Driving with out Due Care

Accused of Driving Without Due Care and Attention?

Driving without due care and attention — also known as careless driving — covers a wide range of offences. These include any driving that falls below the standard expected of a competent driver. While some cases are minor, others can result in hefty fines, penalty points, driving bans, and even custodial sentences if they cause serious injury or death.

At E&L Legal, we provide expert legal advice and representation for all careless driving allegations, including:

  • Standard careless driving (e.g., tailgating, lane hogging)

  • Low-speed collisions or minor accidents

  • Failure to pay proper attention to road conditions

  • Overtaking or turning without due care

  • Driving too close to other vehicles or cyclists

  • Collisions caused by momentary inattention

  • Causing serious injury by careless driving


How We Can Help

Careless driving cases often involve dashcam footage, witness statements, and police reports. We will:

  • Examine all evidence to determine whether your driving truly meets the legal threshold for careless driving.

  • Challenge subjective police assessments, which often form the basis of these allegations.

  • Negotiate for alternative outcomes, such as driver improvement courses instead of penalty points.

  • Present strong mitigation, particularly where your licence is at risk due to totting-up points.


Why Early Advice Matters

If you receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) or are invited to attend a police interview, early legal advice can significantly improve your chances of avoiding penalties. We can advise you on whether to accept or contest fixed penalties, or represent you in court if necessary.


Sentencing and Consequences

Penalties for careless driving can include:

  • Fines of up to £5,000.

  • 3–9 penalty points or an immediate driving disqualification.

  • Increased insurance premiums.

  • Prison sentences for causing death or serious injury by careless driving.

Our goal is always to minimise penalties or seek acquittal wherever possible.