Exceptional hardship
If you have accrued 12 or more points on your licence, you are likely to be facing a driving ban unless you can show mitigating circumstances such as exceptional hardship. If you are looking for some legal help then we are here to listen and advise you — contact us now!
We have an excellent track record in defending individuals who are facing a ban for totting up. We are experts in this area and are here to help.
In order for the court to find exceptional hardship, you must show that the hardship caused is above and beyond what would normally suffered as a consequence of a driving ban. For example, loss of employment due to disqualification may cause hardship, but it is for the court to decide whether this is exceptional enough in your case. Many people lose their job if disqualified, so this hardship may not be enough to prevent you being disqualified. Even if loss of employment would cause hardship to your family, this alone will often not amount to exceptional hardship.
Exceptional hardship may include hardship to your employers, employees, extended family, charitable organisations or the general public.
If the court finds that exceptional hardship exists, the court has a discretion to either impose a shorter ban or no ban at all. The court will still impose a fine, and the penalty points will still remain on your licence.
The comments above are general and should not be taken as a definitive statement of the law or procedure. Expert advice should always be sought on this area. We have not attempted to cover all the obligations or legal requirements that may arise.
