Exceptional hardship corroboration is key

Should you find yourself about to accrue 12 penalty points on your driving licence (either by all speeding offences or a combination of different endorsable offences), then the only practical way to avoid a 6 month driving disqualification – save for successfully contesting the offence in hand – is to pursue an argument at Court known as “exceptional hardship”.

You would be forgiven for thinking that because you were the one facing a ban, the best way to proceed is to argue that you personally was going to suffer exceptional hardship. However, in reality, the Courts generally look for how others would be severely affected by a driving ban, such as a loved one or a colleague/your employer who depends on your ability to drive.

Irrespective of the reasons for why exceptional hardship should apply in your case, the Magistrates Court (the Court which would be dealing with your matter) would almost certainly expect corroboration of some kind to back up what you are saying.

Examples of classic corroboration may include a letter from your employer or medical evidence.

The most important thing, and the first thing which we recommend you do, would be to engage the services of a solicitor who would be able to assess your case, including the speeding/motoring offence itself as well as the strengths and weaknesses of any exceptional hardship arguments you are wishing to pursue.

Chadwick Lawrence’s Regulatory and Crime Team can help you in preparing your exceptional hardship case to ensure that it is presented in the best possible light before the Court.  Please call 01484 468316 or email  harveyblake@chadlaw.co.uk or nilsodonoghue@chadlaw.co.uk for a no obligation chat today.