Special Reasons arguments

In certain circumstances, penalty points or a disqualification period can be avoided, even where the offence is accepted. This will happen if it is shown that there were 'special reasons' for committing the offence. A special reason is a mitigating or extenuating circumstance, which does not amount in law to a defence. It must be directly connected with the commission of the offence and ought to be something which the Court may properly consider when imposing punishment

A special reason is something that it linked to the commission of the offence rather than your personal background. Examples include:

• Driving at high speed in an extreme emergency.
• 'Drink driving' when someone has spiked your drinks.
• Driving without insurance, having been told by an insurance company that you were insured.

If special reasons are found in relation to an offence carrying a penalty point endorsement and discretion to disqualify, then no penalty points or disqualification will be imposed.

If special reasons are found in relation to an offence involving mandatory disqualification, penalty points can be imposed rather than the disqualification. The number of penalty points depends on the offence in question.

contact our motoring law team for further advice and assistance.