Careless driving and dangerous driving are not the same offence. Dangerous driving is the more serious offence and can carry substantially greater consequences.
Careless driving includes driving or riding without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users.
Current NI guidance says an automatic fixed penalty for careless driving can carry three penalty points and a £100 fine. More serious cases can go to court.
Examples in official guidance include dangerous overtaking, aggressive driving, ignoring traffic signals, driving while significantly distracted, or driving while knowing that a vehicle has a dangerous fault.
The exact circumstances determine whether conduct reaches the legal threshold for a dangerous-driving offence.
A court conviction can result in between three and nine penalty points.
A dangerous-driving conviction can result in between three and 11 penalty points.
Official NI guidance lists a court fine of up to £5,000.
Official guidance lists an unlimited fine and states that imprisonment can apply.
