vehicles, and a prolonged police pursuit, all while I was already on police bail for unrelated matters. From the outset, Hasan gave me clear, honest advice that it was in my best interests to plead guilty in order to receive maximum credit. He worked tirelessly on my case, obtaining a psychological report that provided compelling mitigation and taking detailed character references from my family and friends to present the strongest possible case on my behalf. At court, Hasan’s advocacy was exceptional. Thanks to the mitigation he prepared and the way he presented my case, I received a suspended sentence instead of immediate custody. The judge expressly stated that I would have been sent to prison had it not been for the mitigation put forward. I genuinely believe I owe my liberty to Hasan. I cannot thank him enough for his professionalism, dedication, and outstanding representation. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of an exceptional defence solicitor."
"Harry represented me throughout a lengthy and complex criminal case spanning approximately three years. The matter ultimately concluded with a Not Guilty verdict, and I appreciated the effort and commitment he showed in preparing the case over that period."
"We had serious issues with our local council running over several years. Sarah at GT Stewart was tireless in her effort to resolve our problems, which are now sorted. Until Sarah took up our case, we had hit a brick wall in our dealings with the council, and would recommend her and GT Stewart enormously to anyone who feels they need competent professional assistance."
"Harry Charalambous and his dedicated team, Louise and Harry Pell, provided exceptional representation throughout my case, in which I faced a multitude of serious allegations. From the outset, they meticulously explained my options and guided me through every stage of the process. Their expertise and strategic approach ultimately led to my case being dropped before it even reached trial. During such a challenging and uncertain period, it would have been easy to lose hope. However, their unwavering commitment, support, and determination to prove my innocence gave me the confidence to keep fighting and persevere through one of the most difficult times in my life. What truly sets this team apart is their prompt communication, extensive knowledge, and carefully considered legal strategy, all of which contributed to achieving the best possible outcome. Harry Charalambous is a leading figure in criminal law, and I have no hesitation in recommending his services to anyone in need of expert legal representation. I am sincerely grateful for the hard work, dedication, and professionalism shown throughout my case. Thank you to the entire team for always being available to address my concerns and answer any questions I had along the way."
“I’ve worked with GT Stewart since 2014 in relation to matters involving my brother. Over that time, I’ve dealt mainly with Rebecca Hill and, more recently, Tahmina Islam. Having that continuity has been invaluable. They know my brother, they know our family and they understand the history of the case, which means we haven’t had to start from scratch every few years. I’ve always found them professional, passionate and easy to deal with. When I’ve needed advice or had concerns, they’ve been available and have taken the time to understand what matters to us. Acting as my brother’s litigation friend comes with a huge responsibility and I have always felt that he has been well represented. The fact that I’ve continued to return to GT Stewart over the last 12 years probably says more than anything else I could write. I trust them to do right by my brother.”