There is a wide array of driving offences that can often result in fines, points on a licence – and, in more serious cases, driving bans and criminal prosecutions. Below are some of the most common offences.
What are the penalties for road traffic offences?
Driving offences are typically penalised in the following ways:
- Penalty Points- each type of offence (or ‘endorsement’) incurs a certain number of penalty points that stay on a driving licence for a selected time. If a driver collects 12 points or more in 3 years, they are disqualified (this process is known as ‘totting-up’). New drivers who receive 6 points within 2 years of passing their test can have their licence revoked.
- Fines – in addition to endorsing penalty points, fines can be imposed depending on the traffic offence
- Disqualification – as well as in the case of totting-up endorsements, courts sometimes impose immediate discretionary or obligatory disqualification, especially in the case of careless driving offences
- Prosecution – in serious cases such as a death resulting from the offence, criminal prosecution may take place and can lead to imprisonment.
The penalty for breaking the speed limit in Northern Ireland is a fine between £60 and £200 payable in 21 days. Penalty points can be added to a licence which can result in disqualification from driving.
Can I attend a speed awareness course instead of paying a fixed penalty?
Drivers, depending upon the speed at which they were detected, may be invited to go to a speed awareness course as an alternative to penalty points.
For the speed awareness course, the speed of the offence must fall within the criteria stated below:
- 30 mph up to and including 42 mph
- 40 mph up to and including 53 mph
- 50 mph up to and including 64 mph
- 60 mph up to and including 75 mph
- 70 mph up to and including 86 mph
Will I be offered a second speed awareness course if caught speeding for a second time?
If you’ve attended a course, you won’t be allowed to go to another one for 3 years. If you end up with another speeding offence, then you’ll have to pay the fine and take the points.
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As professional and reliable road traffic solicitors, we are fully qualified and have recent experience in handling all driving offences and road traffic incidents. Our team is completely client-focused, and we pride ourselves on building trust and providing value to each of our clients, so you can be confident in us and our ability to defend you. Contact us for more information.
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