Here at Richard Griffiths & Co we have specialised in defending Road Traffic law prosecutions for over 30 years. Our Road Traffic department is led by Richard Griffiths, who regularly appears throughout courts in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and further afield.

If you have a problem with any road traffic-related issue we can help. Conviction of a road traffic offence can result in a fine, penalty points, disqualification from driving and even imprisonment. We can represent you at Court and may be able to help you keep your driving licence.

Speeding

Usually the driver is sent a fixed penalty notice and will receive points on their licence. However, if the speed was particularly high or if adding more penalty points to the driver’s licence will take them to 12 points or more, then the driver will receive a summons and will have to go to court.

Drink Driving (Excess Alcohol)

If you are convicted of drink driving you will almost always be disqualified unless special reasons apply, see below.

Special Reasons Arguments

The court may find that although you have committed the offence there is a special reason that allows them to choose not to disqualify you or impose penalty points on your licence. For there to be a special reason there must be mitigating or extenuating circumstances that are not a defence but that are directly connected to the offence and ought properly to be considered by the court when imposing a sentence.

Totting Disqualifications

These occur where the driver ‘tots up’ 12 or more penalty points. At this point the court must impose a driving ban for a minimum of six months unless exceptional hardship applies.

Exceptional Hardship

The Magistrates’ Court can waive or reduce a driving ban if you can demonstrate that disqualification would cause exceptional hardship, i.e. losing your licence would have a particularly adverse impact on you.

New drivers

If you have held your driver’s licence for less than two years then the licence is revoked if you receive 6 points or more, and you must retake your driving test.

We can also assist with notices of intended prosecution, driving without insurance, HGV/PSV overloading, section 172 notices and careless or dangerous driving.

Funding

Road traffic offences are usually privately funded, but Legal Aid is available in some limited circumstances – please contact us to find out. We will try to offer fixed fees where possible, although it depends on the individual case.

If you are not local we can prepare your case by telephone and email. In certain circumstances we can attend court and deal with a matter in your absence.

For more information please read rglaw-sra-price-transparency-motoring-policy-08-21