Hi there,
I was just wanting to seek some advice on what to do. For Context: I am 18 and passed my test in May '24 [less than 2 years].
[mod edit: this was in Northern Ireland - as per the thread title]
To start with, in April, I revieved two speeding tickets. I was driving to and from somewhere, and was unfamiliar with this dual carridgeway. It changes briefly from a 60 into a 50, and the camera caught me in both directions. No big deal, I did the course for one, took the fine/points for the other, and learned to be more careful!
Fast forward to last week, I was driving home from another town (about 20mins away) on a route I am very familiar with. I was then pulled over when I was literally nearly home, by an unmarked police car. I was advised by the officer (that was alone oddly), that he had been following me for a while, and wanted to ask me some questions about my erratic driving!!
He claimed that I crossed a solid white line when merging onto a dual carriageway. I told him that I was unaware and surprised to hear this, as I had done this merge lots of times. He then also claimed that I was following too close behind a red van on said carriageway. (Note said van changed lanes suddenly and pulled out infront of me, while going much slower than me. I slowed down appropriately, though I was frustrated. I was no closer to the van, than the car behind me [unmarked police car] was to me!
Anyway, he then told me that I could go to court, or take the fine, and that I had to make my decision there and then!! He had his camera recording. I said I would take the letter and appeal later if needs be. He made me aware that there is a careless driving course, but my worry is that I will not be offered it due to previous speeding course, and if I get anymore points, I loose my licence!
I thought the senario with the police was strange, given that he was following me for such a long period of time, and I was then greeted with quite the harsh punishment, for things that I 'supposedly' did.
ANYWAY!! Sorry for rambling, but IF I don't get offered the course, and face loosing my licence, what can I do? I haven't paid any fine yet, as I was advised to hear about the course first. Can I appeal? Do I stand a chance? I work in a hospital about 15mi away from my house, and rely on my car for getting there!!
Any advice appreciated, sorry this was so long!
