Motoring offences

We provide a range of services for individuals relating to certain motoring offences (specifically, summary only motoring offences under Part I of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and s89 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984).

On this page, we have set out our typical range of prices for our services and details of what is included.

How much will advice on motoring offences cost?

Our fees will typically start from £2,000+VAT, with an average case taking between 25 and 35 hours to complete. The exact number of hours and cost will depend on the specific circumstances of the case, the charge alleged and the complexity of the evidence involved.

How we charge for this work

We usually work on an hourly rate basis. Where VAT is applicable, it will be at 20% (at the present time).

Other fee arrangements

We do not offer any conditional fee agreements, damages based agreements or so-called “no win no fee” agreements for this work.

Disbursements: costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties

In some cases, we might incur additional costs that are paid to a third party. These can depend on the nature of the case, the location of any hearing and the length and complexity of the hearing. The following are typical examples:

• Overnight accommodation depending on court location (estimated to be £100+VAT)
• Photocopying
• Expert fees if required, typically between £2,500+VAT and £5,000+VAT
• Counsel’s fees, typically between £250+VAT and £500+VAT per hour depending on the experience of the advocate

Services that are included

Typical key stages in a motoring offence case

• Initial meeting with the client
• Considering initial disclosure and any other evidence and providing advice
• Preparing a defence witness statement if necessary (at an additional cost of between £2,400+VAT and £4,000+VAT)
• Instructing a defence expert if necessary (at an additional cost of between £2,500+VAT and £5,000+VAT)
• Conducting any further preparatory work for the sentence hearing
• Attending a single hearing in the Magistrates’ Court (usually for half a day)
• Discussing the outcome and deciding if advice is required on appeal. This will carry an additional cost

If any of these stages are not required, the fee will be reduced accordingly. You may wish to handle the claim yourself and only have our advice on some of the stages. This can also be arranged to meet your individual needs.

A typical case will also require attendance and representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates’ Court:

• Considering evidence
• Taking client instructions and drafting a proof of evidence
• Providing advice on likely sentence
• Liaising with the prosecution and the court

What’s not included in our prices?

• Travel costs
• Overnight accommodation
• Document production
• Instructing expert witness
• Taking statements from witnesses
• Advice and representation relating to special reasons
• Advice and representation relating to appeal proceedings

How long will it take?

We cannot provide a timescale of when the hearing will take place as this depends on the court listing for the day. From receipt of summons to conclusion of the matter with a single hearing typically takes between six and eight weeks.

Our team

We have qualified lawyers that support clients on motoring offences. You can find information on Richard Ellis here and Sadie Rice here, and information on the wider team here. 

We advise on a wide range of regulatory matters. You can find further details on our Regulatory & governance services page.

Further information

If you would like to discuss your matter in more detail, please get in touch with your usual Gateley contact.