Patterson Law Motoring Solicitors

Patterson Law, solicitors specialising in motoring law in the United Kingdom

Patterson Law Motoring Solicitors is a British law firm dedicated exclusively to the defence of motoring offences. Founded in 2009 by Emma Patterson, a solicitor recognised in the field of motoring law, the firm handles cases in England and Wales and presents itself as a national specialist in this area. Its work focuses on representing drivers accused of motoring offences, with particular attention to those who depend on their driving licence for their job.

Case volume and specialisation approach

The firm states that it handles between 4,000 and 5,000 motoring offence cases a year in England and Wales. Its model is based on exclusive specialisation in motoring law, rather than covering various areas of criminal law. It offers free initial advice with no obligation, although it points out that its legal services are not covered by legal aid.

Areas of defence

The firm defends allegations relating to:

• Speeding
• Driving without insurance
• Permitting someone to drive without insurance
• Driving without a licence
• Failing to stop after an accident
• Failing to report an accident
• Driving without due care and attention (careless driving)
• Dangerous driving
• Drink driving
• Drug driving
• Using a mobile phone whilst driving
• Notices of Intended Prosecution (NIP)
• Totting bans
• Any other endorsable offence

It also advises on removing points from a licence, DVLA medical revocation, removing a driving disqualification and defences based on special reasons or exceptional hardship.

Published results

The firm publishes its success rates, which according to its data updated to February 2026 include: 90% of cases where disqualification was avoided according to the guidelines; 91% of cases successfully defended when advice was given to plead not guilty; 62% of allegations dropped at the police station stage; 93% of cases with a costs order in the client's favour; 86% of new drivers who avoided licence revocation for accumulating six points; and 91% of clients who avoided prison according to the guidelines. The firm states that it publishes both successes and failures.

Team and background

Emma Patterson, the founder, began her career in the south-west of England as a legal adviser to magistrates, attending motoring courts daily and training magistrates at the Judicial Studies Board. She later practised in London and in the south-west, where she built one of the largest general criminal law departments in the region. In 2009 she decided to focus exclusively on motoring law. She has advised the Association of British Drivers and has contributed to publications such as First Car, Pistonheads and Auto Express.

Dominic Smith, the current director and principal motoring expert, joined in 2009 and has developed his entire career in this area. He is the first point of contact for some of the largest companies in the United Kingdom and advises companies with fleets of thousands of vehicles. He represented the largest national roadside assistance providers and was the lead solicitor in the case DPP v Barreto, which led to a change in the law on using a mobile phone whilst driving. He also advises media organisations and has represented public figures from various fields.

Client profile and coverage

The firm serves private and professional drivers, including heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers, and companies with fleets. It does not provide services in Scotland; for offences in that territory it refers clients to another firm. Its office is in Newton Abbot, although its work extends across England and Wales.

Location and contact

Wharf Rd, Newton Abbot TQ12 2DA, UK