The UK’s Most Common Driving Offences

As a motorist here in the UK, have you ever fallen foul of a driving offence either knowingly or unknowingly? You may be surprised to hear just how many drivers are breaking the law - but do you know what the most common causes are?

It seems British drivers have a blatant disregard for the rules of the road… Data demonstrates that in 2021, over 15 million driving offences were recorded in total - that’s some shocking stats! 

With the number of vehicles on UK roads increasing year-on-year, are you aware of all the risks? Here at Wilsons Epsom, we’re all about driving safely and remaining on the right side of the law. We want to encourage a more careful and courteous driving experience for all road-users, so we’ve highlighted the UK’s most common driving offences and the fines they face, below… 

Speeding

Still the number one driving offence in the UK, it seems motorists can’t help speeding. Whether it's running late for an appointment or trying to beat the rush hour traffic after work, Brits are risking £100 fines and three penalty points if caught.

Although we’d never advise breaking the speed limit, motorists with minor speeding offences (usually classed as under 10% of the total speed limit allowance) may be offered a speed awareness course instead.

Using a mobile phone

We know we shouldn’t do it, but yet so many motorists still choose to use their mobile phone while driving. Even if your vehicle is stationary in traffic with the engine turned off, you can still run the risk of being fined. 

In a bid to stamp out mobile phone use while driving, the police have stepped up their punishment in recent years. Offenders can land a £200 on-the-spot fine and up to six penalty points if caught flouting the rules.

Careless driving

It’s important to understand that careless driving differs from dangerous driving (which we’ve explained below). Careless driving usually constitutes driving with lapsed moments of concentration, which may inadvertently cause a collision or road-based incident.

Whether or not you meant to swerve out of your lane, failed to stop at a red light, or caused a road traffic accident, you will be held liable for your actions. Depending on the severity of the careless driving act, you can expect anywhere from a £100 fine to £2,500, with the most severe incidents resulting in disqualification or even a jail term.  

Dangerous driving

The difference with dangerous driving is that the act is usually intentional and can lead to dire consequences. It may be the motorist made the decision to overtake in a blind spot, consciously took part in a race with another driver, or blatantly ignored the speed limit by quite some margin. 

No matter what the reason, dangerous driving is absolutely not acceptable and can put lives at risk. Offenders will find themselves in court, be hit with hefty fines, a lifetime driving ban, or even a prison sentence if deemed necessary.  

Drink or drug driving

Worryingly on the increase, drink and drug driving is the cause of many road collisions every year. Although the legal drink drive limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milligrams of blood, it is advised that motorists do not drink and drive at all. It goes without saying that nobody should drive under the influence of drugs whatsoever. 

Drink driving can land you with a disqualification, fine and a possible jail term - it’s a similar punishment for anyone caught driving with drugs in their system. If you take prescription medicine, then always check with your doctor to see if you are fit to drive. 

Driving while disqualified

While you’d assume that no one would get behind the wheel when disqualified from driving, then sadly you’d be wrong. If you are caught driving while banned, then your disqualification period will be extended and you could be taken to court. In some cases, you may even face a jail sentence if it is deemed necessary. 

Uninsured driving

It is illegal to drive a vehicle without the appropriate insurance in place. If caught, the fine could set you back by £300 and you could also receive up to six penalty points, or have your car seized by the police. Repeat offenders could be landed with a driving ban and an even heftier fine. 

Driving a defective vehicle

Although your car may be drivable, it doesn’t mean it’s safe and road-worthy. You’ll be surprised at just how many motorists try to get away with driving without an MOT, or with bald tyres. 

Whatever the reason for your vehicle to be classed as defective, don’t take the risk! Not only is it unsafe for you and your passengers, but you may put other road-users at risk too. Expect a £100 on-the-spot fine if caught, plus penalty points per fault.  

Driving a stolen vehicle

The theft of a motor vehicle can land you in hot water, made all the worse if damage and harm has been caused to property and/or a person in the process. There’s absolutely no excuse for taking a vehicle that’s not yours and it is classed as one of the most serious driving offences here in the UK. 

Joyriding is a far from joyous act which can result in a fine of around £5,000, a community order and up to six months in prison. If the vehicle theft is more severe and has brought harm to others, you could be facing a long-term sentence. 

Hit and run

Failing to stop after an accident caused by yourself is considered a hit and run, and is punishable by law. Depending on the severity of the accident, you can expect between five to ten points on your licence, a fine of up to £5,000 and even a prison sentence if the case goes to court.