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SRA Regulated — Transparent Pricing

Road Traffic Offences Fees & Transparency

Prices include VAT. Published in line with SRA Transparency Rules.

We aim to be clear and upfront about costs from the outset. This page shows what our fees typically cover, what may increase cost, and typical timescales. Your exact written quote will be confirmed before any work begins.

A) Magistrates Court — Fixed Fees (inc VAT)

The majority of road traffic offences are dealt with in the Magistrates Court. We offer fixed fees for most standard offences so you know exactly what you will pay before you commit.

Offence / ServiceOur Fee
Initial consultation (up to 1 hour)Free
Speeding offence — fixed penalty / NIP responseFrom £300 inc VAT
Speeding offence — Magistrates Court representationFrom £900 inc VAT
Drink driving (s.5 RTA) — Magistrates CourtFrom £1,440 inc VAT
Drug driving (s.5A RTA) — Magistrates CourtFrom £1,440 inc VAT
Careless driving (s.3 RTA) — Magistrates CourtFrom £1,020 inc VAT
Mobile phone offence — Magistrates CourtFrom £600 inc VAT
Failing to provide driver details (s.172)From £600 inc VAT
No insurance / driving otherwise than in accordance with licenceFrom £720 inc VAT
Totting up / exceptional hardship argumentFrom £1,020 inc VAT

What is typically included in the fixed fee

Initial consultation and case assessment
Review of prosecution evidence
Advice on plea and likely outcome
Preparation of your case and instructions
Representation at the Magistrates Court hearing
Mitigation submissions where appropriate

B) Crown Court — Indicative Fees (inc VAT)

More serious road traffic offences — including dangerous driving and fatal collision cases — are dealt with in the Crown Court. Fees are higher due to the complexity and length of proceedings. We will provide a written estimate once we understand the full facts of your case.

Offence / ServiceOur Fee
Dangerous driving — Crown CourtFrom £3,600 inc VAT
Causing death by dangerous driving — Crown CourtFrom £6,000 inc VAT
Causing death by careless driving — Crown CourtFrom £4,800 inc VAT
Fatal road traffic collision — Crown CourtFrom £6,000 inc VAT

What may increase cost

Multiple hearings or adjournments
Expert evidence (accident reconstruction, toxicology)
Multiple defendants or complex factual disputes
Appeals to the Crown Court or higher

Excluded unless agreed

Appeals to the Court of Appeal
Separate civil proceedings
Parallel regulatory or professional conduct proceedings

C) Disbursements (Additional Costs)

Disbursements are costs payable to third parties on your behalf. These are in addition to our legal fees. We will always explain these before they are incurred and will not instruct third parties without your agreement.

DisbursementEstimated Cost
Barrister / Counsel fees (where instructed)Dependent on seniority and hearing length — we will advise before instructing
Expert witness fees (e.g. accident reconstruction)Case dependent — typically £500–£2,500
Medical / toxicology reportsCase dependent — typically £200–£800
Court transcriptsWhere required — set by HMCTS

D) Who Will Handle Your Matter & Timescales

Who will handle your matter?

Your matter will be handled by a solicitor experienced in road traffic law and criminal defence. You will be told the name and experience level of the fee earner at the outset of your matter. We do not pass cases between handlers — you will have one point of contact throughout.

Where a barrister is instructed for Crown Court advocacy, we will introduce them to you in advance and explain their fees before any instruction is made.

How long will it take?

Fixed penalty / NIP response: Typically 1–5 working days
Magistrates Court hearings: Typically listed within 4–8 weeks of charge
Crown Court matters: Can take 6–18 months depending on complexity and court listing
Totting up / exceptional hardship: Heard at the same hearing as the substantive offence

Fees FAQs

Regulatory Information: PDA Law is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). All fees quoted on this page are inclusive of VAT at the current rate (20%). Fees are subject to the complexity of your individual matter. A full written estimate will be provided before any work commences. Nothing will be added to your bill without your prior agreement. For more information on your rights, visit www.sra.org.uk.

Facing a Road Traffic Charge?

Call us for a free initial consultation. We will assess your case, explain your options, and confirm the applicable fee — with no obligation to proceed.