careless driving

The offence of driving a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention. The maximum punishment is a £1000 fine. Driving may be careless if it is due to an error of judgment rather than negligence. Failure to observe the Highway Code may be evidence of carelessness but is not in itself conclusive proof. This offence is subject to the requirement of a *notice of intended prosecution. Conviction may result in *disqualification and carries 3–9 penalty points under the *totting-up system. Cyclists can commit a similar offence. See also *inconsiderate driving; *offences relating to road traffic.