Failing to Stop Offence Solicitors
Failure to Stop / Failure to Report
Under UK law, the offence of failing to stop after a road traffic incident is governed by the 1988 Road Traffic Act.
-
Section 170(2) requires the driver to stop and provide their name, address, vehicle owner's details, and vehicle identification when requested by someone with reasonable grounds. The duty to stop means halting long enough to exchange these details.
-
Section 170(3) obliges the driver to report the accident to the police as soon as reasonably practical, and no later than 24 hours after the incident. It’s important to note that "as soon as reasonably practical" doesn’t mean the driver has a full 24 hours to report.
If evidence shows both offences have occurred, proceedings will be initiated for each. The failure to stop is typically considered the more serious charge.
Defences Against Failure to Stop / Report Charges
Don’t assume there are no defences. For instance, if the driver was unaware an accident had occurred, this could be a valid defence. Additionally, if you did stop and waited a reasonable amount of time before leaving, it may help your case.
Penalties for Failing to Stop Offences
The penalties for failing to stop are severe, and in some cases, the court has the power to issue up to six months’ imprisonment. It’s essential to contact us as soon as possible to give you the best chance of securing the best possible outcome. Don’t delay - contact us today to discuss how we can help you avoid a failure to stop conviction.