If you witness someone driving dangerously and putting others at risk, you can report them to the police. Call 999 if the dangerous driving is currently happening and could cause imminent harm, or contact the police non-emergency number 101 to report the incident after it has occurred.
Understanding the Legal Definition of Dangerous Driving
Dangerous driving is defined in UK law as driving that falls far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver, and where it would be obvious to such a driver that the manner of driving is dangerous. This includes behaviours like racing, aggressive driving, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving when unfit due to injury or fatigue, and driving while distracted.
The law distinguishes dangerous driving from careless driving, which is driving that falls below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver but not far below. Dangerous driving carries heavier penalties, with fines up to unlimited amounts, 3-11 penalty points, possible disqualification, and even potential imprisonment.
How to Collect and Submit Dashcam Evidence
If you capture footage of dangerous driving on your dashcam, you can submit it to many police forces in the UK via their websites or the National Dash Cam Safety Portal. The footage must clearly show the incident and the offending vehicle’s number plate. Still photos are accepted for some offences like using a mobile phone while driving, but video is required for offences like running a red light.
When submitting, you must provide a brief witness statement describing the incident. Keep the original footage file secure and unedited, as the police may need it for evidence. Avoid posting the video publicly on social media, as this could adversely affect court proceedings. While only 1-2% of submitted incidents lead to court, you may be required to give evidence if the case goes to trial.
Police will review the footage and determine any offences committed, which could lead to a warning, driver education course, penalty notice, or prosecution. The offending driver will not be told your personal details unless the case goes to court. Dashcam evidence helps police take action against dangerous drivers and make roads safer.
Reporting Dangerous Driving Anonymously
If you wish to report dangerous driving anonymously, you can contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website. They will pass the information to the police without revealing your identity. However, be aware that in some cases, the police may only be able to bring charges if you are willing to provide a witness statement and potentially testify in court. Some police forces also require a statement to accompany any dashcam footage of dangerous driving in order for them to take action. So while anonymous reporting is an option, it may limit the ability to prosecute the offending driver in certain circumstances.
Consulting a Dangerous Driving Solicitor
If you have been accused of dangerous driving, it is advisable to consult a specialist motor defence lawyer as soon as possible, ideally before being questioned by the police. A dangerous driving conviction is serious and can result in a lengthy driving ban of at least 12 months and up to 5 years, an unlimited fine, and even a prison sentence of up to 6 months.
An experienced motoring offence solicitor can assess the evidence against you, advise on any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and determine if you have grounds to defend the charge. They can represent you through police interviews, and court proceedings and help mitigate the potential penalties you face. Seeking expert legal advice promptly will ensure your rights and interests are protected.
Examples of Dangerous Driving
Dangerous driving encompasses a range of behaviours that pose a serious risk to the safety of the driver, passengers, and other road users. Some common examples of dangerous driving include:
- Speeding excessively or racing other vehicles
- Driving aggressively by tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or brake-checking other drivers
- Ignoring traffic lights, stop signs, or other road signs and markings
- Overtaking in a reckless manner, such as on blind corners or by forcing other vehicles to take evasive action
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications that impair driving ability
- Driving while knowingly unfit due to injury, fatigue, poor eyesight, or a medical condition that affects driving skills
- Using a hand-held mobile phone or other electronic devices in a way that dangerously distracts from driving
- Driving a vehicle with a known dangerous defect, improper maintenance, or an unsafe load
- Allowing yourself to be dangerously distracted by actions like reading, eating, drinking, smoking, adjusting music, or focusing on passengers rather than the road
The specific actions that constitute dangerous driving can vary depending on the circumstances, such as road conditions, traffic levels, weather, and time of day. However, the key factor is that the manner of driving falls far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver, and it would be obvious that driving in that way is dangerous.
Common Dangerous Driving Behaviours
Here are some specific examples that illustrate what may constitute dangerous driving, depending on the exact circumstances of each case:
- Racing another vehicle or driving at excessive speeds, such as 100 mph in a 30 mph zone
- Aggressively tailgating another vehicle, leaving insufficient stopping distance
- Running red lights or ignoring stop signs and other traffic signals
- Overtaking in unsafe locations like on blind corners or hills, or forcing other vehicles to swerve
- Driving under the influence of alcohol above the legal limit or drugs (including prescription drugs that impair driving)
- Getting behind the wheel while excessively fatigued or with an injury or medical condition that prevents safe driving
- Using a handheld phone to make calls or send texts, taking eyes off the road for extended periods
- Driving a vehicle with badly worn tyres, faulty brakes or other known dangerous defects
- Allowing yourself to be distracted by reading a map, shaving, putting on makeup, or focusing on passengers rather than the road
- Swerving across lanes, cutting off other vehicles, and braking suddenly for no reason
- Driving the wrong way down a one-way street or on the wrong side of the road
- Driving through a pedestrian safety zone or crossing
- Passing a stopped school bus that has its stop sign extended and lights flashing
The common factor in all these examples is driving in a way that any reasonable person would clearly recognise as unsafe and posing a serious danger to the driver and others. The level of risk is considered “far below” the standard of a careful and competent driver.
Dangerous Driving Penalties
Dangerous driving is a serious offence that can result in severe penalties depending on the specific charge and circumstances of the incident. The table below summarises the endorsement codes and penalty points for different dangerous driving offences:
| Code | Offence | Points |
| DD10 | Causing serious injury by dangerous driving | 3 to 11 |
| DD40 | Dangerous driving | 3 to 11 |
| DD60 | Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving a vehicle | 3 to 11 |
| DD80 | Causing death by dangerous driving | 3 to 11 |
| DD90 | Furious driving | 3 to 9 |
These endorsements stay on the driver’s record for four years from the date of the offence. In addition to penalty points, a conviction for dangerous driving can result in:
- A driving ban of at least 12 months, with the potential for longer or even lifetime bans for repeat offenders
- An unlimited fine based on the seriousness of the offence and the driver’s ability to pay
- A prison sentence of up to 5 years for causing serious injury and up to 14 years for causing death
- A requirement to take an extended driving test before regaining a licence after the ban period
The exact penalties imposed will depend on factors like the level of danger posed, injuries caused, the driver’s history, and personal circumstances. For example, dangerous driving that results in a fatality will generally incur tougher punishments than incidents without injuries.
Aggravating factors that can increase the severity of the penalty include:
- Evidence of alcohol or drug use
- Excessive speed or racing
- Driving while disqualified, without a licence, or insurance
- Carrying passengers or heavy loads
- Driving near pedestrians, schools, or built-up areas
- Showing off or aggressive driving
- Trying to avoid arrest
- Previous convictions and a poor driving record
Mitigating factors like a previously clean record, genuine remorse, or the impact of a ban on the driver’s ability to work may slightly reduce the penalties, but dangerous driving will still be dealt with seriously by the courts due to the grave risks it poses.
Jail Time for Dangerous Driving
Yes, it is possible to go to jail for dangerous driving, but whether someone receives a prison sentence and the length of that sentence depends on the severity and specific circumstances of the incident.
A dangerous driving charge (DD40) does not always result in a prison sentence, as evidenced by a recent case in Durham. However, more serious offences like causing death by dangerous driving (DD80) carry a maximum prison term of 14 years.
The court will consider aggravating and mitigating factors when determining if a prison sentence is warranted and for how long. Aggravating factors that make a jail term more likely include:
- Causing serious injury or death
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Excessive speed or racing
- Driving while disqualified or without a licence/insurance
- Carrying passengers or heavy loads
- Driving aggressively or showing off
- Trying to avoid arrest
- Previous driving convictions and a poor record
Mitigating factors like a clean previous record, genuine remorse, or the impact of a prison sentence on the offender’s family may convince the court to impose a suspended sentence or a shorter jail term in some cases. However, the more grave the consequences of dangerous driving, the more likely a substantial prison sentence becomes.
So in summary, while not all dangerous driving charges lead to jail, the possibility of imprisonment is very real, especially when the incident causes injury, death, or involves seriously irresponsible behaviour. The maximum sentence for the most egregious cases of causing death by dangerous driving is 14 years in custody.
Careless Driving Explained
Careless driving, also known as driving without due care and attention, is a less serious offence than dangerous driving but still punishable under UK law. It is defined as allowing one’s standard of driving to fall below that expected of a competent and careful driver.
While dangerous driving involves driving that falls far below the expected standard, careless driving encompasses any drop in driving standards, even if relatively minor. Some common examples of behaviours that may constitute careless driving include:
- Tailgating or driving too close to the vehicle in front
- Hogging the middle or outside lane on a motorway
- Allowing yourself to be distracted by eating, drinking, smoking, or adjusting music controls
- Being distracted by conversations with passengers
- Failing to notice or respond appropriately to traffic lights, road signs or signals
- Overtaking on the inside lane or driving inappropriately close to cyclists and pedestrians
- Emerging from a side road into the path of another vehicle
- Flashing headlights to force other drivers to give way
- Driving through a puddle causing pedestrians to be splashed
- Unnecessarily slow driving or braking without good cause
If caught driving carelessly, motorists may receive a fixed penalty notice resulting in a £100 fine and 3 penalty points on their licence. Some police forces may offer a driver education course as an alternative. More serious incidents of careless driving can be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court, where offenders face an unlimited fine and/or up to 9 penalty points. In the most egregious cases, the court may impose a driving disqualification.
It’s important for drivers to maintain concentration, observe road rules and show consideration for other road users at all times to avoid committing careless driving offences that endanger themselves and others. Adhering to guidance in the Highway Code can help motorists drive safely and competently.
Mobile Phone Driving Laws
Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal in the UK and considered a serious road safety issue. As of 2022, the law prohibits drivers from using any device capable of interactive communication, even if offline or in flight mode, while behind the wheel. This means it is an offence to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle, even when stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
The only exceptions are if you are safely parked, making a 999 or 112 emergency call where it is unsafe or impractical to stop, making a contactless payment at a drive-through, or using the device to park your vehicle remotely.
Hands-free use, such as with a Bluetooth headset, voice command, dashboard holder or mat, or built-in sat nav, is allowed as long as the device does not block your view of the road. However, the police can still stop you if they believe you are distracted and not in control of your vehicle.
The penalties for using a hand-held phone while driving are severe. Offenders face 6 penalty points on their licence and a £200 fine under the CU80 charge of “breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, such as using a mobile phone”. You can get an additional 3 points if you don’t have a full view of the road or proper control of your vehicle due to the placement of a hands-free device. Novice drivers who have passed their test within the last 2 years will lose their licence if caught.
Members of the public can report mobile phone driving offences by calling the police non-emergency number 101 or submitting an online report to many police forces. To make a report, you generally need the offending vehicle’s number plate, video evidence like dashcam footage, independent witnesses or evidence, and a willingness to attend court to give evidence if required.
Summary
Reporting dangerous driving is essential for road safety. Dangerous driving in the UK is legally defined as driving far below the expected standard of a competent driver, including behaviours like racing, driving under the influence, and aggressive driving. Penalties can include fines, penalty points, driving bans, and imprisonment.
Dashcam footage can be submitted to the police via their websites, and anonymous reports can be made through Crimestoppers. Consulting a solicitor is advisable if accused of dangerous driving due to the severe penalties.
Examples of dangerous driving include speeding, tailgating, and driving under the influence. The penalties for dangerous driving range from fines and points to lengthy driving bans and prison sentences, depending on the severity.
Careless driving, a lesser offence, includes minor drops in driving standards, like tailgating or lane hogging, and can lead to fines and penalty points.
Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, with severe penalties, including fines and licence points. Offenders can be reported through police channels with necessary evidence.