Legal information

Legal information

Our current policy is summarised here. It covers:

  • The legal framework: the problems relating to the offences of ‘careless’ and ‘dangerous’ driving, and maximum sentences
  • The police: traffic policing levels and charging practice
  • Prosecution: the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts
  • The sentencing framework: prison, disqualification, re-tests, FPNs, and other measures
  • Specific offences: exceeding the speed limit, driving whilst impaired or distracted (mobile phones, other distractions, drink/drug driving), driving without entitlement.

Note: this document primarily covers the situation in England and Wales, although some of it also relates to Scotland. A version that covers the situation in Scotland in more detail will be produced shortly.

You can also download practical advice on what to do after a crash.

CTC members who need specific legal advice can contact CTC’s legal help service.

We value your feedback on these documents. Please get in contact if you would like to contribute.

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