Motoring Law, Chester
Totting Up Solicitor in Chester
If you are facing 12 points and a totting up ban in Chester, you are looking at a minimum 6 month disqualification unless the court is persuaded that a ban would cause exceptional hardship. That argument succeeds on evidence, not assertion, and it has to be prepared properly.
Solicitor Sean Reilly prepares and argues exceptional hardship applications for drivers across Chester and Cheshire and the wider Cheshire area. The first call is free on 07538 545 934.
What exceptional hardship actually means
Exceptional hardship is not simply inconvenience. It is loss of employment, dependants who rely on you, a business and staff that cannot function without you. The court hears these applications regularly, so the bar is a real one: the hardship has to be beyond what any driver banned for 6 months would suffer.
These applications succeed on evidence: payslips, employer letters, accounts, medical evidence and a witness who can be cross examined without falling apart. Sean prepares the application properly, prepares you to give evidence, and puts the argument to the bench in a way that gives the court a lawful route to keep you driving.
The ban lengths and how they add up
Reaching 12 points within 3 years means a minimum 6 month disqualification. The minimum rises to 12 months where there has been a previous disqualification, and 24 months for a second disqualification within 3 years.
The court looks at the points on your licence at the date of the hearing, so the historic record matters. If points are wrongly recorded, or an old endorsement is being counted incorrectly, that can change whether you reach 12 at all.
Defending the final offence
Sometimes the best way to avoid a totting up ban is to stop the final points going on at all. If the offence that would take you to 12 can be defended, or resolved without points, the totting up problem can fall away entirely.
Sean looks at the whole picture: the final allegation, the historic points, and the hardship argument, and advises you on the combination that gives you the best chance of staying on the road. Every case depends on its own facts, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
Your case at Chester Magistrates' Court
Motoring cases from Chester are usually heard at Chester Magistrates' Court on Grosvenor Street, Chester CH1 2XA. The court and date for your hearing will be on your charge sheet, postal requisition or single justice procedure notice.
Sean attends Chester Magistrates' Court and will explain what to expect on the day, from where to go when you arrive to how the hearing itself is likely to run.
Getting advice from Chester
Sean helps clients across Chester, Crewe, Northwich, Winsford and Ellesmere Port. The first conversation is a free phone call, and most advice can be given by phone or video at a time that suits you.
You deal with Sean directly throughout. He prepares the case himself, attends court with you, and gives you an honest view of your options before you decide anything.
This page is general information, not legal advice on your case. Every case depends on its own facts, so speak to Sean about your situation before you decide anything.
STR Legal Ltd is a consultancy, not an SRA-regulated law firm. Legal services are provided through SRA-regulated law firms, as explained on our how we work page.
Penalties you could face
- Minimum 6 month ban for 12 points in 3 years
- 12 months where there has been a previous disqualification
- 24 months for a second disqualification within 3 years
How Sean can help
- Exceptional hardship application with supporting evidence
- Challenging whether historic points are correctly recorded
- Defending the final offence so the points are never imposed
Frequently asked questions
Does losing my job count as exceptional hardship in Chester?
It can, particularly where the consequences extend to dependants, employees or a business. The court needs evidence, not assertion, so the application has to be prepared with documents and witnesses.
Can I avoid the ban altogether?
Sometimes. If the final offence can be defended or resolved without points, you may never reach 12. Otherwise an exceptional hardship application is the lawful route to ask the court not to disqualify.
What evidence do I need for exceptional hardship?
Payslips, employer letters, business accounts, medical evidence and anything that shows the impact on people who depend on you. Sean will tell you exactly what to gather and prepare you to give evidence.
Which court will my totting up case be heard at?
Chester motoring cases are usually heard at Chester Magistrates' Court, Grosvenor Street, Chester CH1 2XA. Your paperwork will confirm the court and date.
Can I get advice without travelling?
Yes. The first call is free on 07538 545 934, and most advice can be given by phone or video. If your case goes to court, Sean attends with you.

Totting Up advice in Chester
Free consultation call, straight answers and no jargon. Available for police station attendance and court hearings across the North West.