Drive whilst Disqualified

Driving Whilst Disqualified in England and Wales

 

Understanding the Law

 

In England and Wales, driving whilst disqualified is a serious offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. If you have been disqualified from driving by a court, you are legally prohibited from operating any motor vehicle on public roads during the period of your disqualification. Driving whilst disqualified is often viewed by the courts as a blatant disregard for the law and court orders.

 

What Constitutes Driving Whilst Disqualified?

 

Driving whilst disqualified occurs when an individual who has been banned from driving by a court decision and is caught operating a vehicle during their disqualification period. This includes any driving on public roads or in public places, regardless of the circumstances or the distance driven.

 

Penalties for Driving Whilst Disqualified

 

The penalties for driving whilst disqualified are severe and are designed to reinforce the seriousness of the offence. These penalties include:

 

• Up to 6 months in prison

• An unlimited fine

• An extended period of disqualification

• Between 6 to 8 penalty points on your driving licence (when you reapply at the conclusion of your original disqualification)

 

In addition to these penalties, you may also face additional charges if you were uninsured or if the vehicle was not registered or taxed.

 

Defending Against Charges of Driving Whilst Disqualified

 

If you are charged with driving whilst disqualified, it is crucial to seek legal advice immediately. You can be convicted of driving whilst disqualified even if you weren’t aware that you were banned. As the offence carries strict liability, there are limited defences.

An experienced lawyer can examine the circumstances of your case and explore possible defences. These may include finding errors in the evidence, or other mitigating factors that could influence the severity of the penalties, including proving you were unaware of the disqualification to mitigate the offence.

 

Call Joe Rawlings today

 

If you have been accused of driving whilst disqualified, don't face it alone. Contact Joe Rawlings today for expert legal assistance. Joe specialises in defending driving whilst disqualified offences and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact Joe now for a confidential consultation.