Careless Driving in Queensland

Careless driving, also referred to as driving without due care and attention or reckless driving, is a criminal offence.

Drivers are expected to drive with care and attention at all times.  Even if a driver is distracted by  something that could cause them to drive without the required care and attention, they can be charged with the offence of careless driving.

For example, if you take your eyes off the road to change the radio station and as a result you are involved in an accident, it is likely that you’ll be charged with careless driving.

You can also be charged with careless driving even if you were not involved in an accident or no damage was caused if the police are satisfied that you drove without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users.

The penalty for careless driving includes a fine and the loss of demerit points. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, a Magistrate may also disqualify your driver’s licence for a period of time.

Current as at November 2016

*This fact sheet is for information only and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

For advice on a Careless Driving or Traffic Offence, please contact Kahler Lawyers.

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