Drivers who kill could receive life sentences under law reform
Drivers who kill could receive life sentences as part of changes coming into force this week. Judges will be able to hand down life sentences to dangerous drivers who kill and careless drivers who kill while under the influence of drink or drugs.
The current penalty for each crime is a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. “Those responsible will now face the possibility of life behind bars,” Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said. The changes come into force as part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act.
The new legislation will also create an offence of causing serious injury by careless driving, meaning those who inflict long-term or permanent injuries also face tougher sentences. The proposed law change was first announced in 2017 and comes into effect on Tuesday.
The increase will apply to offences in England, Scotland and Wales, but not Northern Ireland, which has separate road safety laws.
