All Change On The Roads
Charlotte Davison
The Government has launched a major consultation on reforming driving laws, signaling what could become the biggest overhaul of road traffic penalties in decades. Solicitor Apprentice Charlotte Davison from our Crime and Fraud team takes a look at the potential changes.
The proposals aim to modernise laws that largely date back to the late 1980s and strengthen deterrence against dangerous and reckless driving which puts other road users at risk.
Key areas under review:
- Drink and drug driving
New powers to seize vehicles from drivers arrested for drink or drug driving could be introduced. This would mirror existing powers used in uninsured driving cases, where a registered keeper must pay recovery and storage fees to reclaim their vehicle.
More roadside testing and the introduction of immediate licence suspension are also under consideration. Drivers could face immediate suspension once charged, pending the outcome of court action. Currently, drivers can continue driving after being charged until they are convicted.
There are also proposals to cut the legal alcohol limit in England by more than a third, bringing it in line with Scotland and proposed changes in Northern Ireland. The current limit of 80mg per 100ml of blood or 35µg per 100ml of breath could be reduced to 50mg and 22µg respectively.
Meanwhile, novice drivers could face near zero-tolerance alcohol limits under the new plans.
- Tougher penalties for serious offences
Repeat offenders may face tougher penalties, including longer driving bans, and quicker disqualification as the Government looks at ways to better target those who pose the greatest risk on the roads.
- Expansion of penalty points and enforcement powers
Penalty points could be applied to offences that currently carry limited consequences. And drivers could also face increased use of roadside penalties.
Repeat offenders could face a higher risk of licence disqualification, reinforcing a stricter approach to dangerous driving.
And anyone not wearing a seatbelt could end up with three penalty points on their licence. Failing to make sure a child is properly restrained could also result in three penalty points. Currently you can only be fined for these offences.
- New and strengthened offences
There are also plans to beef up penalties for some offences in response to concerns from police and road safety groups that the current punishments are too soft. This could mean:
- Increased penalties for driving without a current MOT;
- Stronger sanctions for failing to properly register a vehicle;
- Tougher penalties for the use of incorrect, altered, or false number plates
The proposed reforms signal a shift towards stricter and more consistent enforcement of motoring laws. With increased use of penalty points and roadside penalties, more drivers are likely to face immediate consequences for offences. Coupled with tougher penalties, it is more important than ever to understand the risks and consequences of unsafe driving
At McCormicks, our specialist criminal law team is available around the clock and has extensive experience in handling road traffic offences. We provide support, guidance, and representation for anyone under investigation or facing charges.
