Welcome to our Specialist Motoring Law Department

At Lloyd James Law, we specialize in defending drivers charged with various speeding offences, whether it’s challenging the charges or minimizing the penalties imposed. Our speeding offence lawyers have successfully defended numerous cases in motoring courts across England and Wales, earning respect from the courts for our expertise, knowledge, and integrity.

Our unparalleled understanding of police enforcement technology, from GATSO cameras to in-car police VASCAR systems, allows us to provide the best possible representation for clients challenging speeding allegations. When it comes to building a strong defence, expert representation is crucial.

For clients who acknowledge their speeding offence, our extensive knowledge of road traffic law and sentencing helps minimize penalties. We can argue for alternatives like speed awareness courses or persuade courts to avoid disqualification or reduce penalty points.

If convicted of a speeding offence, the courts may fine you and endorse your driving record with penalty points, which remain on your record for 4 years from the offence date. Accumulating 12 or more points within 3 years can lead to disqualification. For new drivers, defined as those within 2 years of passing their test, the rules differ.

In certain cases, we may persuade the court not to impose penalty points due to “special reasons” or avoid a driving disqualification under “exceptional hardship” provisions. If we can demonstrate that disqualification would severely impact your livelihood or family, we can argue against it and seek alternative penalties.

We will guide you in choosing the best legal strategy for your situation. Below, you’ll find detailed information on various aspects of speeding law and answers to common questions. As expert speeding offence lawyers, we’re always ready to offer our in-house legal expertise. If you’ve received a speeding ticket, court summons, or Single Justice Procedure Notice, call us for a no-obligation consultation.

When you reach out for your free consultation, we won’t overwhelm you with a sales pitch. Instead, we’ll provide expert legal insight specific to your case. We’ll listen to the key details of your speeding offence, assess potential defences or mitigating circumstances, and offer an honest evaluation of your legal options and the best steps forward.

It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving. This law extends to other communication devices, including personal computers, satellite navigation systems, and two-way radios. The term “use” is broadly interpreted by the courts but generally applies to engaging with an interactive function of the device, such as making calls, texting, emailing, browsing the web, or receiving data.

The maximum penalty for using a handheld mobile phone while driving is a fine of up to £1,000 (or £2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus) and the addition of 6 penalty points to your licence. If you have received a Fixed Penalty Notice or Court Summons for this offence, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation on how we can assist you.

The maximum penalty for using a handheld mobile phone while driving is a fine of up to £1,000 (£2,500 for lorry or bus drivers) and 6 penalty points. This applies to offences committed on or after 1st March 2017.

In many cases, motorists alleged to have committed this offence are offered a Fixed Penalty Notice, which imposes a £200 penalty and 6 penalty points as an alternative to formal prosecution in a Magistrates’ Court. If you have received a Fixed Penalty Notice, Court Summons, or Single Justice Procedure Notice for this offence, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation on how we can help.

Several defences are available for the offence of using a handheld mobile phone while driving. In addition to procedural arguments, these may include:

• You were calling the emergency services (999) in a genuine emergency, and it was not safe or practical to stop.
• You were not "using" a communicative function of the phone.
• You were not driving.

If you have received a Fixed Penalty Notice, Summons, or Single Justice Procedure Notice for this offence, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation on how we can assist you.

If you receive a Fixed Penalty Notice for using a handheld mobile phone while driving and acknowledge that you committed the offence, you should accept the Fixed Penalty Notice. This involves paying a £100 penalty and having 3 penalty points added to your driving licence.

However, you should only accept the Fixed Penalty Notice if you agree that you committed the offence. If you believe you did not commit the offence, you may reject the Fixed Penalty Notice and request a hearing before the Magistrates’ Court, where you can present your version of events.

If you wish to challenge a Fixed Penalty Notice for using a handheld mobile phone while driving, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation to explore how we can assist you.

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle on a road or in any public place without at least third-party insurance coverage. Additionally, it is also an offence to cause or allow someone else to use a vehicle without insurance.

Whether you knowingly drove without insurance or did so unintentionally, this can result in an IN10 endorsement—one of the most common driving convictions in the UK. Penalties for these offences can include a fine of up to £5,000, the addition of 6 to 8 penalty points on your licence, and even a potential driving disqualification.

Car insurance can be complex, and mistakes happen. If you’ve received a Fixed Penalty Notice or Court Summons for driving without insurance, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation on how we can assist you. Below, you’ll find information about insurance laws, how we can help, and answers to common questions.

Driving without insurance carries a penalty of up to £5,000 in fines and the endorsement of 6 to 8 penalty points or even disqualification from driving.

In some cases, a motorist accused of this offence may be offered a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), which includes a £300 fine and 6 penalty points as an alternative to formal prosecution. If you’ve received a Fixed Penalty Notice or Court Summons for this offence, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation on how we can help.

If your case is dealt with by the courts, the potential penalties can be more severe. There is no fixed maximum fine for driving without insurance in the UK, as courts can impose unlimited fines, alongside endorsing your licence with 6 to 8 penalty points. In some cases, the court may also impose a driving disqualification.

Driving without insurance is considered a “strict liability” offence, meaning you can be convicted regardless of intent.

However, there are a few defences available:

• Valid Insurance: You can defend yourself by proving you had a valid insurance policy at the time of the offence.
• Employee’s Defence: If you were driving a vehicle in the course of your employment and were unaware that it was uninsured, you may have a defence.
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While defences are limited, in cases where a motorist had a “genuine and honest” belief that they were insured, it may be possible to argue against the endorsement of penalty points under “special reasons” (see below).

If you’ve received a Fixed Penalty Notice or Court Summons for driving without insurance and believe you may have a defence or “special reasons,” please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation.

In cases where driving without insurance occurred due to a genuine mistake, it may be possible to request that the court not endorse any penalty points or impose a fine under “special reasons.”

To successfully argue “special reasons,” you must demonstrate that:

• You genuinely and honestly believed you were insured at the time of the offence.
• It was reasonable for you to hold that belief.

For example, you might argue “special reasons” if:

• Your insurance policy was cancelled without your knowledge.
• You relied on a trustworthy assurance from someone else that you were insured, such as a child relying on a parent’s assurance or a spouse relying on their partner.

If you’ve received a Fixed Penalty Notice or Court Summons for driving without insurance, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation on how we can assist you.

If you cause or allow someone else to drive your vehicle without insurance, you could be summonsed to court for “causing or permitting” this offence. The penalties are the same as if you were driving without insurance yourself—a fine and 6 to 8 penalty points (or disqualification).

If you’ve been summonsed for this offence, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation on how we can help.

Under Section 144A of the Road Traffic Act 1988, any vehicle that is not declared as off-road (SORN) must have at least third-party insurance coverage. Failing to do so is an offence, punishable by a fine of up to £1,000.

The DVLA monitors and prosecutes these offences, often issuing a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 initially. If you face prosecution in a Magistrates’ Court for this offence, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation on how we can help.

 At Lloyd James Law, we specialise in representing motorists charged with Failing to Provide Driver Information, commonly referred to as "failing to provide driver details," an offence under Section 172(3) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

When a driver is suspected of committing an offence, the police may request the registered keeper or another individual to provide information identifying the driver of the vehicle. This often occurs in situations where a vehicle is detected speeding by an automatic speed detection device—the police know the vehicle involved but not the driver.

In such cases, the police typically send a combined Notice of Intended Prosecution and Request for Driver Details to the registered keeper or another relevant individual, asking them to identify the driver at the time of the offence. If the registered keeper or person fails to respond and identify the driver, they can be prosecuted for "failing to provide driver information," which carries a fine of up to £1,000 and 6 penalty points on their licence.

If you are charged with failing to provide driver details, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation on how we can assist you.

Lloyd James Law is a leading firm specialising in the representation of motorists charged with drink driving offences. Our expertise covers a range of cases, including drink driving, being drunk in charge, failing to provide a specimen, and being unfit to drive due to alcohol or drugs. Our team of expert lawyers is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal guidance, using our extensive knowledge to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients. Whether it's achieving an acquittal, avoiding disqualification due to special reasons, reducing the length of a driving ban, or avoiding a custodial sentence in more serious cases, we have a proven track record of defending motorists who believe they have been wrongly accused.

The quality of your legal representation is crucial when facing a drink driving charge. Our expert lawyers will provide dedicated and professional representation, helping you explore any possible mitigating circumstances. If you've been charged with drink driving, contact our team for a free consultation.

No matter where you are in England or Wales, we offer specialist representation in motoring courts throughout the country. Our experience includes representing clients in both first-time and repeat offences.

All initial consultations with us are free and without obligation. During your call, one of our expert motoring lawyers will review the details of your case and discuss any relevant issues, including the importance of your driving licence to you. We'll provide a preliminary assessment of your situation and propose a strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome. With extensive experience in motoring offences, including drink driving, we're well-equipped to represent your interests.

We believe in transparent pricing and will discuss our fees during your initial consultation. Most of our services are offered on a fixed fee basis, meaning you'll know the total cost upfront, with no hidden charges at the end of your case. In more complex cases, we may work on an agreed hourly rate, with a clear estimate provided at the start. We maintain open communication throughout, allowing you to receive updates on your legal costs at any time.

If we successfully defend your case, you may be eligible for a Defendant Costs Order, which allows you to recover the costs of your legal representation. We'll keep you informed about this and other legal options as your case progresses.

Being charged with drug driving doesn't have to lead to an automatic conviction. If you're facing a drug driving offence, it's crucial to seek advice from a specialist drug driving solicitor as soon as possible.

At Lloyd James Law, our team of experienced drug driving lawyers is well-equipped to defend even the most complex cases. Our primary goal is to help you retain your licence and avoid a criminal conviction if possible.

We understand that being charged with drug driving can be a daunting and stressful experience, especially when facing severe penalties such as imprisonment or disqualification. We’ll work closely with you to gather all the necessary facts and evidence to build a strong defence, ensuring that the court fully understands your side of the story. If a guilty verdict is unavoidable, we will strive to minimise the sentence or penalty you're facing.

Our specialist drug driving lawyers also offer guidance and support for related charges, including dangerous driving, causing death by careless or reckless driving, or failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

If you need legal advice or assistance with a drug driving offence, don't hesitate to contact us. Our expert team is here to provide the legal support you need to achieve the best possible outcome. Reach out to us today for more information or to schedule an initial consultation.

Driving with drugs in excess of the prescribed limit is a serious offence, as even small amounts of illegal drugs in your system can impair your ability to drive safely. If a police officer suspects you're under the influence of drugs, they can conduct a preliminary swab test at the roadside for substances like cannabis and cocaine. Following an arrest, the police may also request a blood or urine sample for further analysis.

The offence of Driving with Excess Drugs in the Blood was introduced into UK law in March 2015, making it a relatively new legal area. Procedures for obtaining and analysing blood samples for drugs are still developing, and errors in these processes are not uncommon. 

This uncertainty means that with the right legal representation, securing a not guilty verdict is often a realistic possibility.

We recognise that this new offence can result in law-abiding motorists being unfairly criminalised, particularly those who have taken medication legitimately and whose driving was otherwise unimpeachable.

Thanks to our specialist knowledge, we've successfully secured acquittals for drug driving offences in recent years. We also take pride in providing unparalleled support to each of our clients. Contact Lloyd James Law today to see how we can assist you.

 At Lloyd James Law, we specialise in representing motorists charged with failing to stop and report an accident, an offence under Section 170(4) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

According to the law, if you are involved in an accident on a road or other public place that results in damage to another vehicle, injury to another person, damage to roadside fixtures (such as signs or fences), or harm to an animal, you are required to stop immediately at the scene. You must exchange your name, address, and vehicle details with anyone who may reasonably require them.

If you are unable to provide your details at the scene—perhaps because it’s late at night and no one is around—you must report the accident to a police station or a police officer as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any case, within 24 hours.

The maximum penalty for failing to stop and report an accident includes up to 6 months in prison, a fine, and the endorsement of 5 to 10 penalty points on your driving licence.

This offence often occurs in conjunction with Driving Without Due Care and Attention (Careless Driving), particularly in cases where a minor collision, such as clipping a wing mirror or brushing against a car in a supermarket car park, goes unnoticed by the driver.

We have successfully defended many motorists charged with this offence. If you have received a Court Summons for failing to stop and report an accident, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation on how we can help.

Careless Driving Charge: Driving without Due Care and Attention

At Lloyd James Law Lawyers, we specialise in the representation of motorists who have been handed a Careless Driving Charge or charged with Driving without Due Care and Attention, more commonly known as “careless driving” and have successfully defended many motorists charged with this offence.

The offence of careless driving, also know as driving without due care and attention, is committed if the standard of your driving falls below what would be expected of a “competent and careful driver“.

Whether or not your driving is considered to have fallen below this standard is objective and common examples would include the following:

• Tailgating          (driving inappropriately close to the vehicle in front)
• Undertaking      (overtaking on the inside)
• Colliding             with another vehicle (where a driver is at fault)
• Emerging           from a side road into the path of another vehicle.
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The penalty for driving without due care and attention includes a fine of up to £5,000 and the endorsement of between 3 and 9 penalty points or discretionary disqualification.

If you find yourself with a Fixed Penalty or Summonsed to appear before the Magistrates’ Court for this offence, please contact us for advice and a no obligation consultation on how we can help you.

What are the penalties for Careless Driving?

The penalty for Careless Driving before a Magistrates’ Court is a fine up to a maximum of £5,000 and the endorsement of between 3 and 9 penalty points, with the possibility of disqualification from driving.

In some cases, the police may offer a Fixed Penalty Notice in the alternative to a formal prosecution, which carries a £100 penalty and the endorsement of 3 penalty points. As a further alternative, all police forces in England and Wales offer a “driver improvement course” for careless driving in the alternative to either a Fixed Penalty Notice or formal prosecution.

If you find yourself with a Fixed Penalty or Summonsed to appear before the Magistrates’ Court for Careless Driving, please contact us for advice and a no obligation consultation on how we can help you.

What are the defences to Careless Driving?

Careless driving is a “strict liability” offence, which means that you commit the offence even if you had no intention to do so, or it was simply an accident. Defences will commonly have to include a factual dispute and may include the following:

1) My driving was not careless – the standard of my driving did not fall below that expected of a “competent and careful” driver;
2) My vehicle was subject to a mechanical defect of which I was unaware; and
3) It is a care of mistaken identity – it was not my vehicle or I was not the driver.

Very technical defences of automatism may also be argued in more unusual cases, where the offence has occurred through an involuntary act e.g. if the driver has fallen unconscious because of a previously unknown medical condition.

Driver Improvement Course for Careless Driving

The police may sometimes offer a motorist the chance of attending on a driver improvement course in the alternative to a Fixed Penalty Notice or formal prosecution for careless driving.

All police forces in England and Wales offer this course and it is a matter of discretion as to whether the course is offered. In exercising this discretion the police will usually refer to guidance issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers.

In general terms, subject to an assessment of the seriousness of an offence, a course may be offered if the motorist has not attended a driver improvement course within the past 3 years.

Courses usually last 1/2 day and cost between £85.00 and £120.00 (depending on the police force and course provider).

As general guidance a driver improvement course should not be accepted if you do not believe that you have committed any offence and you should be aware that accepting a driver improvement course may impact upon any insurance claim brought against you by another driver.

If you believe that you may be eligible for a driver improvement course and have not been offered this opportunity or you have been offered a course and do not know whether to accept it, please contact us for advice and a no obligation consultation on how we can help you.

Fixed Penalty Notice for Careless Driving

For some minor cases of Careless Driving including things such as undertaking, tailgating and middle lane hogging, the police may offer a Fixed Penalty Notice in the alternative to a formal prosecution.

A Fixed Penalty Notice for Careless Driving gives a penalty of £100 and 3 penalty points.

A Fixed Penalty Notice should only be accepted if you accept that you have committed the offence or do not wish to challenge the offence.  If you do not accept the Fixed Penalty Notice then this may be challenged by completing the reverse of the notice and requesting a court hearing. Please note that once a fixed penalty notice is paid and licence details provided, you cannot reject the notice.

If you have been offered a Fixed Penalty Notice and do not know whether to accept it, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation on how we can help you.

How We Can Help

Using our expertise and experience we will undertake a thorough review of your case and identify any factual or technical defence which may be available. We will thoroughly prepare your case and present a strong defence before the court. If the court accept your defence you will be acquitted and no punishment will be imposed. We will also seek to recover the cost of your legal representation by way of a defendant cost order – Your acquittal could cost you nothing!

If you do not have a defence, we can present persuasive mitigation to the court on your behalf and will seek to minimise both the fine and penalty points imposed.

If you find yourself with a Fixed Penalty or Summonsed to appear before the court for Careless Driving, please contact us for advice and a no-obligation consultation with one of our lawyers to explore how we can help you.

At Lloyd James Law, we specialise in defending motorists charged with dangerous driving offenses. Our team of experienced dangerous driving lawyers is dedicated to providing top-tier representation, leveraging our extensive knowledge and collaboration with leading road traffic collision experts to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.

What Constitutes Dangerous Driving?

A person is guilty of dangerous driving if their driving standard falls "far below" that expected of a "competent and careful driver." This offense also covers situations where a vehicle is in a dangerous condition. Dangerous driving is a serious crime that can result in imprisonment for up to 2 years, a minimum 12-month driving disqualification, and an extended re-test requirement before the driving licence can be reinstated.

Examples of Dangerous Driving

Dangerous driving can occur under various circumstances, including:

• Competitive Driving or Racing: Engaging in reckless or high-speed driving challenges.
• Ignoring Traffic Signals: Deliberately disregarding traffic signals or road signs.
• Driving on Pavements: Operating a vehicle on pedestrian pathways.
• Driving Under the Influence: Driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications.
• Using a Hand-Held Mobile Phone: Operating a vehicle while using a mobile phone dangerously.
• Dangerous Overtaking: Passing other vehicles in a hazardous manner.
• Vehicle Condition: Driving a vehicle with significant faults, such as faulty brakes.
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If you are being investigated, charged, or summoned to court for dangerous driving, please reach out to us for a no-obligation consultation to discuss how we can assist you.

Penalties for Dangerous Driving

The maximum penalty for dangerous driving includes up to 2 years of imprisonment and a minimum driving disqualification of 12 months. Although prison sentences are more common for serious cases involving intentional reckless driving or road rage, most offenders will face disqualification periods ranging from 12 months to 5 years.

After the disqualification period, you must pass an extended re-test to regain your driving licence. This re-test involves both a practical driving assessment and an eyesight check, conducted over approximately 90 minutes on various roads and traffic conditions.

Defences Against Dangerous Driving

Possible defences against a dangerous driving charge can include:

• Dispute of Alleged Driving: Arguing that the driving behavior in question did not occur.
• Standard of Driving: Demonstrating that your driving did not fall "far below" the standard of a competent driver.
• Vehicle Condition Awareness: Showing that you were unaware of the vehicle's dangerous condition, and it would not have been obvious to a careful driver.

If you face dangerous driving charges, securing the expertise of an experienced solicitor is crucial. They will help identify viable defences and guide you on the best course of action.

Extended Re-Test Process

Upon conviction for dangerous driving, your licence will be revoked, and you will be disqualified from driving. To regain your licence, you must complete an extended re-test, which includes both a practical driving test and an eyesight test. The re-test, lasting around 90 minutes, will assess your ability to drive safely under various conditions. You will need to use your own insured vehicle for this test.

Once you pass the extended re-test, your driving licence will be reinstated, allowing you to resume driving legally.

If you are facing a dangerous driving charge, contact us for expert advice and a no-obligation consultation to explore how we can assist you.

What to Do If Your Driving Licence Has Been Revoked on Medical Grounds

If the DVLA has revoked your driving licence on medical grounds, we at Lloyd James Law can offer expert advice and support to help you navigate the appeal process.

Understanding Medical Revocation of a Driving Licence

To ensure road safety, drivers must be in good health and fit to drive. The DVLA, through the Secretary of State for Transport and their medical advisers, is responsible for assessing and maintaining these health standards. Both Group 1 and Group 2 drivers are subject to these medical requirements:

• Group 1 Licence Holders: Includes drivers of motor cars and motorcycles.
• Group 2 Licence Holders: Includes drivers of large lorries (Category C) and buses (Category D). Medical standards for Group 2 are stricter due to the size of the vehicles and the nature of the job.
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When Does Medical Revocation Apply?

Medical revocation can occur for both Group 1 and Group 2 drivers if the DVLA determines that a driver is no longer fit to drive. Common scenarios leading to medical revocation include:

1. Self-Reporting: The driver or a licence applicant reports a medical condition that could impair their driving ability, such as cardiovascular issues or diabetes.
2. Police Concerns: The police raise concerns about a driver’s health following an accident, such as confusion due to dementia.
3. Criminal Convictions: The driver has been convicted of an alcohol or drug-related offense.
4. Doctor’s Report: The driver’s doctor informs them that they are unfit to drive and notifies the DVLA of conditions such as epilepsy, mental disorders, or drug and alcohol misuse.

What Happens When the DVLA Reviews Your Fitness to Drive?

Once the DVLA is informed about a driver’s medical fitness, they will initiate an investigation, often involving requests for medical information from the driver’s healthcare provider. If the DVLA concludes that the driver poses a risk to road safety based on the medical evidence, they may proceed with revoking the licence

How We Can Help

If your licence has been revoked or you are at risk of revocation, the situation can be particularly distressing, especially if driving is crucial for your livelihood or family. At Lloyd James Law, we offer experienced legal support to guide you through this challenging process.

Our team is well-versed in handling cases of medical licence revocation across Liverpool, Manchester, London, and beyond. We understand the complexities involved and can assist you in:

• Navigating the Appeal Process: Providing advice on how to challenge the revocation and present your case effectively.
• Understanding Your Rights: Ensuring you are fully informed about the process and potential outcomes.
• Gathering Evidence: Assisting in obtaining and presenting medical evidence to support your appeal.

If you’re facing a medical revocation or have concerns about your driving licence status, contact us for a no-obligation consultation. We are here to offer the legal expertise and support you need.