Careless driving is becoming a more common charge featuring in the courts and can be found under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. It will normally be alleged that you have been driving in a careless or inconsiderate manner or driving without due care and attention. It must be proved by the prosecution that your driving fell below the level expected of a careful and competent driver. They must do so by proving this beyond reasonable doubt.
The penalties for careless driving are wide. They range from 3 penalty points and a fine to disqualification.
Defences available to drivers include the circumstances at the time the driver was aware of and the specific reasons for the driving. A thorough investigation must be made by the defence to test the prosecution’s case.
It is therefore vitally important that early expert legal advice is taken.