New sentencing guidelines for Careless Driving / Driving without Due Care and Attention have been introduced by the Sentencing Guidelines Council. The new guidelines come into force on 1 July 2025.
What is Careless Driving
When a person’s driving falls below the standard expected of a reasonable and competent driver. This is an offence that is easily committed and the list of circumstances that can lead to a charge are non-exhaustive. They can include a momentary lapse of concentration, speeding, clipping a wing mirror, failing to maintain control of the steering wheel etc
No accident caused by the driving is required. If an accident does occur them it can aggravate the offence leading to a more severe sentence.
What will the punishment be?
The guidelines aim to give clearer information to those facing an allegation and gives further guidance to ancillary orders available in the Crown Court.
The sentencing option remains between 3 and 9 points, along with a fine. In the most serious cases, the Court may consider a driving disqualification instead of imposing points.
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Rachel Fletcher is the Managing Partner and Head of our Crime & Regulatory team.
She is experienced in police station representation and defending clients in a wide range of cases at Magistrates and the Crown Court, including assault, sexual offences, road traffic offences, offensive weapon possession and youth crime.
If you need assistance with a case or would like to speak in confidence, contact us today on 03301 624 681 or fill out our contact form for a confidential consultation.