There are a number of offences relating to the state or condition of your car or vehicle with which you can be charged, and it is important to bear in mind that the fact that you were unaware of the defect is no defence.

Except in a number of specific circumstances, it is an offence for drivers and adult front seat passengers not to wear a seatbelt in a vehicle in which they are provided and as a driver you must also take responsibility for all passengers under 14

It is an offence to drive a motor vehicle whilst using a hand-held mobile phone or other similar device and, since February 2007, you can expect to receive 3 penalty points and a fine if you are caught doing so.

It is an offence for you drive a vehicle whilst you are disqualified or knowingly to permit a disqualified driver to do so. If convicted you can expect to receive 6 penalty points and a fine of up to a £5,000 and up to 6 months in prison and the court will also have the option to disqualify further if it chooses to do so.