The government has begun a public consultation on proposed increases in the maximum penalties for certain serious driving offences.
The DoI said it is aware that the maximum penalties available on the Isle of Man for certain offences differ from those in place in the UK.
This consultation seeks views on realigning these. Any changes made to the legislation will require approval from Tynwald before coming into operation.
Proposed changes
The consultation focuses on the maximum punishments for the following offences under Schedule 6 of the Road Traffic Act 1985:
- Causing death by dangerous driving (Section 1)
- Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs (Section 3A)
The DoI intends to align the maximum punishments for these offences with those in the UK, which were increased in 2022 under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act.
This would mean raising the maximum sentence to life imprisonment, giving courts greater powers to impose appropriate sentences in the most serious cases.
You can respond to this consultation online by clicking the online survey link on the consultation page.