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Motoring Offences
Motoring offences are often treated as routine until the consequences become serious. This section explores the legal, practical and sentencing issues surrounding criminal motoring offences.
Motoring offence descriptions
Click each offence to learn more about what the offence is, what driving behaviours are included and the penalties for each offence.
For those facing motoring and transport-related offences, specialist knowledge of road traffic law, investigation processes, and sentencing guidelines is critical.
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When the Cause Isn’t Clear: Understanding Defences in Dangerous Driving Cases
A dangerous driving charge can arise even without drink, drugs, or distraction. This article explores key defences including perception–reaction time, the looming threshold, and unexpected hazards, which show how expert analysis and early legal advice can prove a collision was unavoidable in human terms.
Nov 6, 20254 min read


What Really Happens When a Driver is Investigated After a Crash
A crash doesn’t end when the road reopens. Drivers face police questioning, possible charges, and for fleets, wider HSE and regulatory risk. Early legal advice can make the difference between no further action and a prosecution.
Sep 22, 20253 min read


Exceptional Hardship Appeal
An Exceptional Hardship appeal may be your only route to avoid disqualification under the totting-up rules. Courts set a high bar, so strong evidence and expert legal representation are vital to protect your licence, livelihood, and family responsibilities.
Sep 16, 20253 min read


Motoring Offences and Special Reasons – Seeing the Bigger Picture
In motoring law, not every offence warrants standard penalties. Exceptional circumstances like responding urgently to an emergency can justify leniency. Successfully presenting a "special reasons" argument requires precise legal skill, meticulous preparation, and persuasive evidence.
Jul 24, 20254 min read


Revised Sentencing Guidelines for Careless Driving – What Fleet Operators Need to Know
Even a moment’s lapse behind the wheel—glancing at your sat nav, missing a mirror check—could now result in a court summons, heavy fine, or short-term driving ban. Under new 2025 sentencing rules, intent no longer matters. Ordinary drivers face harsher penalties for everyday errors.
Jul 1, 20254 min read


New sentencing guidelines increase legal exposure for fleet drivers and operators
Revised guidelines for careless driving offences come into effect 1st July 2025, introducing tougher penalties and sharper scrutiny, particularly for those driving for work.
Jul 1, 20252 min read


The Critical Minutes After A Collision - What Fleet Operators Must Know and Put in Place.
What your fleet driver says after a crash can trigger police investigations, prosecutions, and corporate liability. Learn why the first hour after a collision is legally critical — and how early legal support protects drivers, reputations, and your bottom line. Discover what fleets must do to stay compliant, reduce risk, and respond fast when every second counts.
Jun 30, 20254 min read


Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving: A Legal Risk Employers Can’t Overlook
A landmark Court of Appeal ruling has set a new tone for sentencing in cases of careless driving causing serious injury highlighting the very real custodial risks. For employers managing professional drivers, this underscores the need to prioritise driver health, fatigue, and safety systems. Even non-deliberate errors can carry serious legal and reputational consequences. Are your road risk policies truly fit for purpose?
May 23, 20253 min read


Are the UK's requirements in respect of driving and eyesight fit for purpose? A legal perspective on proposed reform
A recent inquest into the tragic deaths of four individuals in three separate road traffic incidents involving drivers with deteriorating eyesight has cast serious doubt on the adequacy of the UK’s current visual standard requirements for motorists. This has prompted legal, medical and political scrutiny of whether the existing framework is sufficient to protect road users and whether significant reform is now due. A system under the spotlight HM Senior Coroner for Lancas
May 1, 20253 min read


What happens when you are interviewed by police under caution?
Learn your rights, risks, and what to expect. Expert legal advice can protect you. Don’t face police questioning alone.
May 1, 20253 min read


Understanding Section 172 Offences - When notices go unreceived
Facing a criminal charge for ignoring a notice you never received? You're not alone. Section 172 offences can lead to points, fines, and disqualification even when the failure to respond wasn’t your fault. From misdirected post to digital barriers, we help clients defend these charges and protect their licences.
Apr 22, 20254 min read


The Road to No Further Action: How LMP Legal Helped a Driver Navigate a Critical Police Investigation
When a routine haul turned into a legal nightmare, LMP Legal was there in 30 mins. Alan's story shows why timing is everything.
Apr 1, 20253 min read


New Sentencing Guidelines for Aggravated Vehicle Taking and Other Motoring Offences
New guidelines have led to longer sentences for certain offences which aligns with public expectation.
Mar 25, 20253 min read


Medical declarations for driving: what you need to know
For many, driving is an essential part of daily life. However, certain medical conditions can impact a person’s ability to drive safely.
Mar 20, 20253 min read


Driving licence revocation on medical grounds: understanding the process and your rights
Over 60,000 people a year have their driving licence revoked or refused on medical ground. We examine the causes and your rights.
Mar 20, 20254 min read


When the sun blinds a driver: A tale of two legal cases
Sun glare is a well-known hazard for drivers. We compare two cases which show the benefit of immediate legal advice.
Mar 10, 20254 min read


Legal Fees: The Cost of Pursuing or Defending a Motor Accident Claim
Legal disputes arising from motor accidents can be complex, time-consuming, and expensive.
Mar 7, 20254 min read


What is Automatism? A Legal Defence Explained
The defence of automatism explores a complex area of law, where involuntary actions caused by medical conditions or external factors - may remove criminal liability.
Mar 4, 20253 min read


Motor Legal Protection: What It Covers and Why It May Not Be Enough
Being involved in a road traffic accident can be a highly stressful experience, particularly when legal issues arise.
Feb 28, 20254 min read


Pre-Charge Engagement
How early legal advice can stop a case in its tracks
Feb 28, 20253 min read


Causing Serious Injury by Careless or Inconsiderate Driving: Understanding the legal consequences
Examining the potential penalties of motoring convictions, and the wider impact on individuals and their families.
Feb 26, 20254 min read


Sentencing for Fatal Road Traffic Offences: What You Need to Know
Learn about sentencing for fatal road traffic offences under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. Discover harsher penalties,
Jan 10, 20253 min read


Fatigue: The Silent Killer This Christmas
Fatigue kills just like alcohol. This Christmas, stay safe: plan rest breaks, avoid drowsy driving, and don’t let tiredness take the wheel.
Dec 9, 20243 min read


Festive Cheers, Not Tears: The Dangers of Drink & Drug Driving During Christmas.
Stay safe this Christmas! Learn the dangers of drink & drug driving, including the ‘morning after’ risks, and how to avoid legal trouble.
Nov 21, 20245 min read


Cycling and the Law: Potential New Offences and What They Mean
Explore the future of cyclist accountability with new legal offences aimed at enhancing road safety and clarity in responsibilities.
May 16, 20242 min read


Totting Up? How to Fight the Ban.
Avoid a driving ban with LMP Legal's expert advice on Exceptional Hardship cases. Discover how to protect your licence.
Jan 31, 20244 min read


Have you been convicted in absence?
It wouldn’t happen to me, right? Actually, you might be surprised to learn that it is becoming increasingly common for motorists to be...
Oct 26, 20234 min read


Pensioner in court charged with new offence.
71 year old pensioner charged with causing serious injury by careless driving.
This could be you, your Dad, or Grandad.
Aug 16, 20232 min read


Ever been "blinded" by the Sun whilst driving?
The sentence handed down in the Louis Emerick case highlights the severity of penalties now facing drivers before the courts.
Jun 22, 20231 min read
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