Totting Up Guide - Avoid a Driving Ban

bannerjones solicitors The Totting Up 23 Guide If you incur 12 or more points on your licence the court will disqualify you from driving. This can be extremely easy to do and can be the consequence of a few minor traffic offences like speeding or going through a red light. If you do receive a totting up driving ban this can be a very stressful time and could cause your insurance premiums to drastically rise. In this guide we outline the totting up driving ban law and offer tips on how to easily avoid totting up points on your licence. Penalty Points If you have acquired 12 or more points on your licence in a 3 year period then you can be disqualified from driving under the totting up driving ban provisions. If you are convicted of this law you will usually be banned for a 6 month period, however; the ban is dependent on whether you have any past motoring convictions. Generally the minimum periods of disqualification are as follows: 6 months No past disqualification is taken into consideration 1 year A previous disqualification of at least 56 days has taken place within the last 3 years immediately preceding the date of the offence 2 years If more than one previous disqualification of at least 56 days has taken place within the last 3 years immediately preceding the date of the offence However, there are circumstances if you face a possible totting up driving ban where you are able to keep you driving licence or perhaps persuade the court to shorten the sentence ordered if you were to argue 'exceptional hardship'. If you were to argue exceptional hardship you would require the knowledge of a specialist motoring offence solicitor who would be able to advise you on your individual circumstances. For hardship to be exceptional it must be more than what is usually suffered. How to avoid totting up points on your licence Of course, the easiest solution is to avoid the totting up driving ban entirely by ensuring you do not fall foul to minor motoring offence laws. We have highlighted 5 easy steps you can take when operating a vehicle in order to make sure you do not receive minor penalty points that can easily contribute to becoming a totter upper. Make use of satellite navigation systems Many motorists now use satellite navigation systems when on the road, many of these systems have features which can notify the driver if they are approaching a speed camera. Speed cameras have to be located by law, therefore your satellite navigation system should alert you on what the speed limit is and if you are approaching a speed camera. This can be extremely beneficial, especially if you are driving on roads you are unfamiliar with. If you are made aware of the speed limit, this can easily help you avoid speeding tickets and fines. Switch your phone off whilst driving Ideally you should switch your phone off whilst driving this will avoid you becoming distracted by incoming phone calls. Even if you use a hands free kit you are likely to become distracted and not pay 100% attention to the road. If switching your phone off is not an option you should always use a phone cradle as you should not be holding your phone whilst behind the wheel of a vehicle, this is an offence even if the vehicle is stationary. By placing your phone in a cradle and hooking your phone up to a hands free system you are able to talk without holding your mobile phone. Ensure you stop on amber lights Many drivers are not aware that amber means slow down and stop (unless it is unsafe to do so). If you attempt to go through a light on amber you run the risk of part of your car going through a red light, this will instantly mean 3 points on your licence. If you adapt your driving so that you always stop on amber lights you can easily avoid these penalty points. Use cruise control if you have it Many cars nowadays offer a cruise control feature, this allows you to set your driving at a specific speed. This can significantly benefit you especially if you are driving through road works that have a temporary speed limits which your satellite navigation system may not be able to alert you on. Selecting cruise control at the specific speed can help you avoid receiving 3 penalty points. Why Choose Banner Jones? 135 YEARS FIXED FEE PROMISE 96% *** Fixed fee, clear and We will 96% of our Variety of specialist lawyers Expert wherever you driving offence Over 135 travel to clients would competitive conveyancing charges 5 Regional offices recommend years of experience need us solicitors us to a friend Don't hesitate to get in touch with one our expert driving offence solicitors for specialist advice: Phone: 0333 200 2300 Web: www.bannerjones.co.uk Join our Social Networks bannerjones in You Tube 8+ solicitors