Highway Code: updated sentences for driving offences

The Highway Code has been updated following a change in the law that affects the sentences for some driving offences. The updates are to the penalties for: 

• causing death by dangerous driving

• causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs

The maximum sentence for both offences has increased from 14 years’ imprisonment to life imprisonment.  

The obligatory disqualification period for both offences has increased from a minimum of 2 years to a minimum of 5 years. 

The changes have been updated in annex 5 (penalties) of The Highway Code. 

New driving offence

A new offence has also been created for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

This carries a maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and an obligatory driving disqualification.