Drink Driving & Driving Offences Flashcards
Which extract of legislation covers Disqualified Driving?
Section 103 Road Traffic Act (1988)
How is Section 103 Disqualified Driving triable?
Summary only, in Magistrates
What two things constituent Section 103 disqualified driving?
A person is guilty if, whilst disqualified from holding/obtaining a licence he
1) Obtains a licence
2) Drives a MOTOR VEHICLE on a ROAD
What is the definition of “Motor Vehicle”?
Anything which is adapted for use on the road
Is a licence obtained by someone who is disqualified ever legitimate?
No - this constitutes Disqualified Driving Section 103
How is “driving” defined in respect of Section 103 disqualified driving?
Being in control of the propulsion of a motor vehicle
Would free wheeling down a hill or sitting in traffic at a red light constitute “driving” for the purpose of Section 103 disqualified driving?
Yes
When can a constable arrest without warrant in relation to Section 103 disqualified driving?
When they have reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person who IS driving or HAS driven is/was disqualified at the time
Can a constable arrest without warrant a person under Section 103 disqualified driving if they have reasonable grounds for suspecting they are about to/will attempting to do so without a licence?
No - an arrest can only be made in relation to has driven (past) or is driving (present). NOT future or possible offences
Can a person ever be guilty of “attempting” Section 103 disqualified driving?
No - Section 103 disqualified driving is a summary offence. Summary offences cannot be “attempted”
What should be done in respect of any Motor Vehicle used in the course of Section 103 disqualified driving?
It should be seized (it has no insurance by default)
Is there an available power of entry for Section 103 disqualified driving?
No, as it is a summary offence
What is the one exception in which a constable may have a power of entry with regard to Section 103 disqualified driving?
If the offender fails to stop for a constable suspecting this offence, and then runs home. There is a power of entry lasting 24hrs in this instance.
What is the maximum number of points allowed to a driver within their first 2 years since licensing before disqualification?
6
How many points trigger disqualification for driving in those who have had a licence longer than 2 years?
12
Are there any offences which may trigger the automatic disqualification of a driver?
Yes - death by dangerous, careless or drink driving warrants automatic disqualification
Which extract of legislation covers Drink Driving?
Section 4, The Road Traffic Act 1988
What is the definition of Section 4 Drink Driving?
Is an offence for any person to drive, attempt to drive or be in charge of an MPV on a road or other public place whilst unfit through drink or drugs
In which three circumstances can a person be guilty of Section 4 Drink Driving?
1 - When driving
2- When attempting to drive
3 - When in charge of
an MPV AND unfit through drink/drugs
In respect of the driving of what kind of vehicle can a charge of Section 4 Drink Driving be applied?
In respect of Mechanically Propelled Vehicles - MPVs
Where can an offence of Section 4 Drink Driving take place?
On a road or other public place
Who determines if a driver is unfit through drink/drugs?
A constable
Can a charge of Section 4 Drink Driving be applied if a constable does not have a breathalyser with them at the time of stopping a driver?
Yes - constables are deemed to have expertise in intoxication.
Can a charge of Section 4 Drink Driving be applied if a person is in charge of/operating a vehicle which does not have a motor?
Yes - Section 4 Drink Driving applies to MECHANICALLY PROPELLED VEHICLES (MPVs) and therefore includes, and extends beyond, Motor Vehicles.
Is attempting to drive and being in charge of a vehicle the same thing?
No. Attempting to drive is just that - being in the vehicle and making attempts to operate the vehicle (no matter how ineffective). In charge of a vehicle does not require an attempt to operate any vehicle - it can extend to simply sitting in the vehicle.
What is the benchmark for being deemed “in charge” of a vehicle?
There is no benchmark. This is a judgement call and should include assessment of such factors as a person’s past history, the car’s location, where the person has come from, the position of the ignition key etc.
In questioning somebody about their behaviours prior to stopping, does the caution need to be given?
Not whilst asking basic questions and attempting to determine if an offence has been committed. When this determination is made, the caution should be given.
If a defendant maintains they had no intention to drive, where does the burden of proof lie in determining guilt with respect to Section 4 Drink Driving?
With the defence, to prove the defendant had no intention of driving
If a vehicle has been wheel clamped, can a person be deemed guilty of Section 4 Drink Driving by being “in charge” of said vehicle?
Usually no - the clamping of a wheel would usually provide a defence to being deemed “in charge”
What is the definition of “unfit”?
The suspect’s ability to drive at the time was impaired
If the drugs causing intoxication are clinically approved/prescribed, can a charge of Section 4 Drink Driving still be applied?
Yes - being unfit to drive is possible through use of both medically supplied drugs AND controlled substances
In the instance of a person being unfit to drive through migraine or other illness, can a charge of Section 4 Drink Driving be applied?
Usually not - this is more likely to constitute Careless Driving, not Drink Driving.
What are the possible penalties for Section 4 Drink Driving summarily?
6 months’ imprisonment and/or fine
Obligatory disqualification
3-11 points on licence
What is the definition of “Drink”?
Any alcoholic drink
What is the definition of drugs?
Any controlled substance besides alcohol - includes glue
What extract of legislation covers Drink Driving above the prescribed limit?
Section 5, The Road Traffic Act 1988
What is the definition of Section 5 Drink Driving above the prescribed limit?
Driving/attempting to drive/being in charge of a Motor Vehicle on a road or other public place after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in the breath / blood / urine exceeds the prescribed limit
In which three circumstances can a person be guilty of Section 5 Drink Driving above the prescribed limit?
1 - Driving
2 - Attempting to Drive
3 - Being in control of a Motor Vehicle (MV)
In respect of the driving of what kind of vehicle can a charge of Section 5 Drink Driving above the prescribed limit be applied?
A Motor Vehicle (MV)
Where can an offence of Section 5 Drink Driving above the prescribed limit take place?
On a road or other public place