Dangerous Driving Defence
Section 2 Road Traffic Act 1988 – A Serious Criminal Offence
What Is Dangerous Driving?
Dangerous driving is one of the most serious motoring offences under UK law. It applies where the standard of driving is considered to have fallen far below that of a competent driver and where it would be obvious to any reasonable motorist that the driving was dangerous.
Being accused of dangerous driving can be frightening. The penalties are severe, the impact on your livelihood can be life-changing, and the stakes are significantly higher than most road traffic offences.
Our motoring specialists regularly defend clients facing dangerous driving allegations, from high-speed incidents, to cases arising from misunderstandings, exaggerated reports or unreliable witness accounts.
Why Have You Been Charged With Dangerous Driving?
Police may charge dangerous driving where they believe your behaviour posed a clear and serious risk to road users.
Common examples include:
- Excessive speeding combined with risky manoeuvres
- Racing or competitive driving
- Aggressive or erratic driving
- Using a mobile phone while at high speed
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Serious loss of control
- Ignoring red lights or dangerous overtaking
- Failing to stop after an initial dangerous event
- Pursuits or situations involving significant risk
Many cases are not as clear-cut as the police describe. Distinguishing between careless and dangerous driving often depends on subtle interpretation of the evidence, meaning expert representation can dramatically affect the outcome.
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Penalties for dangerous driving can include:
Dangerous driving carries far more severe consequences than careless driving. These penalties can include:
- A mandatory disqualification of at least 12 months
- An extended re-test requirement
- A community order or suspended sentence
- Up to 2 years’ imprisonment (more if injury is involved)
- Significantly increased insurance premiums
However because of the seriousness of the offence, cases are often heard in the Crown Court depending on the circumstances.
Defences for Dangerous Driving?
A dangerous driving allegation does not mean a conviction is inevitable. The prosecution must prove your driving fell far below the expected standard, a high threshold.
Common defences include:
Disputed Driving Standard
Mechanical Failure
Road or Weather Conditions
Challenging Witness Evidence
Dashcam, CCTV or Vehicle Telemetry
Medical Episodes
Procedural or Investigative Errors
Our specialists examine every element of the evidence to reinforce your defence and identify opportunities to reduce the charge to a lesser offence like careless driving.
Contact Our Dangerous Driving Solicitors Today
If you are facing an allegation of dangerous driving, you must seek expert legal advice immediately. The consequences are severe — but with specialist representation, it is often possible to challenge the evidence, reduce the charges or mitigate the impact on your future.
Our motoring law experts, Jacob Crook and Laura Farrell, will:
- Analyse the evidence in detail
- Advise you on your strongest defence
- Challenge the prosecution’s case
- Work to reduce the charge where appropriate
- Represent you robustly in court
For clear guidance and a free initial consultation, contact Momentum Solicitors today.
Why Choose Momentum Solicitors?
Years Motoring
Defence Expertise
Our team have extensive experience and expertise in motoring law defence.
A Firm Built on
Personal Experience
Momentum was founded because Chris lived through the system himself and knows how it feels to be on the receiving end of it.
Representation
Nationwide
From London to Newcastle, we travel wherever you need us.
Free Initial
Assessment
Practical & Honest
Advice from Day One
Fixed-Fee
Payment Options
Our 4-Step Process
1
Make an
Initial Enquiry
Call us or request a call back. We listen to your situation and provide free, no-obligation initial guidance.
2
Case
Accepted
If your case has a defence or a strong mitigation path, and you choose to instruct us, we begin immediate preparation.
3
Full Case Work
& Representation
We gather evidence, analyse procedures, and build your strongest route to success.
4
Outcome
Achieved
Our goal is always the best possible result – whether that’s reduced penalties, avoiding disqualification, or having charges dismissed entirely.
