Road Traffic Law
At McGovern Reid, we provide professional, friendly legal advice and court representation in road traffic cases throughout Scotland.
Our Road Traffic Law Services
Road traffic law covers a wide range of offences, from minor endorsable matters to serious allegations that can affect your driving licence, livelihood, and overall record. With over 30 years of experience as criminal defence lawyers, we represent clients across Scotland in all types of road traffic cases. Whatever you are facing, we will assess the evidence carefully and advise you on the strongest available course of action.
McGovern Reid offers 24-hour assistance from experienced road traffic defence solicitors. If you have been charged with a road traffic offence, get in touch today.
Drink & Drug Driving
McGovern Reid are drink driving defence specialists. We represent individuals who have been charged under sections 4, 5 and 7 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, covering drink driving, refusing to provide a breath specimen, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A conviction carries an automatic disqualification, and the penalties increase significantly for repeat offenders.
Careless Driving
At McGovern Reid, we will meticulously prepare your case. This involves interviewing potential defence witnesses and, if necessary, carrying out a site inspection, ensuring your voice is heard at court. A careless driving charge can result in a fine of up to £5,000 and between three and nine penalty points on your licence.
Dangerous Driving
No two dangerous driving cases are the same, and the outcome depends on the specific circumstances. Dangerous driving is prosecuted under section 2 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. A conviction can result in disqualification, a criminal record, or a custodial sentence where the danger to other road users is significant. Early legal advice is essential to assess the evidence and prepare your defence.
Driving While Using a Mobile Phone
McGovern Reid has an excellent track record in mobile phone offences, and we regularly challenge police officers in court on road traffic regulations. Using your mobile while driving in public places is an offence under section 41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988. This is an offence we regularly challenge in court on technical and evidential grounds. Motorists caught face a £200 fixed penalty and six points on their licence.
Driving Without Insurance
If you have been charged with driving without insurance, you should seek legal assistance at the earliest opportunity. This is an endorsable offence, and in some cases, uninsured vehicles can be seized by police on the spot. We will thoroughly assess all the evidence to build a robust defence strategy.
Over 30 years experience as Criminal Defence Lawyers
Defending Road Traffic Charges Across Scotland
Road traffic offences can range from running a red light, driving whilst using a mobile phone, to death caused by dangerous driving.
We pride ourselves on consistently getting results for clients who have been charged with driving offences. Our experienced road traffic lawyers regularly appear in the Justice of the Peace Courts and Sheriff Courts, defending prosecutions under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and related legislation.
Road Traffic Lawyers in Wishaw, Hamilton & Lanarkshire
One of the most common matters we deal with is “totting up” disqualification. If you have accumulated 12 points on your licence, the court is automatically obliged to impose a six-month driving ban. For new drivers (if you have only qualified within the last two years), accumulating six penalty points can result in licence revocation by the DVLA.
Whether your licence is essential for your job or to take your children to school, we know that your driving licence is precious to you. We’ll do everything we can to help you retain your driving license. There are legal tests such as “exceptional hardship” and “special reasons”, which we regularly and successfully argue in court to prevent our clients from being disqualified.
We have extensive experience in road traffic offences and have a proven track record in protecting our clients’ licences. Whether you have been charged with a minor or serious road traffic offence, McGovern Reid is here to help you.
From police interviews to court representation across Scotland, McGovern Reid is with you at every stage. Speak to our lawyers today and get Legal Advice that Delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Road traffic law can be complex, and it is natural to have questions about your situation. We have answered some of the most common questions our clients ask.
Do I need a road traffic lawyer if I intend to plead guilty?
Yes. Even where a guilty plea is likely, a road traffic offence solicitor’s appointment allows you to have a plea in mitigation prepared. In some cases, the allegation may involve damage to property, injury to another person, or an accident, the circumstances around how proof was gathered and what the police report contains can affect the outcome.
Whether the charge relates to vehicles, speed, or licence endorsements, our road traffic law solicitors will always review the full circumstances before advising you.
How long does a road traffic case take in Scotland?
The duration varies depending on the nature of the case. A summary complaint, which covers most road traffic matters, typically takes between three and six months from first contact to conclusion.
The process usually begins with an initial appointment, followed by a first diet, known as a pleading diet, where your plea is entered and the court determines how the case will proceed. If the case proceeds to trial, a further hearing date is fixed a few months later. Throughout the process, your road traffic solicitor will keep you updated as developments occur. If you are looking for road traffic lawyers in Wishaw or Glasgow, McGovern Reid appears across all the courts in the west of Scotland. For general guidance on motoring law in Scotland, the Law Society of Scotland publishes information at lawscot.org.uk.
McGovern Reid Road Traffic Defence Lawyers
If you are charged with a contravention of the Road Traffic Act 1988, you should seek help as quickly as possible. For expert road traffic law advice, contact McGovern Reid.
Call us today – 01698 359 550