Sentences draw the line
New sentencing guidelines for motoring offences
The Sentencing Council has published 12 new and revised sentencing guidelines for offenders convicted of motoring offences in England and Wales.
The changes include updated versions of six current guidelines that were published in 2008. These reflect new maximum sentences for a number of the offences. Included are: causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The maximum sentence for these two offences increased from 14 years to life imprisonment under legislation introduced in June 2022.
The six guidelines will be updated in line with the current, step-by-step format of sentencing guidelines now used by the courts.
Changing times
There are also five new guidelines for offences created since the current guidelines were published. They include causing serious injury by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by driving while disqualified.
A new guideline for sentencing offenders convicted of causing injury by wanton or furious driving where a motorist causes injury or death off-road such as in a field or dirt track, or where a cyclist causes death or injury at any location has also been published. The new and revised guidelines, which apply to adults only, will come into effect on 1 July 2023.
Fit for purpose
Lord Justice William Davis, Sentencing Council Chairman, said: “Offences committed by drivers can have serious consequences for the victims, including death or life-changing injuries and this is reflected in recent legislative changes made by parliament.
“The guidelines published today will provide judges and magistrates with up-to-date guidelines that cover the full range of these offences.”
Revised guidelines:
- causing death by dangerous driving
- causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs
- causing death by careless driving
- causing death by driving whilst disqualified
- causing death by driving whilst unlicensed or uninsured
- dangerous driving
New guidelines:
- causing serious injury by dangerous driving
- causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified
- causing serious injury by careless driving
- causing injury by wanton or furious driving
- driving or attempting to drive with a specified drug above the specified limit
- being in charge of a motor vehicle with a specified drug above the specified limit