Our Fees
Motoring Offences
Our Fees for Motoring Offences
The estimates do not include barristers’ or experts’ fees.
Each case falls on its own facts, and once we have established the facts of your individual case, we can give an indication of any additional costs that may be incurred so that you are aware of the cost up front.
| Charge | Average fixed fee range +VAT (guilty plea only) |
| Careless driving | £300-750 |
| Drink Driving | £300-750 |
| Drug Driving | £300-750 |
| Fail to identify driver | £300-550 |
| No insurance | £300-550 |
| Speeding | £300-550 |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | £300-550 |
Motoring Offence Fees & What They Include
What’s Included in These Fees?
The estimated fees for not guilty pleas are based on the first hearing and a trial lasting up to one day. These estimates do not include additional costs such as travel expenses, expert reports, or other third-party disbursements.
Guilty Plea fees generally cover:
An initial consultation to understand the facts and take your instructions.
All necessary correspondence and communication with your solicitor.
A review of the evidence relevant to your case.
Clear advice on your options, the court process, and what to expect.
A meeting at court before your hearing.
Representation at your court hearing.
Any post-hearing guidance or next steps.
Bespoke Fixed Fee (Not Guilty / Exceptional Circumstances)
If you intend to plead not guilty, or if your case involves exceptional hardship or special reasons, we will assess the complexity and workload required to offer you a personalised fixed fee.
Prices start from £800 + VAT, and we will confirm exactly what is included before any work begins.
For a half-day trial requiring between 6–8 hours of preparation, evidence review, and representation, our estimated fee is:
£1,200 – £1,900 + VAT
How Long Will the Process Take?
Guilty pleas: Duration depends on the court date allocated for your final hearing.
Not guilty pleas: These typically take 3–6 months, although timing varies by court availability.
The timeline may also depend on when the prosecution provides their papers. The CPS aims to supply documents five days before the first hearing, but this can vary.
Court listing times are outside our control, so precise dates cannot be guaranteed.
Key Stages of a Guilty Plea Case
Every case is unique, but a typical guilty plea matter may include:
Consultation with your solicitor to take detailed instructions.
Obtaining and reviewing initial disclosure and any other relevant material.
Legal analysis and preparation of your case.
Full advice on plea, mitigation, potential sentencing, and any evidential issues.
Explaining court processes, what to expect, and available sentencing options.
Preparing documents, gathering further information, and addressing your questions.
Representation at court — this may take from one hour to a full day.
Written confirmation of the outcome and initial advice on possible appeals.
Careless or Inconsiderate Driving
Careless driving is an offence that can lead to fines, penalty points, or disqualification.
Legal Definition (Section 3 – Road Traffic Act)
You may commit this offence if you drive a vehicle:
Without due care and attention, or
Without reasonable consideration for other road users.
The court will consider the circumstances and decide whether your driving fell below the standard of a competent driver. This is distinct from dangerous driving, which is a more serious offence.
If You Are Under Investigation
You may be interviewed under caution. You are entitled to free legal advice during police interviews.
If you receive a Postal Requisition or Single Justice Procedure Notice, you should seek specialist advice immediately so your case is properly prepared.
Drink Driving Offences
Drink Driving Limits & Penalties
Alcohol levels vary by individual, depending on factors such as weight, age, metabolism, and food intake.
Penalties can include:
A mandatory driving ban (minimum 12 months)
A fine
In some cases, a prison sentence
You may also be offered the Drink Driving Rehabilitation Scheme, which can reduce your disqualification period.
UK Legal Alcohol Limits
Breath: 35mg
Blood: 80mg
Urine: 107mg
It is an offence to refuse to provide a specimen unless you have a legitimate physical or medical reason.
Failure to Provide a Sample
Refusing to give breath, blood, or urine without a valid reason can result in:
Up to 6 months’ imprisonment
An unlimited fine
A minimum 1-year driving ban (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years)
Evidence & Technical Defences
Police procedures must be followed correctly. Errors can lead to the case being dismissed. We carefully review:
Breathalyser procedures
Custody footage
Timing of samples
Compliance with statutory requirements
Custody camera footage is routinely deleted after 28 days unless preserved—early legal advice is crucial.
Drug Driving Offences
Since 2015, drug driving laws allow conviction based on specified drug levels alone, without proving impairment.
There are 17 controlled drugs with legal limits (both illegal and prescription).
Police may use roadside kits for cannabis or cocaine, or require a blood sample at the station.
Defences
You may have a defence if:
You took prescribed medication correctly
Procedures were not followed properly
There is doubt over the reliability of the sample
Special reasons apply (e.g., spiked drink, medical emergency)
Penalties include:
Minimum 12-month ban
Unlimited fine
Up to 6 months’ custody
A criminal record
Higher insurance premiums and travel restrictions
Failure to Identify the Driver (Section 172)
If you fail to identify who was driving when required, you could face:
6 penalty points
A fine
A possible driving ban
If you receive a NIP, SJP Notice, or Postal Requisition, you must respond within legal time limits. Failure to do so can lead to prosecution.
Driving Without Insurance
Driving without insurance is an absolute offence, even if the vehicle is parked on a public road.
Penalties include:
Fixed penalty: 6 points + £300 fine
Court: unlimited fine and 6–8 points
Possible disqualification
Common reasons include misunderstanding a policy, cancellation without notice, or being misled by “ghost brokers.”
New drivers risk losing their licence immediately under the 2-year rule.
Speeding Offences
You may receive:
A Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) — must respond within 28 days
A Single Justice Procedure Notice — must respond within 21 days
Penalties can include:
Points
Fines
Driving bans
Disqualification for high-speed cases
New drivers may have their licence revoked after accumulating 6 points within 2 years.
Using a Mobile Phone While Driving
It is illegal to hold a mobile device while driving for any reason unless you are safely parked or calling 999 in an emergency.
Penalties:
6 points
Fine up to £1,000 (£2,500 for lorries/buses)
Possible disqualification
Licence revocation for new drivers
Hands-free devices must not obstruct your view and must not impair your control of the vehicle.
Exceptional Hardship (Avoiding a Ban)
If you accumulate 12 points within 3 years, you face a minimum 6-month disqualification unless you prove exceptional hardship.
Examples include:
Severe financial or mortgage impact
Impact on dependents or vulnerable individuals
Business consequences affecting employees
Sole caregiving responsibilities
Successful applications require thorough preparation and strong supporting evidence.