It was fantastic seeing everyone at the Expo and we were glad to help with some very interesting questions. Below are a few of these questions - not all of which relate to ongoing cases but are hypothetical questions from drivers trying to protect themselves. We absolutely support educating drivers to help them stay within the law and were always more than happy to answer any hypothetical questions you may have. If you need any advice on motoring matters, please email advice@pattersonlaw.co.uk or call us on 01626 359800 for free legal advice.


Q A


KNOW YOUR RIGHTS A


The 14-day rule is complex. You are correct that if someone is recorded speeding, a letter must be sent within 14 days. But just


because you didn’t receive it doesn’t mean that it’s automatically invalid. There are various exceptions to the 14-day rule, for example:


l If you are not the registered keeper;


l If you have moved address but not updated your logbook;


l If the keeper is the author of their own downfall (for example, if it’s wrongly registered);


l If there is an accident then no letter is even required;


If I get 12 points will I automatically be disqualified and will I lose my taxi licence?


It depends on the licensing authority. Usually, when someone hits 12 penalty points, there are two separate and distinct


sets of proceedings.


Firstly, the police will prosecute and take you to court. You will then receive court papers and likely a hearing to attend, where the Magistrates’ Court will consider disqualifying you from driving for a minimum of 6 months for totting up 12 points within 3 years.


However, there are likely to be separate and distinct proceedings with the licensing authority, depending on its own conditions and how many points it allows you to have. It is likely to have a committee meeting to discuss your taxi licence.


We have seen many cases where the Magistrates’ Court has agreed not to ban someone and has allowed them to keep driving with 12 points, but despite that, the council has still revoked the taxi licence.


Q 68


I always used to think that if I received a speeding ticket after 14 days it was invalid, but I’ve read some of your articles saying


that’s not always the case. So when can I reject a speeding ticket if it’s out of date?


l If the police couldn’t find the name and address within 14 days.


And even then, if you think that none of the exceptions apply and it was genuinely late, there is still a requirement to nominate the driver, then reject the fixed penalty or course you are offered and argue the point in court.


So yes, these are complex arguments that will require close scrutiny.


Q A


If someone is hogging the middle lane on the motorway, could they be prosecuted for driving without due care and attention?


Yes. Driving without due care (or careless driving) is where the standard of driving falls below what’s expected of a careful and


competent driver. It does depend on the facts of the case – the traffic conditions and whether there was time/room for the vehicle to pull into the other lane.


But generally, if a driver has been sitting in the middle lane for some time when the left lane is clear, the police may well suggest that the standard of driving falls below what’s expected.


We don’t see it too often, but we do come across these cases every now and again. Usually, they’re dealt with by way of a driver improvement course or a fixed penalty of 3 points.


JUNE 2026 PHTM


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