How to Report Dangerous Driving in the UK: A Complete Guide

You are driving home. A car swerves across lanes, tailgates dangerously, then runs a red light. What can you actually do about it?

In the UK, you can report all the people driving without due care and attention. The National Dashcam Safety Portal allows you to upload footage of dangerous driving directly to the police for investigation. Let's see how you can report dangerous driving in the UK.

What Is Dangerous Driving?

Dangerous driving is defined in UK law as driving that falls far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver. It must also be obvious to any careful driver that the way the vehicle is being driven would be dangerous. This is a serious criminal offence that carries severe penalties.

The Crown Prosecution Service lists specific examples of driving that may support a charge of dangerous driving. These include racing or competitive driving, prolonged or persistent bad driving, speed that is highly inappropriate for the road or traffic conditions, and aggressive or intimidatory driving, such as sudden lane changes or tailgating.

Types of dangerous driving offences:

• Racing or competitive driving: Going dangerously fast to compete with another vehicle
• Aggressive or intimidatory driving: Tailgating, sudden lane changes, or cutting into a line of vehicles
• Disregard of traffic lights and road signs: Running red lights deliberately
• Failure to pay proper attention: Significantly more than a momentary lapse
• Overtaking that could not be carried out safely: Dangerous overtaking with insufficient space
• Driving a vehicle with a load that presents a danger: Unsecured or hazardous loads
• Causing death by dangerous driving: Where dangerous driving results in a fatality, the maximum penalty is 14 years' imprisonment
• Causing death by careless driving while under the influence: Driving without due care while unfit through drink or drugs

How to Report Dangerous Driving in the UK

The reporting method depends on the type of incident you witnessed. Different authorities handle different violations.

For general dangerous driving (England, Wales, and Scotland):

Use the National Dashcam Safety Portal. This is the most effective way to submit video evidence. You must be able to provide the registration number of the offending vehicle. The police need to read the reg in your video clearly.

Requirements for dashcam footage submission:

• Upload footage within seven days of the suspected offence
• Be prepared to sign a witness statement and possibly give evidence in court
• Do not edit the footage before submission
• Do not upload the footage to social media
• Ensure the registration number is clearly visible in your video

For reporting HGV or lorry drivers:

Report to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). You can report drivers or companies breaking safety rules, including breaking drivers' hours rules, overloading vehicles, using unsafe vehicles, and using emission cheat devices.

For Scotland and Northern Ireland:

Report non-urgent crimes through 101 if there is no online portal available for your region.

For vehicle tax or MOT issues:

Check whether a vehicle has tax and a valid MOT on the GOV website. If the vehicle isn't taxed, report it on the GOV website. If the vehicle doesn't have an MOT, report it to your local police force.

For emergencies where a driver is actively endangering lives:

Always dial 999 immediately.

What to Consider When Reporting Careless Driving

Careless driving is a less serious offence than dangerous driving. It applies when a driver's conduct falls below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver, but not "far below" that standard.

The Crown Prosecution Service lists examples that may support a charge of careless driving. These include overtaking on the inside, driving too close to another vehicle, driving through a red light, emerging from a side road into another vehicle's path, and turning into a minor road and colliding with a pedestrian.

Other examples include using a handheld mobile telephone while the vehicle is moving, reading a newspaper or map while driving, and talking to or looking at a passenger, all of which cause more than momentary inattention.

When reporting, consider:

• Was the incident caused by momentary inattention or something more serious?
• Did the driving adversely affect the safety of other road users?
• Can you provide clear, unedited video evidence?
• Are you willing to sign a witness statement if required?

A clear, high-quality recording is essential for successful prosecution. The footage must show the registration number clearly. The date and time stamp should be visible. Do not edit the footage in any way. Edited footage is not admissible as evidence. A reliable security camera or dashcam with high resolution and good night-vision capabilities can make the difference between a report being accepted and rejected.

Most Dangerous Driving Spots in the UK

According to an analysis of road traffic accident data, Brighton and Hove tops the list as the most dangerous place to drive outside of London, with 62 accidents per 1,000 motor vehicles. Despite the high number of accidents, the area averages only three fatal collisions each year. Nottingham follows with 52 collisions per 1,000 licensed vehicles, and Blackpool with 48.

Lincolnshire has the highest number of road fatalities, with 53 people killed on its roads in a single year, despite having no motorways running through the county. Kent recorded the highest number of casualties of all severities, with 3,821 people receiving some form of injury from road traffic accidents.

London boroughs have the highest collision rates nationally, with Lambeth recording 193 collisions per 1,000 licensed vehicles. London is also the most dangerous region for drink-driving collisions, with 17.3 per 100,000 licensed vehicles.

The Palace Pier in Brighton was named as one of the most dangerous landmarks to drive past in the UK, with 62 incidents recorded between 2018 and 2022. The crowds and busy roads around the pier create a high-risk area, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Other high-risk areas:

• Essex: 42 fatalities, 2,965 casualties
• Lancashire: 37 fatalities, 2,996 casualties
• Norfolk: 41 fatalities
• Surrey: 3,120 casualties
• Birmingham: 3,055 casualties

Note: To check the safety of your local area, including road safety statistics and crime data, you can use the Reolink Postcode Crime Checker. This free tool pulls official UK crime data to show recent incidents and crime rates for any address.

FAQs

Can I report someone for dangerous driving in the UK?

Yes, you can report dangerous driving through the National Dashcam Safety Portal. You need clear video evidence showing the registration number, and you must be willing to sign a witness statement.

Is it worth reporting dangerous driving?

Yes. Police do take action on submitted footage. In some regions, the positive outcome rate for reported driving offences is significantly higher than average when clear video evidence is provided.

Can I report an HGV driver anonymously?

You can report HGV drivers or companies to DVSA anonymously. You will not be asked for your name, your call will not be traced, and you will not have to appear in court.

What is the difference between careless and dangerous driving?

Careless driving falls below the expected standard of a competent driver. Dangerous driving falls far below that standard and carries much higher penalties, including imprisonment.

Conclusion

Reporting dangerous driving in the UK is straightforward when you have the right evidence. The National Dashcam Safety Portal accepts video submissions for police review. We have explained where and how to report dangerous driving. We have also shared the most dangerous driving spots in the UK so that you can be extra careful while driving. Drive carefully and report reckless drivers.