City life is fraught with dangerous drivers and fender benders. Could you be guilty of these common road traffic offences or are you a victim? Speaking to a specialist RTA lawyer could help.
Cities Like Belfast Encounter Constant Traffic, Making the Risks of RTOs High
In any big city where there are many people living and working, there is an influx of traffic all day long. Peak times such as school closing or work ending at 3 or 5 pm can make things even worse. After dark, the chances of encountering a drunk or drugged driver increase. There is never a “safe” time of day to drive in a city.
The Motoring Offences Statistics for Northern Ireland indicated that there were an incredible 33,607 detected motoring offences between March 2024 and February 2025. With Belfast being the largest population centre in the country, it stands to reason that a large portion of those took place within the city.
RTOs Fall into 2 Categories: Dangerous Driving or Careless Driving
In NI and the UK, RTOs fall into two categories: dangerous driving or careless/inconsiderate driving.
Careless or Inconsiderate Driving Offences
Careless driving covers road traffic offences such as panic braking, failing to look both ways at a junction, and distracted driving, such as checking your sat nav. If you are driving without due care and attention to the road ahead, then you are a careless driver.
Dangerous Driving Offences
Dangerous driving, on the other hand, includes causes of the worst types of car crash. If you use drugs or drink-drive, then you are a dangerous driver. Speeding, ignoring stop signs or running traffic lights can all count as dangerous behaviour on NI roads.
Careless driving and dangerous driving can both cause accidents. When dangerous drivers cause the accidents through committing a road traffic offence, however, the injuries resulting from the collision are worse.
What are the Common Road Traffic Offences in Belfast, NI?
Living in a big city means that you probably see more road traffic offences than most people do. Look out for the following, especially during peak periods.
Speeding
Speeding falls into the category of dangerous driving. By racing other drivers, attempting to overtake vehicles at maximum speed, or by going too fast in the city streets, you are breaking the law.
Overtaking
Overtaking should only be performed when necessary. Overtaking at an unsafe juncture or overtaking more than one vehicle at once is outright dangerous.
Drink/Drug Driving
The aforementioned Police Service NI motoring statistics revealed that there were 2,910 incidents of drink or drug driving last year. This is the second most common type of RTO, with the comparatively minor “breach of signs & signals” the only area which exceeds that number.
Mobile Phone Use
As you may have guessed, those using their mobile phone while driving are committing an offence. Don’t do it or you could face points on your driving license and/or a fine.
Minor Driving Offences
If you have committed a relatively minor driving offence, then your actions have not yet caused an accident. Minor driving offences encountered in Belfast city centre might include a failure to ensure your passengers are wearing a seatbelt, missing road signs or markings, and driving too closely to other vehicles.
What to do as a Victim of an RTO
If you suffer a car accident or injury because of another person’s road traffic offence, then you may be eligible to claim compensation for those injuries. Contacting an expert traffic accident solicitor should be your next step. Contact Lacey Solicitors Belfast to discuss your potential car accident compensation claim.
