New and revised sentencing guidelines for offenders convicted of motoring offences come into effect from tomorrow (1 July), reflecting new maximum sentences.

The new guidelines reflect law reforms in 2022 that introduced life sentences for killer drivers

The package of 12 new and revised sentencing guidelines have been published by the independent Sentencing Council, which provides guidance for judges.

They include revisions to six existing guidelines published in 2008 to take into account new maximum sentences introduced for some of the offences by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (PCSC Act).

The act came into effect in late June 2022 and increased the sentence for causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving when under the influence of alcohol or drugs from 14 years to life.

The guidelines reflect this change and include revised sentencing ranges of up to 18 years in custody. Where a life sentence is imposed the sentences set out in the guidelines will be used to determine the minimum period to be spent in prison.

The Sentencing Council has also developed three guidelines for offences of ‘causing injury by driving’. These are causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by driving while disqualified, and the recently introduced offence of causing serious injury by careless driving.

Other new guidelines include causing injury by wanton or furious driving, which can be used where a cyclist causes death or injury, and driving or attempting to drive with a specified drug above the specified limit.

The guidelines set sentencing ranges within the maximum for the offence as set out in legislation. From 1 July 2023, the previous guidelines will no longer be in use.

Sentencing Council chairman Lord Justice William Davis said: “Offences committed by drivers can have serious consequences for the victims, including death or life-changing injuries and this is reflected in recent legislative changes made by Parliament.  The guidelines published today will provide judges and magistrates with up-to-date guidelines that cover the full range of these offences.”