Northamptonshire Motoring and Road Traffic Law Solicitors
Are you at risk of losing your driving licence? Are you facing serious motoring offences and need representation? Are you worried about a road traffic conviction, driving ban or custodial sentence?
At Carter Osborne, our specialist team of motoring offence solicitors are here to provide the expert motoring law advice you need.
Our motoring offence solicitors understand how important it is for you to stay on the road and how even a relatively minor first-time motoring conviction can turn your life upside down.
Our motoring specialists are here to help you if you are being interviewed by the police about a driving offence, or if you have been charged with committing a motoring offence. If you are being interviewed or prosecuted for a motoring offence, call our road traffic law experts today.
Call Carter Osborne Today
For motoring and road traffic legal advice call us today on 01933 273 400 or email mail@carterosborne.co.uk.
We are open 24 hours a day for emergencies. If you need urgent out-of-hours criminal defence legal advice, call us on our 24-hour emergency telephone at 07725 997087.
Northamptonshire Motoring Offence and Road Traffic Solicitors
Whether you are concerned about a relatively minor motoring offence or facing a prosecution that could result in the loss of your driving licence, the loss of your job or your liberty, our team of specialist motoring law solicitors can help.
Our criminal defence lawyers specialise in the full range of motoring offences including:
- Speeding
- Drink driving
- Drug driving
- Death by careless driving
- Death by dangerous driving
- Dangerous driving
- Driving without insurance
- Driving without due care and attention
- Failing to stop or report an accident
- Vehicle defects
- Corporate driving offences and fleet vehicles
- Avoiding a driving ban
- Totting up bans
- Special reasons and exceptional hardship
- Penalty points advice
- Taxi touting
- Advice on notices of intended prosecution
- Application for removal of disqualification
- Appeals against motoring offence convictions
Whether you drive for a living or need your car for the daily commute, our road traffic law solicitors understand how worried you may be about losing your licence. We can give you an appraisal of the risks of conviction and likely sentencing options when we speak.
As experts in the field of motoring law, our lawyers are on your side, protecting your interests at all times.
Exceptional Hardship Applications – Protecting Your Licence
In UK motoring law, drivers who accumulate 12 or more penalty points within three years face an automatic disqualification under the “totting-up” rules. However, the law allows you to argue exceptional hardship to avoid or reduce the ban. This is not about convenience—it’s about serious, disproportionate consequences, such as loss of employment, inability to care for dependants, or severe impact on vulnerable family members.
Successfully presenting an exceptional hardship case requires detailed preparation, persuasive evidence, and a clear understanding of how magistrates assess such claims. Each application must be specific, credible, and supported by documentation or witness statements.
I specialise in building strong, tailored arguments that resonate with the court, giving clients the best chance to keep their licence and protect their livelihoods. If you’re facing a totting-up ban, professional representation can make all the difference.
Special Reasons
Special Reasons – How They Could Save Your Licence
A “special reason” is a legal argument that can prevent penalty points or a driving ban – even when you’ve technically committed the offence. It’s not a loophole, but a recognised legal exception. A special reason must be connected to the offence itself, not your personal circumstances, and must be serious enough for the court to exercise discretion.
Examples include driving in a genuine emergency, unknowingly being over the alcohol limit after your drink was spiked, or moving a vehicle a very short distance to prevent danger.
Successfully arguing a special reason requires strong evidence, careful preparation, and experienced representation. Courts take these cases seriously, and your chances improve dramatically with a specialist solicitor by your side.
If you believe your case might involve a special reason, please take legal advice straight away. A successful argument will protect your licence, livelihood, and reputation.
Drink Driving
In the UK, it’s an offence to drive with alcohol above the legal limit: 35 micrograms per 100ml of breath, 80mg per 100ml of blood, or 107mg per 100ml of urine. Police can stop you if they suspect you’ve been drinking, committed a traffic offence, or been involved in an accident.
Procedurally, you may be asked to take a roadside breath test. If you fail, or refuse without a reasonable excuse, you’ll be taken to the station for an evidential breath, blood, or urine test. Procedures must be followed precisely—errors (e.g. incorrect warnings, faulty equipment) can affect the case.
Penalties include a driving ban, fine, or imprisonment, with harsher consequences for repeat offences or high readings. If charged, early legal advice is vital—procedural mistakes are rare but do happen and could mean the evidence can be challenged, or the case dropped. It is vital to get expert help to analyse all the evidence carefully before your court appearance.
Failing To Provide A Specimen Of Breath/Blood/Urine For Analysis
Failing to provide a specimen of breath, blood, or urine when requested by the police is a serious criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This applies whether you are suspected of drink or drug driving, or involved in an incident. A conviction can lead to large fines, driving bans, and even a prison sentence – regardless of whether you have drunk alcohol taken drugs or even if you were not driving the vehicle.
Many people mistakenly believe they can refuse without consequence. However, unless you have a valid medical excuse, refusal is treated as severely, sometimes more so, as driving while over the limit.
We specialise in defending individuals accused of failing to provide. From scrutinising police procedures to challenging the evidence which is vital to try to protect your licence and your reputation.
If you’ve been charged, time is critical. Please let us know as early in the proceedings as possible.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common driving offences – but the consequences can be serious. Penalties range from points on your licence to hefty fines, increased insurance costs, and even disqualification in severe cases.
However, not every speeding charge is as straightforward as it seems. Speed cameras and police equipment must be properly calibrated, the notice of intended prosecution must be issued correctly, and the circumstances of your case matter. Mistakes in the process could mean a reduced penalty or even having the charge dismissed.
We specialise in helping motorists challenge speeding allegations and minimise the impact on their lives. With expert knowledge of UK road traffic law, we can review your case, identify potential defences, and represent you effectively.
Driving Without Insurance
Driving without insurance is a serious offence. It’s not just a minor slip – it can lead to a large fine, a minimum of six penalty points, vehicle seizure, and even disqualification from driving. The law is clear: every driver must have at least third-party cover before getting behind the wheel.
If you were unaware that your insurance had been cancelled, or were under a mistaken belief that you were in fact insured, you may have a special reasons argument to put before the court (see Special Reasons section above)
Failing To Provide Driver Information
If you’ve received a Section 172 Notice Road Traffic Act 1988 Notice asking you to identify the driver of a vehicle at the time of an alleged offence, the law requires you to respond within 28 days. Failing to provide driver details is a serious offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988, carrying a minimum six-point penalty on your licence and a fine of up to £1,000.
Many motorists face this charge due to simple mistakes – not receiving the notice, not reading the notice correctly, sending the wrong information, or missing the deadline. Unfortunately, courts often take a strict approach, and a conviction can have lasting consequences, including higher insurance premiums or even the loss of your licence if you already have points.
We specialise in defending motorists accused of failing to provide driver details. We can assess whether the police followed the correct legal process, identify possible defences (such as not being reasonably able to identify the driver), and represent you in court to protect your licence.
We can act for individuals or Limited Companies facing this allegation. Prompt legal advice can make all the difference.
Careless Driving/Dangerous Driving
In the UK, careless and dangerous driving offences carry serious consequences — from hefty fines and penalty points to driving bans and even prison sentences. Police and prosecutors treat these allegations seriously, and a conviction for this type of offence can impact not just your licence, but your job, insurance premiums, and reputation.
Careless driving (also known as driving without due care and attention) covers driving alling below the standard of a careful and competent driver, such as failing to signal, tailgating, or being distracted at the wheel. Dangerous driving is more severe and involves driving that falls far below the standard expected — such as excessive speeding, aggressive manoeuvres, or ignoring road signs. There is often a fine line between a serious careless driving offence and a minor dangerous driving offence.
Even seemingly minor incidents can result in prosecution. We are seeing a huge increase in cases where the allegation involves driving too close to cyclists for example. However, with skilled legal representation, it’s often possible to reduce charges, challenge evidence, or secure a more favourable outcome.
We provide expert, proactive defence for motorists facing these allegations. From analysing police statements and dashcam footage to negotiating with the Crown Prosecution Service. record.
If you’ve been accused of careless or dangerous driving, don’t face it alone. Contact me today for confidential advice and swift action — the sooner we start, the better your chances of success.
Causing Serious Injury By Careless Or Dangerous Driving
Causing serious injury by careless or dangerous driving is a serious offence that carries potentially severe consequences, including imprisonment, driving bans, and substantial fines. The law distinguishes between careless driving – where driving falls below the standard expected of a competent driver – and dangerous driving, where behaviour falls far below that standard and poses obvious risk to others.
Even if you did not intend to cause harm, a momentary lapse of concentration, excessive speed, or a poor driving decision can lead to prosecution. “Serious injury” can include fractures, permanent disabilities, or any injury causing long-term impact on a victim’s health.
If charged, you have the right to a legal defence. We specialise in representing clients facing these allegations, ensuring your side of the story is heard and that the prosecution’s evidence is thoroughly challenged. From police interviews to court representation, we work to reduce penalties or seek acquittal where possible.
Contact us today for confidential, expert guidance on your case.
Causing Death By Carless/Dangerous Driving
Facing a charge of causing death by careless or dangerous driving is one of the most serious situations any driver can encounter. In the UK, these offences are prosecuted under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and can carry lengthy prison sentences, driving bans, and a long term personal and professional consequences.
Causing Death by Dangerous Driving (Section 1) applies where driving falls far below the standard expected of a competent driver, and it would be obvious to a careful driver that such driving is dangerous. This offence carries a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment.
Causing Death by Careless or Inconsiderate Driving (Section 2B) applies where driving falls below (but not far below) the expected standard, and can still lead to up to 5 years’ imprisonment.
These cases often hinge on complex evidence—CCTV, your own in-car computer systems, accident reconstruction, and witness evidence. A robust defence requires expert legal analysis and, in some cases, independent specialists.
If you are under investigation or have been charged, you need immediate, skilled representation to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and present your case effectively.
Driving Whilst Disqualified
If you are convicted of driving whilst disqualified, you will face further disqualification, substantial fines, a community order, or even a prison sentence. The court may also consider aggravating factors such as repeat offending or dangerous driving.
Being caught can have devastating consequences – impacting employment, insurance premiums, and even personal relationships. However, every case is different, and there may be legal arguments to reduce or avoid penalties.
We specialise in defending motorists accused of driving whilst disqualified. We will scrutinise the evidence, challenge procedural errors, and present strong mitigation to achieve the best possible outcome. Whether you were unaware of your disqualification, driving in an emergency, or believe the police acted unlawfully, we can help.
Failing To Stop / Report An Accident
People are often surprised to learn that these offences are imprisonable and are viewed very seriously by the courts. It is also surprisingly common for people to be unaware of their legal responsibilities in the event that they are involved in even the most minor road collision.
The law requires any driver involved in an accident, causing injury to a person, or damage to a vehicle, animal, or property, to stop at the scene and provide their name, address, and vehicle registration to anyone with reasonable grounds to request it. If these details cannot be exchanged, the incident must be reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicableand within 24 hours.
As well as the risk of imprisonment you can be fined up to £5,000, and have between 5–10 penalty points endorsed on your driving licence. In some cases, a driving disqualification may also be imposed.
Red Light Offences
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to fail to comply with a traffic signal. Penalties include a minimum of3 points on your licence, and fine of £100 as a fixed penalty notice, but if the matter is referred to court, that fine can increase up to £1,000 (or £2,500 for certain goods vehicles)
Many drivers don’t realise there are legitimate defences and mitigating factors, such as:
- You didn’t cross the stop line — Cameras sometimes trigger even if your vehicle didn’t actually pass the legal stopping point.
- Emergency situations — Swerving or proceeding through a red light to avoid a collision or to allow emergency services to pass.
- Faulty or obscured signals — Malfunctioning lights or poor visibility can mean the offence isn’t clear-cut.
- Incorrect procedure by authorities — From incorrect camera calibration to late or invalid Notices of Intended Prosecution (NIP).
Using A Mobile Phone Whilst Driving
It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving or riding a motorcycle. This includes when you are stopped at traffic lights, in traffic queues, or supervising a learner driver. The law applies to any use of the device – making calls, texting, taking photos, checking social media, or scrolling playlists.
Since 25 March 2022, the rules have tightened to cover any handheld use, not just “interactive communication.” You must use hands-free options such as Bluetooth, voice command, or dashboard mounts if you need to make or receive calls. Even then, you must stay in full control of your vehicle.
The penalties for breaking the law are severe: you can receive a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence. New drivers (within two years of passing their test) risk losing their licence entirely. In serious cases, you could face court, higher fines, or disqualification.
With the increase in other road users using recordings to report alleged use of mobile phones and uploading them onto police portals, it is vital to get advice early on in any proceedings.
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Pre-Charge Engagement
The role of the police is to investigate. They do not decide guilt or innocence. It may seem like that, but their job is to look at the evidence against you, look at your version of events and consider both sides of the story.
Often when you are arrested you are in shock and either go into interview alone or are allocated a duty solicitor. Panic and upset can cause confusion and often means that you want to res visit what was said. We can assess your first interview disclosure and answers (even if you were advised not to comment or give a prepared statement) the disclosure by the officer can still really helpful and I can then advise you how to ensure that the investigation progresses with your interests and any evidence that you may have, all taken into account. It can be a long and distressing process and at least you can feel that you have a team fighting your corner.
Why Choose Carter Osborne as Your Motoring Defence Solicitors?
We may be the difference between whether you get to keep your driving licence or not. We have vast experience helping motorists preserve their ability to drive by successfully avoiding a driving ban or a criminal conviction.
Our road traffic lawyers specialise in motoring offence cases. We help a whole range of drivers, from motorcyclists to van and HGV drivers. Whether you drive for pleasure, work or professionally, we can help wherever you are based.
We are immensely proud of our 5-star rating by the Good Lawyer.
At Carter Osborne, we know that you need:
- 24-hour emergency help
- Local and national motoring law expertise
- Court experience and the hands-on know-how to identify key issues and lines of defence to provide tailored advice
- Fixed fee defence services for those privately funding a motoring offence case
- Criminal legal aid (where available)
- Links to experts with vast experience in motoring defence work
- Total drive and dedication to you and your defence
Funding for Motoring and Road Traffic Offences
Carter Osborne provides criminal legal aid and privately funded criminal defence services. Not all motoring and road traffic charges qualify for free criminal legal aid, so we offer fixed-fee motor offence packages if you need privately funded representation.
Our friendly team can tell you if the motoring offence you have been charged with could be funded through legal aid or we can talk you through our fixed fee services.
Motoring – Magistrates court cases
| Initial Private Consultation with a motoring law solicitor | £450 to £550 plus vat |
| Representation at court with a solicitor for first hearing G/NG | £750 to £850 plus vat |
| Exceptional hardship case fee, comprising solicitor consultation, case preparation and representation at one court hearing | £1500 to £1800 plus vat |
| Special reasons case fee package comprising one solicitor consultation, case and trial preparation and attendance at one hearing | £2000 to £2500 half day and £3000 to £3500 full day |
| Trial | £2000 to £2500 half day and £3000 to £3500 full day |
| Police Station Representation by a Solicitor or Police Station Representative | £1000 to £1200 plus vat |
| Any Crown Court motoring cases | Priced on a case-by-case basis depending on the circumstances |
If you are acquitted by the court, you may be successful in getting an order from the court for the recovery of some, or all, of your privately funded costs.
If you would like to discuss our fixed fees or the likely timescales, please give us a call or email us.
Get in Touch with Carter Osborne Today
Contact us for all your motoring and road traffic defence needs, whether you require urgent advice, help with notice of intended prosecution or representation after being charged with a motoring offence.
For motoring defence advice call us today on 01933 273 400 or email mail@carterosborne.co.uk.
We are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week for emergencies. For urgent out-of-hours criminal defence legal advice, call us on our 24-hour emergency telephone at 07725 997087.
We can assist wherever you are based across the country and our Wellingborough Office is located at 59 Midland Road, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 1HF.
