Court procedure & appeals

Magistrates' court, single justice procedure, appeals.

Most road traffic prosecutions are dealt with by magistrates, often by the Single Justice Procedure. Knowing how to plead, how to make representations, and how to appeal is essential.
  • After a disqualification: getting back on the road

    A driving ban ending is only the first step. Check the court order, restore your DVLA entitlement, complete any retest or medical requirement, arrange honest insurance disclosure, and return cautiously to protect your licence and rebuild your record.

  • Appealing a magistrates' court decision

    A magistrates’ court outcome can sometimes be challenged, but the route depends on whether the dispute concerns facts, sentence, law or procedure. Crown Court appeals, case stated, judicial review and reopening powers have different purposes, risks and tightly controlled time limits.

  • Building an exceptional hardship case: practical evidence guide

    Exceptional hardship can prevent or shorten a totting-up ban, but it is an evidence-based court argument, not an automatic exemption. This guide explains how to identify genuinely exceptional consequences, prove them credibly, address alternatives, and prepare for giving evidence on oath.

  • Single Justice Procedure (SJP) explained

    A Single Justice Procedure Notice is a court document, not an informal warning. This guide explains how written motoring cases work, the 21-day response deadline, pleading choices, licence risks, evidence, mitigation and when a conventional hearing may be needed.

  • What to do if you receive a court summons

    Receiving a summons, postal requisition or Single Justice Procedure Notice does not decide the case. Read it promptly, identify the allegation and deadline, check the evidence and licence consequences, then give the court an informed response supported by accurate information.