Road traffic law

Careless or dangerous driving.

Allegations about the standard of your driving can carry penalty points, a disqualification and, for the most serious cases, imprisonment. We’ll help you understand the case and defend it.

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Understanding the allegation

Careless driving, under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, is driving that falls below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver, or driving without reasonable consideration for other road users. Dangerous driving, under section 2, is driving that falls far below that standard, where it would be obvious to a competent and careful driver that driving in that way would be dangerous.

The consequences are very different. Careless driving carries between 3 and 9 penalty points or a discretionary disqualification, together with a fine. Dangerous driving carries an obligatory disqualification of at least 12 months and an extended driving test before you can drive again, and it can lead to imprisonment. Knowing which allegation you face, and what each one could mean for you, is the starting point for every decision that follows.

Early advice matters because these cases often turn on the detail: witness accounts, dashcam or CCTV footage, the road layout and the conditions at the time. The prosecution may be prepared to accept a plea to careless driving rather than dangerous driving, and you need to understand your position before deciding how to plead.

We go through the evidence with you, gather material that supports your account and advise you clearly on the strength of the case. We then represent you at court, whether you are defending the allegation at trial or need strong mitigation at sentence. Throughout, we keep you informed and explain each step, so you always know what is happening and why.

What we do for you

  • Careless and inconsiderate driving
  • Dangerous driving
  • Review of witness, dashcam and CCTV evidence
  • Advice on plea and alternative charges
  • Trials and sentencing hearings
  • Mitigation to protect your licence

Allegations we defend

We act in cases ranging from a minor collision to the most serious driving allegations.

  1. Careless driving

    Driving below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver.

  2. Inconsiderate driving

    Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users.

  3. Dangerous driving

    Driving far below the expected standard, in an obviously dangerous way.

  4. Collisions and accidents

    Allegations that follow a road traffic collision, including failing to stop or report.

  5. Alternative verdicts

    Cases where careless driving may be an alternative to a dangerous driving charge.

How we handle your case

We build your case around the evidence, from the first meeting to the final hearing.

  1. Understand the allegation

    We read the charge or summons with you and explain what the prosecution must prove.

  2. Gather the evidence

    We obtain the prosecution evidence and help you collect your own, such as photographs, footage or witness statements.

  3. Advise on plea

    We give you clear advice on the strength of the case and the options open to you.

  4. Represent you at court

    We present your defence at trial or your mitigation at sentence, and explain every stage as it happens.

Wasef Ali

Key contact

Wasef Ali

Solicitor, road traffic and criminal defence

Wasef defends road traffic and criminal cases, and provides meticulous representation and client care in the Magistrates’ and Youth Courts. He joined Liberty Law Solicitors in 2013, completed his training contract with the firm and is an accredited police station representative.

24-hour line 01582 853 783 Request a callback

What our clients say

Real feedback from the people we have represented, published on ReviewSolicitors and Google.

Craig Woods
Craig Woods
★★★★★
Contacted liberty law and from start to finish very happy with the whole process very helpful polite and easy to deal with they real do now there stuff
Karen
Karen
★★★★★
I could not recommend this firm enough. They manage to maintain complete professionalism whilst also being personable. Rasheda and Dean clearly explained every step of the process from beginning to end, with Dean taking the time to explain all of legal jargon. I really appreciated this as it made, what started as a daunting experience, so much easier to complete. I am so glad that I took the time to look around and read reviews before choosing any local firm. It really made a difference. Thank you Liberty Law.
Muhammad Khan
Muhammad Khan
★★★★★
Liberty Law took over my case at its hardest point. Dean Garrett was calm, straight-talking and on top of every detail from the first call: he strengthened my case, instructed an outstanding barrister, and his judgement was right at every turn. Rasheda kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes — calls arranged, documents where they needed to be, nothing ever too much trouble. My case concluded on day two of the final hearing, with an outcome I was very pleased with. They believed in my case when it mattered, and they delivered. Highly recommended.
Chapo
Chapo
★★★★★
I had an excellent experience. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always kept me informed throughout the process. They took the time to answer my questions, provided clear advice, and worked hard to achieve a great outcome. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for reliable and dedicated legal representation. If you are looking for professionalism and results you have come to the right place!!
Tinksy 37
Tinksy 37
★★★★★
Cannot thank the guys enough my solicitor went absolutely above and beyond
Abdul Basit
Abdul Basit
★★★★★
I contacted Liberty Law Solicitors regarding one of my legal cases. Throughout the past year, Mr. Faris Nazar handled my case with exceptional dedication, honesty, sincerity, and professionalism. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, I was ultimately successful in my case. I can confidently say that this firm is highly professional and genuinely committed to serving its clients. They have earned my trust, and I would highly recommend their services.👏
Mohammed
Mohammed
★★★★★
Where do I even start from the start to the very end they delivered I can’t thank the team and Itsam Malik enough for the results we was looking at 16-20 years and they got it down to 3 years which turned into 10 months the whole team and Itsam malik are great people!
M. T
M. T
★★★★★
I cannot thank Liberty Law Solicitors enough for the support and representation I received during a very difficult and stressful time. My solicitor Dean Garrett was honest, clear, and professional from the outset, explaining my situation and the possible outcomes without giving false reassurance. I really appreciated that level of transparency. The preparation for the hearing was thorough and made a real difference. I felt well guided throughout the process and was able to stay calm and focused because of the support I received. I am very grateful for the work carried out on my case and would highly recommend Liberty Law Solicitors to anyone in need of strong, honest, and professional legal representation.
Kamal Hussain
Kamal Hussain
★★★★★
I recently sought advice and support from Atiq at Liberty Law Solicitors regarding an employment matter. I’m genuinely grateful for the way Atiq handled everything. He made the whole process feel manageable, took the time to explain things clearly, and provided steady reassurance throughout. Knowing I had someone knowledgeable and dependable guiding me made a big difference. It’s incredibly reassuring to have Atiq and the team at Liberty Law in your corner. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
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Questions people ask

General information, not advice on your case. For that, speak to us — the first conversation costs nothing.

What is the difference between careless and dangerous driving?

Careless driving falls below the standard of a competent and careful driver. Dangerous driving falls far below that standard, and it would be obvious to a competent and careful driver that it was dangerous. The difference has a major effect on the possible penalties.

How many points can I get for careless driving?

Careless driving carries between 3 and 9 penalty points, or the court may disqualify you instead. You will also usually be fined. The outcome depends on the circumstances of the driving.

Will I be banned for dangerous driving?

Yes, a conviction for dangerous driving carries an obligatory disqualification of at least 12 months. You must also pass an extended driving test before you can hold a full licence again. Dangerous driving can also lead to a prison sentence.

Should I have received a warning that I might be prosecuted?

For careless and dangerous driving, you should generally be warned at the time or sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution within 14 days. That requirement does not apply if an accident occurred because of the presence of your vehicle on the road. We can check whether the rules were followed in your case.

Nothing on this page is legal advice, and no solicitor–client relationship is created by reading it. Every case turns on its own facts.

Tell us what has happened.

The first conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Two offices, one emergency line, and a solicitor at the end of it.

Luton office

01582 853 783
43 Windmill Road
Luton LU1 3XL

9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

London office

0208 528 1019
107–111 Fleet Street
London EC4A 2AB

9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

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24-hour line 01582 853 783