Totting Up Offence in Manchester? Scarsdale Solicitors Can Help You Navigate the Road Ahead
Picture this: you’re driving home after a long day, maybe a little distracted, and suddenly, you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror. Your heart sinks as the police officer signals you to pull over. It’s a moment most drivers in Manchester dread, and it’s all too easy to make a mistake on the road that lands you in trouble. Whether it’s a simple oversight or a more serious issue like drunk driving, the consequences can feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll break down what the Totting up ban means, what the law says, what leads to it, and how Scarsdale Solicitors can steer you through the mess with confidence.
What Is a Totting Up Ban Offence in Manchester?
Totting Up Ban, in UK law, refers to when a driver accumulates 12 or more penalty points within 3 years on their license, leading to a mandatory driving ban. This disqualification is usually for a minimum of six months. The “totting up” procedure is triggered when a driver commits an offence that adds to their existing points, potentially pushing them over the 12-point threshold. Typically, the UK driving licenses have a points system. Different traffic offences carry varying penalty points, e.g., speeding, traffic light violations, etc. Now, many of these offences might seem less serious; however, they are more common than you think and are taken very seriously based on the UK laws that slapped a varying points system on each of these offences. Understanding what this offence involves is the first step to dealing with it properly.
What Does the Law Say?
The law is clear about the totting up ban. It’s designed to keep everyone safe on the roads, according to the law explained here. If a driver picks up enough offences to reach 12 penalty points, they’ll have to go to court. The court will then decide whether to ban them from driving for 6 months. Even though a driving ban is usually expected at 12 points (this is called a totting up ban), it’s not always guaranteed.
In some cases, the driver may be able to avoid the ban, but they must show up in person at court so the judges can hear their side and decide what to do. Knowing your stand legally can help you prepare for what comes next.
Penalties for Totting Up Offence in Manchester
Getting a charge for totting up isn’t just a slap on the wrist. It can hit you hard. The penalties depend on the severity of the offence, but they’re never fun to deal with. Here’s what you could be facing:
Whether or not you face a totting up ban depends on three main things:
- How many points were already on your licence when the offence happened
- What type of offence was it?
- How serious the offence was
Most driving offences come with penalty points. Some have a fixed number of points, while others have a range, depending on how serious the case is.
For example:
– If you already have 3 points, and you’re caught for driving without due care and attention (which can lead to 3 to 9 points), you might get the full 9. That would take you to 12 points, which means a likely driving ban.
– But if you already have 8 points and commit a minor offence like running a red light (which gives 3 points, no more, no less), you would go up to 11 points, so you’d avoid a ban, at least for now.
Once you hit 9 points, though, any new offence could tip you over the limit and lead to a totting up ban.
How Scarsdale Solicitors Can Help Avoid a Totting Up Ban in Manchester
At Scarsdale Solicitors, we know how stressful it is to face a motoring offence. Our team specialises in helping drivers like you keep their licenses and avoid the worst outcomes. With a 98% success rate and over 200 glowing reviews, we’ve built a reputation for getting results. For example, in the words of a client, “I’d just like to thank Shazia and the team for delivering a fantastic outcome today. Around 3 months ago, I was looking at potentially losing my licence…” We dig deep into your case, challenge evidence when appropriate, and guide you every step of the way. Whether it’s negotiating for reduced penalties or representing you in court, we’re in your corner.
Call to Action
Don’t let a motoring offence derail your life. If you’re facing a totting up offence or any other driving issue, reach out to Scarsdale Solicitors today. Call us at 01616606050, email us at info@scarsdalesolicitors.com, or visit us to book a consultation. Let us help you get back on the road with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Facing a motoring offence can leave you with a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common ones we hear, answered in plain English:
- What exactly is a totting up ban, and how do I know if I’m at risk?
A totting up ban occurs when you accumulate 12 or more penalty points on your driving license within three years, resulting in a minimum six-month driving ban. You’re at risk if you’re close to 12 points, say, 9 or more, and commit another offence like speeding or running a red light. Check your license or contact us to review your points and avoid a ban. - Can I avoid a totting-up ban if I already have 12 points?
Yes, it’s possible in some cases! The court may allow you to retain your license if you can demonstrate exceptional circumstances, such as a need to drive for work or family purposes. Scarsdale Solicitors can build a strong case to argue your side, with our 98% success rate backing you up. - How long does a totting-up ban last?
A totting up ban usually lasts at least six months, but it can be longer depending on your case and driving history. We’ll dig into the details of your situation to fight for the shortest possible ban or help you avoid it altogether. - What should I do if I’m facing a totting up offence in court?
Stay calm and don’t admit guilt right away. You’ll need to attend court to explain your side. Scarsdale Solicitors can represent you, challenge evidence, and push for reduced penalties, like we did for a client who avoided losing their license after reaching 12 points. - How can Scarsdale Solicitors help me with a totting-up offence?
We specialize in motoring offences and have a 98% success rate with over 200 great reviews. We’ll analyze your case, negotiate with the court, and fight to keep you on the road. Contact us at 01616606050 or info@scarsdalesolicitors.com for a consultation.
