Special reasons

Special reasons can apply to all sorts of motoring cases and can result in avoiding the standing sentence which would be expected for such an offence. Special reasons commonly heard of are things such as laced drinks, shortness of distance and driving during a genuine emergency. However, this is a non exhaustive list and special reasons are often a very sensible way of resolving a case in the Defendant’s best interests.

Like claims for exceptional hardship, this is a two stage test where the Court must firstly decide whether special reasons apply before secondly deciding whether to exercise their discretion in favour of the Defendant.